The countdown to one of cricket’s greatest rivalries has begun as Australia and England gear up for the Men’s Ashes Series 2025-26, a five-Test battle that runs from November 21, 2025, to January 8, 2026. The series is part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship and promises high drama as England chase their first Ashes triumph in Australia since 2010-11.
Following the gripping 2-2 draw in 2023, both sides enter the new contest with renewed ambitions—Australia determined to protect home dominance, and England ready to push their Bazball revolution into its toughest proving ground.
Australia: The defenders of the urn
Australia remain one of the toughest teams to beat at home, and their recent dominance ensures England will face an uphill climb.
Leadership challenge
With Pat Cummins ruled out of the opening Test, the responsibility shifts to Steve Smith, who returns to the helm in Perth. Missing Cummins and Josh Hazlewood early in the series puts added strain on the hosts’ pace depth.
Pressure on the pace unit
The absence of two frontline quicks could elevate opportunities for seamers like Brendan Doggett, while Mitchell Starc must shoulder the leadership of the attack.
Key players to watch
- Steve Smith – Back in charge and vital with the bat.
- Marnus Labuschagne – A steady No. 3 rediscovering peak form.
- Nathan Lyon – Two wickets shy of overtaking Glenn McGrath; the spin trump card.
- Travis Head – Known for game-changing innings in high-pressure situations.
Australia’s strength lies in their consistency and ruthless approach—qualities England must counter if they hope to reclaim the urn.
England: Bazball’s ultimate challenge down under
Under Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England’s aggressive approach has reshaped Test cricket. But no team has successfully brought such high-tempo cricket to Australian shores—and this tour will test their limits.
Tactical Outlook
England are likely to stick with fast scoring, attacking fields, and relentless pressure—even on the traditionally hard, bouncy surfaces that historically trouble touring sides.
Pace makes the difference
The availability of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood could decide England’s fate. Their express pace is viewed as one of the few weapons capable of unsettling Australia’s experienced batting group.
Key players to watch
- Ben Stokes – The heartbeat of England’s XI, with both leadership and all-round impact.
- Joe Root – Still searching for a maiden Test century in Australia; this tour is pivotal in his legacy.
- Harry Brook – Naturally aggressive and well-suited to Australian conditions.
- Zak Crawley & Ben Duckett – Their ability to provide brisk, confident starts could define England’s Bazball blueprint.
England’s journey will depend on whether their courage and attacking philosophy translate into success on Australian soil—something not achieved for 14 years.
Ashes 2025-26, Complete Schedule
| Match | Dates | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Nov 21–25, 2025 | Perth Stadium, Perth | Series opener on a lively, high-bounce wicket |
| 2nd Test | Dec 4–8, 2025 | The Gabba, Brisbane | Pink-ball Day/Night Test |
| 3rd Test | Dec 17–21, 2025 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | Expected Day/Night fixture again |
| 4th Test | Dec 26–30, 2025 | MCG, Melbourne | Iconic Boxing Day Test |
| 5th Test | Jan 4–8, 2026 | SCG, Sydney | New Year’s Test & Jane McGrath Day |
Squads
Australia squad: (First Test only): Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
- Australia XI for Perth: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland
England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood
- England’s 12-member unit for Perth: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
- Australia: Channel Seven, 7plus, Foxtel and Kayo Sports
- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka: JioStar
- USA and Canada: Willow TV
- UK and Ireland: TNT Sports
- Sub Saharan Africa: Supersport
- New Zealand: SkyNZ
- Caribbean Islands: Rush Sports
Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: How to buy tickets for the Australia vs England first Test in Perth?
