The countdown to one of cricket’s greatest rivalries has begun Australia And England gear up for Men’s Ashes Series 2025-26The five-Test match battle which will run 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 win in Australia since 2010-11.
After a thrilling 2-2 draw in 2023, both sides are entering the new competition with new ambitions – Australia determined to defend home dominance, and England ready to push their buzzball revolution on what will prove to be the toughest of grounds.
Australia: Keeper of the Urn
Australia are one of the toughest teams to beat at home and their recent dominance has ensured that England will face a tough challenge.
leadership challenge
with pat cummins Responsibility has increased after being out of the initial test steve smithJoe returns to the top in Perth. Missing Cummins and Josh Hazlewood The start of the series puts additional pressure on the hosts’ depth of pace.
pressure on speed unit
Absence of two frontline quicks could increase opportunities for fast bowlers Brendan DoggettWhereas Mitchell Starc The leadership of the attack will have to be taken upon your shoulders.
key players to watch
- steve smith – Charge back and be vital right off the bat.
- marnus labuschagne – Rediscovering a stable No. 3 peak form.
- nathan lyon – Two wickets away from overtaking Glenn McGrath; 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 will need to counter if they hope to regain the urn.
England: Ultimate Buzzball Challenge
under ben stokes and coach Brendon McCullumEngland’s aggressive attitude has given a new shape to Test cricket. But no team has successfully brought such high-tempo cricket to Australian shores – and this tour will test their limits.
strategic outlook
England are likely to persist with fast scoring, attacking areas and sustained pressure – even on the traditionally hard, bouncy surfaces that have historically troubled touring teams.
speed makes a difference
availability of jofra archer And mark wood Could decide the fate of England. His fast pace is considered one of the few weapons capable of troubling Australia’s experienced batting group.
key players to watch
- ben stokes – The heartbeat of the England XI, with both leadership and all-round influence.
- Joe Root – Still searching for first Test century in Australia; This tour is important in his legacy.
- harry brook – Naturally aggressive and suitable for Australian conditions.
- Jack Crawley and Ben Duckett – His ability to provide fast, confident starts could define England’s buzzball blueprint.
The trip to England will depend on whether their courage and aggressive philosophy translates into success on Australian soil – something that has not been achieved for 14 years.
Also read: Ben Stokes vs Nathan Lyon: Head to head record in Test cricket ahead of Ashes 2025-26 Test series
The Ashes 2025-26, full schedule
| match | Dates | venue | notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| first test | November 21-25, 2025 | Perth Stadium, Perth | Starting the series on a livelier, more bouncy wicket |
| second test | December 4-8, 2025 | Gabba, Brisbane | day/night test with pink ball |
| third test | December 17-21, 2025 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | Day/night schedule expected again |
| fourth test | December 26-30, 2025 | MCG, Melbourne | iconic boxing day test |
| 5th test | January 4-8, 2026 | SCG, Sydney | New Year’s Test and Jane McGrath Day |
squads
Australia team: (First Test only): Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendon 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, Brendon Doggett, Scott Boland.
England team: Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethel, Brydon Carse, Jack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tong, Mark Wood
- England’s 12-man squad for Perth: Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jack 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
- America and Canada, willow tv
- UK and Ireland:TNT Sports
- sub-Saharan Africa: supersport
- new zealand: SkyNZ
- Caribbean islands: Rush Sports
Also read: The Ashes 2025-26: How to buy tickets for Australia vs England 1st Test in Perth?
