Michael Vaughan Criticises 43% Rise in Edgbaston Ashes Ticket Price

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticised a 43% increase in ticket prices for the 2027 men's Ashes Test at Edgbaston. BBC Sport reported that a seat in the Hollies Stand for the third Test between England and Australia will cost £165, compared with £115 when the teams met at the Birmingham ground in 2023.

Watch the highlights:

The Hollies Stand holds almost 6,000 spectators within Edgbaston's 25,000 capacity. According to the BBC, members can buy tickets elsewhere in the stadium for £92, while the cheapest adult seats available across the first three days cost £115. Every ticket also carries a £2.50 booking fee. Vaughan described the increase as really poor in a social-media post.

An Edgbaston Stadium spokesperson told the BBC that prices for the 2027 Test were broadly consistent with those at other Ashes venues and major British sporting events, including Wimbledon and Formula One at Silverstone. The spokesperson said entry-level prices approximately tracked inflation since Australia's previous visit in 2023 and cited higher operating costs.

Demand for the Ashes has historically been strong. The England and Wales Cricket Board said all days of the 2023 series sold out in advance, with total attendance exceeding 545,000. That five-match contest ended 2-2 after Australia won the opening two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord's. The 2027 ticket ballot opened on Wednesday, with top-priced seats at Lord's and the Oval listed at £190 and £185 respectively, BBC Sport reported.

The pricing arrives as Edgbaston operates at reduced capacity during construction of an on-site hotel. Tickets for next week's England-Pakistan Test, priced from £57.50 to £87.50 for adults, had not sold out at the time of the BBC report. BBC Sport said it had contacted the ECB and every Test venue for comment.

England's attempt to regain the Ashes begins at Trent Bridge on 18 June 2027, followed by the second Test at Lord's from 30 June. Edgbaston stages the third Test from 8 July, before the Utilita Bowl becomes the 10th UK venue to host a men's Ashes Test on 21 July. The five-match series concludes at the Kia Oval from 29 July.