The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) would look at funding a women's Test match in the West Indies next year. This potential Test is part of a multi-format series scheduled for the Caribbean in the spring of 2027.
The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced several money-saving measures, including reductions to player contracts. A women's Test match against Australia, which was set for the West Indies in March, was cancelled.
Richard Thompson stated that there were no discussions between the ECB and CWI regarding the cancellation of the Test. Thompson added, "I hope not. That's not expected to be cancelled. I hope it will take place."
He further confirmed that the ECB would look at funding the Test if it materialises. Thompson remarked, "We've got to be playing somewhere and we'd much prefer that to be the West Indies."
He also expressed, "We all have a huge sympathy for the West Indies, we all want to see a successful West Indian nation." The first match of the multi-format women's Ashes series will take place at Headingley in June.
England has played only one Test since losing all matches during the Ashes tour of Australia in early 2025. Furthermore, England and West Indies have not contested a women's Test since 1979.
A squad is scheduled to participate in a 10-day red-ball training camp in India during January. The ECB intends to reach half of all state secondary schools across England and Wales by the close of 2028.
According to a Sutton Trust report, 59% of male professionals and 50% of women received private education. The programme aims to reach 1.5 million children with cricket initiatives.
