Former England captain Michael Vaughan says the rise in ticket costs for next year's men's Ashes are "pricing a lot of people out of the game." Having labelled a 43% price increase for the 2027 Test at Edgbaston as "really poor" on social media, he told BBC Radio 5 Live the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) could be "in for a shock" from their ticket policy. Members at Edgbaston can buy tickets for £92, but the cheapest for adults across the first three days are £115, plus a £2.50 booking fee.

"I think the game's got to be very careful. I think you're going to be pricing a lot of people out of the biggest series of them all," said Vaughan. "A family out of four with children over 16 it's near on £1,000. And then you've got to price in a few drinks when you're there, a bit of food, travel, maybe accommodation - this is the sport the ECB are wanting to be the most inclusive in the country."

The Birmingham ground will host the third Test next summer, with Hollies Stand tickets costing £165, up from £115 in 2023. Vaughan added: "It's a 43% uplift, that for me is far too much. I think fans know that ticket prices over time will go up, but next week you'll be paying £82 and next year on the same seat it'll be around £167.50."

An Edgbaston Stadium spokesperson said prices are "broadly in line with other host venues and major British sporting events such as Wimbledon and the Formula One at Silverstone," and that entry-level prices "roughly match inflation compared to the last time Australia visited in 2023." The ticket ballot for the 2027 Ashes opened on Wednesday, with prices more expensive at Lord's and the Oval, with best tickets at £190 and £185. England begin the series at Trent Bridge on 18 June.