England v Australia Ashes ticket price increase ‘really poor’ – Michael Vaughan

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has called a 43% ticket price increase for next year’s men’s Ashes Test at Edgbaston “really poor”.

The Birmingham ground will host the third Test of the best-of-five series between England and Australia next summer with ticket prices in the Hollies Stand – which holds almost 6,000 spectators – costing £165, up from £115 in 2023.

Elsewhere in the stadium, members can purchase tickets for £92, but the cheapest adult tickets across the first three days are £115, with every ticket carrying a £2.50 booking fee.

“This is really poor,” Vaughan posted on social media in response to the news.

Following the 2023 series, which ended in a 2-2 draw after Australia won the first two Tests (at Edgbaston and Lord’s), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said “every day sold out in advance, with total attendance topping 545,000”.

Despite Warwickshire’s Edgbaston stadium being at a reduced capacity because of the construction of an on-site hotel, tickets for next week’s third Test between England and Pakistan, which range between £57.50-£87.50 for adults, have not sold out.

The ticket ballot for the 2027 Ashes opened on Wednesday, with prices more expensive at Lord’s and the Oval in London, with the best tickets at £190 and £185.

England, who lost 4-1 in Australia last winter, begin their quest to regain the Ashes at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on 18 June.

The second Ashes Test at Lord’s begins on 30 June and the third at Edgbaston on 8 July.

The Utilita Bowl in Southampton will become the 10th UK ground to host a men’s Ashes Test when the fourth Test gets under way on 21 July, with the series concluding at the Kia Oval from 29 July.

BBC Sport has contacted the ECB and the five Test venues for comment.