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Ruford will enter history books once again in 2027 when England and Australia come together in the first-ever Mixed Disability Ashes series. The defining test series will be held next year in England, where Australia's Men's Mixed Disability team will come over to play England in a Vitality IT20 series. The dates and venues are to be decided.

The new series will help make the Ashes even bigger. In 2027, England Men, England Women and England Men's Mixed Disability team will all battle it out for the prestigious Ashes against Australia.

The announcement is another important step forward for disability cricket that has developed rapidly over recent years. Already England and India have played a Mixed Disability series, and the concept keeps attracting attention at an increasingly impressive rate internationally.

Head of Disability Cricket Ian Martin said:

It really signifies the next phase of Mixed Disability Cricket that we are in a position to be launching an Ashes; it's a massive step forward for the sport.

Martin added:

"All cricket supporters know what an Ashes series means. For so many, England v Australia is the high point of the game, and I'm delighted that our Men's Mixed Disability team will have the opportunity to participate in one."

The series is likely to shine a lot of light on disability cricket and may give the likes of the players hoping for a third crack at a major tournament another shot.

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At the opening of the season, Cricket Australia has also applauded the start of the Mixed Disability Ashes. James Allsopp, Cricket Australia's Chief, believes the series would be 'another great chapter' in the battle between England and Australia.

The Mixed Disability Ashes series will give Australia's cricketers with a disability the chance to write a new chapter in one of sport's oldest rivalries-the men's, women's and blind-as series.

James Said :

"We're keen to join up with other nations' cricket boards in fielding Mixed Disability teams and have been keeping a close eye on the series between England and India over the past couple of years."  

He added :

"Australia will utilise the National Cricket Inclusion Championships to be held in Ballarat next January for selection purposes. The competition will also mark Australia's first-ever match in the Mixed Disability format."

Assuming the first MSDs Ashes continues to go ahead, it is likely to be a significant milestone for inclusive cricket and will only add to one of sport's most famous rivalries.