In a landmark moment for women’s cricket, England is set to play a Test in the West Indies for the first time, breaking a 48-year hiatus in the longest format of the game. This match is part of the recently announced Future Tours Programme (FTP) and is scheduled for April-May 2027. The tour will also include three one-day internationals and three T20 matches, marking the first Test meeting between these teams since 1979.
The new FTP cycle, running from 2025 to early 2029, reflects growing support for women’s Test cricket and includes significant matches for England against India, Australia, and South Africa. England captain Heather Knight, a strong advocate for more women’s Tests, will be eager to see her team compete in red-ball cricket on Caribbean soil. England’s current cycle ends with Tests in South Africa and Australia this winter, before they embark on another historic series, touring Pakistan for the first time in 2027.
The West Indies team, captained by Barbados-born star Hayley Matthews, will also be stepping into a pivotal role. Matthews, an iconic player in the sport, is anticipated to lead her team out at the legendary Kensington Oval, potentially her home ground, in what would be a fitting stage for her Test debut in the maroon cap. Former Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave noted on the Stumped podcast that “red-ball cricket is where you can build technique, hone defense, and score all around the wicket,” emphasizing that these principles apply equally to women’s cricket.
Meanwhile, the FTP has introduced a largely cricket-free window in August to support The Hundred tournament, a significant move for the England and Wales Cricket Board’s competition. Zimbabwe has also been added to the FTP for the first time, expanding the global reach of women’s international cricket.
West Indies’ new schedule includes a Test at home against Australia in 2026 and an away match against South Africa in 2028. However, New Zealand, despite their recent T20 World Cup triumph, has no Test cricket scheduled, disappointing some fans who had hoped for the White Ferns’ first Test since 2004.
As women’s cricket continues to evolve, this new FTP highlights the sport’s progress, aiming to give players more opportunities to showcase their skills on the global stage.
