England has successfully avoided facing Australia, the defending champions, and the world number one India in the group-stage draw for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

In this year's setup:

• India and Pakistan find themselves once again in the same group, alongside Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and a qualifier.
• England, the 2019 champions, will compete in a group with co-hosts South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and another qualifier.

Harry Brook's side kicks off their campaign against Bangladesh on 8 October and will play Sri Lanka on 13 October in Windhoek, Namibia. Their schedule continues with a match against South Africa in Gqeberha on 16 October, followed by a game against a qualifier in Harare on 20 October. They will conclude the group stage against New Zealand back in Gqeberha on 23 October.

The match in Zimbabwe holds historical significance, as England hasn't played there since 2004 due to political unrest under former president Robert Mugabe. Their last encounter in Zimbabwe was during the 2003 World Cup, which they boycotted, impacting their campaign.

After three matches to finalize the last two qualifiers, the tournament will kick off with a repeat of the 2023 final, where India and Australia will clash in Cape Town on 7 October. Additionally, long-time rivals India and Pakistan will meet in Johannesburg on 10 October.

The top three teams from each group, along with the best fourth-placed finisher, will advance to the Super 7 stage. The semi-finals are set for 17 and 18 November, culminating in the final on 21 November in Johannesburg.