The Ashes Return: What to Expect in the 2025–26 Series

One of cricket’s most storied rivalries is set to resume as the 2025–26 Ashes series begins in Perth on Thursday night. The upcoming contest has been described as one of the most eagerly awaited series in recent memory, with Australia and England preparing to reignite Test cricket’s oldest battle.

Overview of the 2025–26 Ashes Series

The latest chapter of the Ashes rivalry is being launched amid significant anticipation. A rejuvenated England side, led by captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, is considered to have its strongest chance of a series win in Australia in nearly two decades. England’s struggles in previous tours linger in memory, including the 5-0 whitewash delivered by Mitchell Johnson in the 2013–14 series and heavy defeats in 2017–18 and 2021–22.

Despite those recent hardships, England’s aggressive playing style under Stokes and McCullum—often referred to as “Bazball”—has renewed hopes of regaining the tiny urn first won by the English in 2015 on home soil.

When Does the 2025–26 Ashes Take Place?

The 74th Ashes series is scheduled to begin on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in Perth. The competition is set to conclude at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 8, 2026.

Where Will the 2025–26 Ashes Be Played?

The series is being held entirely in Australia, featuring five Test matches across iconic venues.

First Test – Optus Stadium, Perth

• Dates: Nov 20–Nov 25

• Start time: 2:35 a.m. GMT on Nov 21

• Capacity: 61,000

• Ashes head-to-head at venue: First-ever Ashes Test at this stadium

Second Test (Day/Night) – The Gabba, Brisbane

• Dates: Dec 4–Dec 8

• Start time: 4:30 a.m. GMT

• Capacity: 37,000

• H2H: Australia 13 wins, England 4 wins, 5 draws

• England’s last win: 1986

Third Test – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

• Dates: Dec 17–Dec 21

• Start time: Midnight GMT

• Capacity: 53,500

• H2H: Australia 19 wins, England 9 wins, 5 draws

• England’s last win: 2010

Fourth Test – Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne

• Dates: Dec 26–Dec 30

• Start time: 11:30 p.m. GMT on Dec 25

• Capacity: 100,000

• H2H: Australia 29 wins, England 20 wins, 8 draws

• England’s last win: 2010

Fifth Test – Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney

• Dates: Jan 4–Jan 8

• Start time: 11:30 p.m. GMT on Jan 3

• Capacity: 48,000

• H2H: Australia 27 wins, England 22 wins, 8 draws

• England’s last win: 2011

Ashes Head-to-Head History

Series Record

• Total series played: 73

• Australia wins: 34

• England wins: 32

• Drawn series: 7

Series Played in Australia

• Total: 36

• Australia wins: 20

• England wins: 14

• Draws: 2

Overall Test Match Record

• Total Ashes Tests: 345

• Australia wins: 142

• England wins: 110

• Draws: 93

Tests Played in Australia

• Total: 172

• Australia wins: 90

• England wins: 56

• Draws: 26

How to Watch the 2025–26 Ashes

Every ball of the series will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Coverage will feature former England internationals Sir Alastair Cook, Steven Finn, and Graeme Swann, with presenter Becky Ives on location in Australia. Commentary is set to be provided by Alastair Eykyn and Rob Hatch from the UK, joined by former England Women’s star Ebony Rainford-Brent.

2025–26 Ashes Squads

Australia

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the opening Test but hopes to feature later in the series. Steve Smith will lead the side in Perth. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was also included but suffered a minor hamstring injury just prior to the match.

First-Test Squad:
Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

England

England has named an expected squad, with Ben Stokes confirmed fit to captain after missing the final Test of the previous summer. Shoaib Bashir, recovering from a finger injury that sidelined him during the India series, is included as one of two spin options alongside Will Jacks.

Touring Squad:
Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.

Who Are the Favorites?

Latest Series Odds:

• Australia: 8–13

• England: 2–1

• Draw: 9–1

(Odds correct at time of publication.)

Why Is It Called “The Ashes”?

The term “The Ashes” originated in 1882 after England lost to Australia for the first time on home soil at The Oval. A satirical obituary in the Sporting Times declared that the “body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.”

England captain Ivo Bligh subsequently vowed to “regain the ashes” during the winter tour. The name has been associated with the rivalry ever since.