Other grounds in the running were Manchester’s Old Trafford, the redeveloped Rose Bowl in Southampton and Chester-le-Street in Durham.
The England and Wales Cricket Boards’ Major Match Group (MMG) have given the lucrative Tests between England and Australia to The Oval (London), Sophia Gardens (Cardiff), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Headingley (Leeds) and Lord’s (London).
Instead of receiving an Ashes Test, Old Trafford and Chester-le-Street will host the West Indies in 2007, with the Manchester ground also getting a Test against New Zealand the following year.
Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: "I am trying to get over the shock," adding "it will take a long time for the disappointment and some of the anger, to go." He said he would be consulting with the board and legal advisers.
Durham chief executive David Harker said "we are hugely disappointed".
“Cricket, following the Ashes success, has proven to be one of the major drivers of inbound tourism in the sports and leisure sector,” said MMG chairman Sir Bill Morris.
“As a result forward-thinking regional and national development agencies have recognised the significant economic value which world-class facilities and the award of major matches can bring to their region."
The Oval and Trent Bridge have been redeveloped in recent years while Headingley is currently undergoing a £20million refurbishment, having missed out on the 2005 Ashes. Cardiff's Sophia Gardens is also earmarked for redevelopment, which played a part in the MMG's decision.
Glamorgan chairman Paul Russell was delighted at the news, saying: “This is an historic day for cricket in Wales. The award of an Ashes Test match will build on the Welsh Assembly's exciting programme for the development of tourism through sport.”
