Iconic Ashes rivalry Australia and England set to lock horns in 2025-26 series opener at Perth Stadium. The first test, which begins on November 21, promises to be a fiery contest under brilliant Western Australian skies. Known for its PACE-friendly conditions and electric atmosphere, Perth is set for a thrilling start to Cricket’s oldest and tightest Test series.
The Ashes, steeped in more than a century of history, always carries a sense of grandeur, but the 2025 edition feels even more significant as both teams aim for early dominance. The defending champions have named a strong and balanced side with a mix of experienced starters and rising stars ready to take on the challenge of England on home soil.
Australia field an XI for the first Ashes Test
Australia playing for perth test under Xi Skipper Steve Smith contains USMAN KHAWAJA, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland.
This side emphasizes depth in both batting and bowling. The top order relies on Khawaja’s consistency and Wedantald, who will make his Ashes debut. Labuschagne and Smith will anchor the shots while bringing an aggressive intent to the head and green. Carey’s wicketkeeping and lower-order runs are crucial to balancing the line-up.
The bowling attack offers pace, bounce and variation to suit the perth surface. Starc’s left-arm speed, BOBGETT’s Right and Doggett’s sharp movement provide a powerful combination, while Lyon’s Spin control adds variety. With this attack, Australia are well equipped to take advantage of the fast and bouncy track of Optus Oval.
Optus oval pitch report for ash breaker
Often described as one of the fastest surfaces in world cricket, the Optus Oval Wicket is expected to have lively bounce and consistent pace as well. Fresh grass ahead of the match will enjoy the early action of sears like Starc and Boland, especially when they take the cloth from the southwest from the morning sessions. However, batsmen can capitalize once they lose their toughness, taking their time by rewarding the ball outside.
As the game progresses, the pitch is likely to be dried under the scorching sun in Perth, potentially playing in the fourth game from the fourth day. Historically, stretchers have expanded in perth locations during extended heat, a key factor jump at the end of a variable base factor. With clear conditions and a hard surface, the first Test promises to be a true contest of which bat is best known for having the most pace, patience and accuracy in Australian CRICKET.
Perth Weather Forecast for the first test
Perth’s Mediterranean climate often plays a decisive role in early season cricket. The five-day forecast offers balanced conditions that can be tested through weather patterns by changing both the sinking and bowling units.
- Friday, November 21: The opening day is mostly sunny with a temperature of 28°C at 19 km/h and a gentle south-south wind. With humidity low and minimal cloud cover, batting should be early in the morning.
- Saturday, November 22: Day two offers slightly cooler conditions at 25°C with northwest winds up to 22 km/h. Sustained sunlight and dryness will help maintain a firm pitching surface that is likely to play with a rewarding batting line.
- Sunday, November 23: The morning of the third day brings a 60% chance of showers. The temperature drops to 22°C with stiff south-westerly winds (28 km/h), with potential help from seam and swing bowling in the first session.
- Monday, November 24: Intermittent showers may greet the players early, but clearer spells will prevail later in the day. With about 21°C at 24 km/h and a westerly breeze, ground conditions may become a bit more difficult if the cloud cover persists.
- Tuesday, November 25: The resulting day looks pleasant and cooler at 22°C with light southwesterly winds and just a 1% chance of rain. As the bowler exploits footprints and rough patches, the pitch slows down after bounce and reverse swing.
Read: Mark Wood announces England 12-man squad for Perth Test 2025-26
