The 2025/26 Ashes series is underway, with England aiming to reclaim the coveted urn from Australia's grasp. It's been a decade since England last won an Ashes series, and their last Test victory in Australia dates back to 2010/11. However, there's a buzz of optimism as Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum introduce their innovative 'Bazball' style to the contest. Stuart Broad, a commentator for Australia's Channel 7, believes this Australian team is the weakest since England's last triumph 15 years ago, despite their recent dominance.
The series kicks off in Perth, with England hoping to buck the trend of poor performances at the traditional first-Test venue, The Gabba in Brisbane. The Gabba has hosted every opening Ashes Test for over 40 years, but England's record there is abysmal, with no win since 1986. The second Test, a day-night affair under the lights, will be held at The Gabba starting December 4th, with Mitchell Starc and Australia likely to be favorites.
The third Test moves to Adelaide Oval on December 17th, followed by the traditional Boxing Day match at the iconic MCG in Melbourne, where 100,000 fans will cheer on their teams. The series concludes with the fifth and final Test at the SCG in Sydney, starting January 4th.
For English fans, the schedule poses a challenge, as most matches will be played overnight. The second Test in Brisbane, a day-night game starting at 4:30 am GMT, might be the most accessible to watch from a distance. Here's the full Ashes 2025/26 schedule:
- First Test: November 21-25, 2025, at Optus Stadium in Perth (UK start time: 2:30 am GMT)
- Second Test: December 4-8, 2025, at The Gabba in Brisbane (4:30 am GMT)
- Third Test: December 17-21, 2025, at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide (12:00 am GMT)
- Fourth Test: December 26-30, 2025, at MCG in Melbourne (11:30 pm, December 25th)
- Fifth Test: January 4-8, 2026, at SCG in Sydney (11:30 pm, January 3rd)
Australia's squad includes Pat Cummins, Steve Smith (vice-captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster.
England's team features Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope (wicket-keeper), Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Josh Tongue, and Mark Wood.
