Women's Ashes 2027 · Guide
Cricket Etiquette Guide
Cricket is known for its welcoming atmosphere, but every venue has its own character. Understanding a few common expectations helps everyone enjoy the matchday experience.
- Series
- 24 June – 20 July 2027
- Formats
- Test · IT20 · ODI
- Host cities
- 6
- Focus
- Spectator etiquette
Respect the Atmosphere
Cricket grounds are shared spaces enjoyed by a wide range of people. The general expectation is that spectators are considerate of those around them — whether that is the players on the field, the officials managing the match, or fellow visitors watching nearby.
- Respect players
- Players and officials are concentrating throughout the day. Unnecessary disruption close to the field of play is generally considered inappropriate.
- Respect officials
- Umpires and match officials make decisions that are part of the game. Hostile or sustained reactions directed at officials are not considered part of the spectator experience.
- Respect fellow spectators
- A wide range of people attend cricket matches, including families, younger visitors and those watching cricket for the first time. Keeping conduct appropriate to the shared setting is expected.
- Enjoy the occasion
- Cheering, applauding good play and engaging with the match are all part of attending. The aim is to enjoy the day without disrupting others.
During Play
Play can stop and resume quickly. A wicket, a drinks break, a review or a new over can all happen without much warning. Awareness of when the ball is live helps visitors avoid disrupting those watching nearby.
- Avoid blocking views
- Moving in front of seated spectators while the ball is in play can disrupt their view. Waiting for the end of an over or a natural break before moving along a row is a common courtesy.
- Minimise movement where practical
- The end of an over, the fall of a wicket or a drinks break are natural moments to move. These occur regularly throughout the day.
- Keep phones discreet
- Bright screens and lengthy calls can be distracting for nearby spectators. Stepping away to take a call is considerate.
- Follow steward guidance
- Stewards are present throughout grounds and manage the day-to-day operation of stands and facilities. Follow their instructions when given.
- Noise behind the bowler's arm
- Sustained noise or movement directly behind the bowler's run-up can be distracting to the batter at the crease. Ground announcements will ask spectators in those areas to stay still during play.
Photography
- Personal photography
- Casual photography for personal use is generally common at cricket grounds. Most spectators take photographs during the day without issue.
- Professional and commercial recording
- Professional camera equipment, broadcast recording and photography for commercial or publication purposes typically require accreditation or advance permission from the venue. Check before attending.
- Avoid obstructing others
- Be aware of those seated behind you when holding a phone or camera above head height for an extended period.
- Respect venue guidance
- Photography policies are set by each ground individually. Check the specific venue's guidance before attending and follow requests from venue staff.
Children and Families
Many people attend the Women's Ashes as families. The atmosphere at cricket grounds is generally welcoming and the day is long enough for visitors of different ages to move around and enjoy different parts of the ground.
- Be considerate
- Families with children may be seated nearby. Keeping language and conduct appropriate to a shared public setting is expected.
- Keep aisles clear where possible
- Aisles and access routes through stands can become busy. Keeping them clear helps everyone move safely.
- Follow venue guidance
- Facilities and family areas vary between venues. Check the specific ground's guidance for information relevant to your visit.
Food and Drink
Eating and drinking throughout the day is entirely normal at cricket. Grounds have catering facilities, and queues can build around lunch and tea intervals.
- Policies vary by venue
- What is and is not permitted inside grounds is set by each venue. Check the specific ground's guidance before attending.
- Dispose of rubbish responsibly
- Bins are provided throughout grounds. Keeping the area around your seat tidy is considerate for those nearby and for ground staff.
- Be considerate of nearby spectators
- Particularly in covered or enclosed seating areas, be aware of those seated nearby when eating and drinking.
Mobile Phones
- Silence notifications where practical
- Repeated notifications during quiet periods of play can be distracting for nearby spectators. Switching to silent or vibrate is a common courtesy.
- Avoid bright screens during key moments
- A bright phone screen in a dimly lit stand or during a tense passage of play can distract those nearby.
