The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially unveiled its 2026 international summer schedule, with Lord’s Cricket Ground confirmed to host three major Test matches, including a historic first women’s Test at the iconic venue. The fixture list reflects both England’s strategic Test priorities and a growing commitment to inclusivity in cricket.
The summer will kick off with a much-anticipated three-match Test series against New Zealand. The first of these Tests begins on June 4 at Lord’s, returning the Kiwis to a venue where they’ve had memorable clashes with England over the decades. The series will then move to The Oval and Trent Bridge, forming part of England’s new World Test Championship cycle.
In a landmark development, Lord’s will host its first-ever women’s Test match, with England taking on India from July 10 to 13. This long-overdue milestone comes amid rising interest in women’s cricket and will place the game at the heart of the English summer. It also aligns with the conclusion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in England during June and July.
Later in the season, Pakistan will tour England for a three-Test series, with the second Test of the series scheduled at Lord’s from August 27. This series marks Pakistan’s return to English soil for red-ball cricket after six years, promising high-quality cricket and intense competition. The series begins at Headingley on August 19 and concludes at Edgbaston on September 9.
This means Lord’s will serve as the host for:
- England vs New Zealand (1st Test – June 4)
- England Women vs India Women (Only Test – July 10–13)
- England vs Pakistan (2nd Test – August 27)
The ECB’s decision to award three Tests to Lord’s underlines the venue’s unmatched prestige while also reflecting its evolution as a platform for both men’s and women’s cricket. The inclusion of a women’s Test is particularly symbolic, bridging tradition with progressive reform.
In addition to the Tests, the ECB has lined up white-ball series later in the season featuring India and Sri Lanka, ensuring a busy calendar across formats. While exact fixtures for the ODIs and T20Is are still being fine-tuned, venues like Old Trafford, Edgbaston, and The Oval are expected to play host.
Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive, hailed the fixture list as “a powerful statement of intent” and said it was designed to balance competitive excellence with increased representation. He noted that hosting the first women’s Test at Lord’s would be “a moment to remember for generations.”
As the 2026 calendar takes shape, the blend of traditional rivalries, milestone matches, and expanded women’s participation signals a transformative summer for English cricket. With Lord’s at the centre of it all, fans can expect a historic and action-packed season where heritage meets a forward-looking vision.