The wait is almost over. Cricket’s greatest rivalry returns as England and Australia prepare to battle for the Ashes starting November 21, 2025. This five-match Test series promises intense competition, historic moments, and drama that only the Ashes can deliver.
For England, this tour is about redemption. They haven’t won an Ashes series in Australia since 2010-11, and that 15-year drought has been painful. For Australia, it’s about proving their dominance at home once again and keeping hold of the famous urn.
Complete Match Schedule Ashes 2025-26
The series will be played across five iconic Australian venues, each bringing its own unique challenges.
First Test: Perth Stadium (November 21-25, 2025)Perth hosts its first-ever Ashes opener, breaking Brisbane’s long tradition. The fast, bouncy Optus Stadium pitch will test both batting lineups right from the start. Match starts at 7:30 AM IST.
Second Test: The Gabba, Brisbane (December 4-8, 2025)Australia’s fortress hosts a day-night Test with the pink ball. The Gabba has been nearly impossible for visiting teams to win at, making this a crucial Test for England. Starts at 9:00 AM IST.
Third Test: Adelaide Oval (December 17-21, 2025)One of cricket’s most beautiful grounds, Adelaide typically offers good batting conditions early before spin comes into play later. This could be the series-defining Test. Starts at 5:00 AM IST.
Fourth Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground (December 26-30, 2025)The iconic Boxing Day Test at the MCG is one of cricket’s grandest traditions. Playing before 90,000+ fans makes this special every time. Starts at 5:00 AM IST.
Fifth Test: Sydney Cricket Ground (January 4-8, 2026)The series concludes at the SCG, where the pitch traditionally helps spinners in the later stages. If the series goes down to the wire, Sydney could provide a dramatic finish. Starts at 5:00 AM IST.
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The Teams
Australia Squad: Steven Smith will captain in the first Test as regular skipper Pat Cummins recovers from a back injury. The squad includes Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and the formidable pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland. Nathan Lyon leads the spin department.
The big question is who opens alongside Khawaja. Jake Weatherald could make his debut, or Labuschagne might be pushed up the order. Cameron Green’s bowling fitness is also being monitored closely.
England Squad: Captain Ben Stokes has been included despite recovering from shoulder surgery, which is massive for England’s chances. Jofra Archer returns to Test cricket after a long injury layoff, joining Mark Wood in giving England genuine pace options.
The batting looks strong with Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ollie Pope. Harry Brook has been named vice-captain, replacing Pope in that role. Will Jacks provides a second spin option behind Shoaib Bashir.
Chris Woakes misses out due to a shoulder injury, while the pace attack includes Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, and Josh Tongue alongside Archer and Wood.
Key Battles to Watch
Steve Smith vs England’s Bowlers: Smith has tortured England for years, especially in Australia where he averages over 65. In 2019, he scored 774 runs in just four Tests. If England’s pace attack can’t get him out early, he could take the game away from them.
Joe Root vs Nathan Lyon: Root is England’s batting rock with over 12,000 Test runs, but Lyon has dismissed him 11 times in Ashes cricket. This battle could determine the series outcome.
Jofra Archer’s Return: Archer was brilliant against Australia in 2019, and his return is one of the most exciting storylines. If fully fit, his 90+ mph pace could be England’s trump card.
Travis Head’s Aggression: Head has become one of Test cricket’s most destructive batsmen. He can score centuries before lunch and puts opposition teams under immense pressure when he gets going.
What’s at Stake
The Ashes is Test cricket’s ultimate prize. Australia currently holds the urn after the 2023 series in England ended 2-2. When a series is drawn, the team holding the urn retains it, so England must win this series outright to reclaim the Ashes.
The last series was thrilling, featuring incredible individual performances and controversial moments like the Jonny Bairstow stumping incident. Both teams came away feeling they could have won, which makes this Australian series even more anticipated.
England’s Bazball vs Australian Grit
The clash of styles makes this series fascinating. England under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum play ultra-aggressive “Bazball” cricket – attacking constantly and taking risks. This approach has brought success at home, but Australia is different. The faster, bouncier pitches and hostile conditions make it a tougher test.
Australia plays traditional Test cricket – patient, grinding down opponents, and capitalizing ruthlessly when on top. Their experienced bowling attack and battle-hardened batsmen know how to win at home.
Can England’s aggressive style work in Australia, or will they be too reckless? And can Australia handle the pressure when England comes hard at them? These questions will be answered over the next two months.
Injury Concerns
Both teams are dealing with fitness issues. For Australia, losing Cummins for the first Test is significant. For England, the fitness of Stokes, Archer, and Wood remains a constant worry. All three have had injury problems, and if England loses any during the series, it could derail their chances.
The Verdict
Australia starts as favorites playing at home with their fortress record. They haven’t lost a Test series in Australia since 2010-11. But England under Stokes has shown they can compete with anyone, anywhere. Their aggressive approach pushed Australia close in 2023, and they’ll believe they can win Down Under.
The series promises fast bowling battles, spin duels, explosive batting, and the intense rivalry that makes the Ashes special. Whether you support England or Australia, or just love Test cricket, this is unmissable viewing.
Cricket’s greatest show returns in just nine days. The Ashes 2025-26 is going to be special.
