The countdown to one of cricket’s greatest rivalries has begun Australia and English Bite to Men’s Ashes Series 2025-26A five-Test series from 21 November 2025 to 8 January 2026. The series is part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship and England are chasing their first Ashes triumph in Australia since 2010-11.
After a 2-2 draw in 2023, both sides enter the new competition with renewed ambitions—with Australia ready to maintain home rule and push England to the places that prove the toughest.
Australia: Urn defenders
Australia remain one of the toughest teams to beat at home, and their ultimate advantage will come from England’s rise to the top.
Leadership Challenge
With Pat Cummins It rules beyond the opening test, it is responsible Steve Smithwho returned to the helm in perth. Missing cummins and Josh Hazlewood The hosts’ pace at the start of the series puts an added strain on their depth.
Pressure on the PACE unit
The lack of two front lines can raise opportunities for the likes Brendan Doggettwhile Mitchell Starc The shoulder should lead the attack.
Key players to watch
- Steve Smith – Back with the bat and vital.
- Marnus labuschagne – A consistent No. 3 Peak form.
- Nathan Lyon – Two wickets shy of Glenn McGrath; Spin Trump card.
- Head of Travis – Known for game changing shots in high pressure situations.
Australia’s strength lies in consistency and relentless approaches.
England: Under Baseball’s Ultimate Challenge
Alt Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullumEngland’s aggressive approach changed Test cricket. But no team has successfully brought such high-tempo cricket to Australian shores and this tour will test its limits.
Tactical outlook
England remain, with fast scoring, attacking areas and relentless pressure, even on the traditional hard, bouncy surfaces familiar to turning sides.
PACE makes a difference
Availability Jofra the archer and Branded wood It can decide the fate of England. Their urgent pace is seen as one of the few weapons that can disrupt Australia’s experienced batting line-up.
Key players to watch
- Ben Stokes – The heartbeat of England’s XI, with both leadership and all-round influence.
- Joe root – Still looking for a maiden Test century in Australia; It is pivotal in the tour’s legacy.
- Harry Brook – Naturally aggressive and well suited to Australian conditions.
- Zach Crawley & Ben Duckett – Their ability to provide a bold, confident start could set England’s Baseball Blueprint.
England’s visit will depend on whether their boldness and attacking philosophy translate into success on Australian soil, failing to achieve 14 years.
Read: Ben Stokes vs Nathan Lyon: The 2025-26 Test series of the Test cricket captaincy
Ashes 2025-26, full schedule
| Adapt | History | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st test | November 21-25, 2025 | Perth Stadium, Perth | Series opener on a lively, high-bouncing wicket |
| 2nd test | December 4-8, 2025 | The Gabba, Brisbane | Pink-ball and night test |
| 3rd test | December 17-21, 2025 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | The expected day/night setup again |
| 4th test | December 26-30, 2025 | McG, Melbourne | Iconic Boxing Day quiz |
| 5th test | January 4-8, 2026 | SKG, Sydney | New Year’s Test and Jane McGrath Day |
Teams
Australian Squad: (Test Only): Steve Smith (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawajaj, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherd, Beau Webster
- For Australia Xi 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, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Jacob Bethell, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Josh Diley, Josh Diley, Mark Tree
- England’s 12-member fixture 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 Tree
Stream 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
- England and Ireland: Tnt sports
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Supersport
- New Zealand: Skynz
- Caribbean Islands: Russian sport
Read: Ashes 2025-26: How to buy tickets for Australia vs England?