- Step away for lengthy calls
- Taking a lengthy call from your seat can be disruptive. Stepping to a concourse or quieter area is more considerate.
Respect Venue Staff
Stewards and venue staff manage the safe and smooth operation of the ground throughout the day. Their instructions should be followed when given.
- Follow steward instructions
- Stewards are responsible for access routes, stand management and the safety of spectators. Cooperate when directed.
- Ask if unsure
- Stewards are available throughout grounds and can assist with directions, seating queries and general information.
- Venue staff manage operations
- From entry to close of play, venue staff coordinate the day-to-day running of the ground. Treating them with courtesy is part of being a considerate spectator.
Supporting Your Team
Applause, vocal support and celebrating key moments are all part of attending a cricket match. Spectators are encouraged to engage with the game and support their team.
- Respectful support
- Support for your own team and appreciation of good play from both sides are both common. Directing abusive or hostile behaviour toward any individual is not accepted.
- Respect opposing supporters
- Supporters of both England and Australia attend Women's Ashes matches. Respectful exchange between supporters is part of the occasion.
- Expectations differ between venues
- The atmosphere at a Test match differs from an IT20 or an ODI. The format, the ground and the occasion all influence what is typical at a given match.
Leaving the Ground
Crowds leave at similar times at the end of each day's play. Transport hubs near grounds can become congested quickly, and patience is the most practical approach.
Follow steward guidance when leaving. Stewards direct foot traffic at exit points and on routes to transport links. Be considerate in queues and on public transport — other spectators and regular passengers are using the same services.
Ground-specific transport guidance is covered on the Matchday Guide and on the host city pages.
Common Mistakes
Standing unnecessarily during play
Standing in front of seated spectators while play is active can block their view. Natural breaks are the more considerate moment to move.
Blocking another spectator's view
Be aware of those seated behind you, particularly when standing, using a phone screen or moving along a row.
Ignoring venue guidance
Each ground publishes its own policies. What applies at one venue may not apply at another.
Assuming every ground has identical customs
Atmosphere, layout and expectations vary between venues. Reviewing the specific ground's guidance before attending helps set expectations.
Forgetting that families may be seated nearby
Cricket grounds attract a wide range of visitors including families with children. Keeping conduct appropriate to the setting is expected.
Leaving litter behind
Rubbish bins are available throughout grounds. Disposing of litter responsibly keeps the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Etiquette Checklist
- Ticket ready before arriving at the gate
- Venue guidance reviewed before the day
- Phone silenced where practical
- Respect other spectators
- Dispose of rubbish responsibly
- Follow steward instructions
- Check venue policies where needed
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is cricket quieter than other sports?
- Cricket grounds can range from very quiet during a tense spell of play to quite vocal during a wicket or a big moment. The atmosphere varies by format and by ground. Spectators are generally encouraged to enjoy themselves, though many appreciate quiet during key passages of play.
- Can I take photos at Women's Ashes matches?
- Casual photography for personal use is generally common at cricket matches. Policies on professional equipment, commercial use and flash photography can differ by venue. Always check the official guidance for the ground you are attending.
- Is cheering allowed at cricket?
- Yes. Applauding good play, celebrating wickets and supporting your team are all part of attending a cricket match. Cheering is expected and welcomed, provided it remains respectful toward other spectators and the players.
- Should I avoid moving during play?
- Many spectators prefer to move between passages of play where practical — for example at the end of an over or during a natural break. This is a common courtesy rather than a strict rule. Moving along a row while a delivery is being bowled can disrupt others' view.
- What if I am unsure about a venue's rules?
- The best approach is to consult the official guidance published by the venue before attending. Stewards at the ground are also available to answer questions. Individual ground policies can differ, so checking in advance is more reliable than assuming.
- Is the Women's Ashes suitable for families?
- Many people attend the Women's Ashes as families. The atmosphere at cricket grounds is generally considered inclusive and welcoming. Visitors should check each venue's facilities directly for specific information on family areas, as provision varies between grounds.