ECB promises Ashes Test in north until at least 2039 after backlash

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has committed to staging an Ashes Test match in the north of England until at least 2039, following significant backlash over the exclusion of Old Trafford and Headingley from the hosting schedule for next year's Ashes series against Australia. The two iconic northern venues were controversially left out of the fixtures for the upcoming series, prompting criticism from fans and stakeholders. The ECB's pledge aims to reassure supporters in the north that their grounds will continue to host high-profile Test cricket in future Ashes campaigns.