The Ashes 2025-26 begins tomorrow in Perth, launching what promises to be a compelling Test series between Australia and England — a traditional rivalry now sharpened by World Test Championship stakes and late squad changes. Perth’s modern Optus Stadium will host the first Test as part of a five-match tour that runs through to early January.
Series snapshot: schedule, venues and format
The 2025–26 edition is a five-Test series played across Perth, Brisbane (day–night), Adelaide, Melbourne (Boxing Day) and Sydney (New Year’s Test). The opening Test takes place 21–25 November in Perth, followed by a Gabba day–night Test from 4–8 December — fixtures that were formally announced by the organisers and carry official WTC points.
Why Perth? A change of tradition
Optus Stadium in Perth replaces the Gabba as the series opener for the first time in decades, a deliberate scheduling choice by Cricket Australia designed around stadium availability, fan access and broadcast considerations. The move alters the usual calendar rhythm and hands the visiting England side new preparation challenges, not least adapting to Perth’s pace-friendly surfaces on day one.
Key squads and selection headaches
Both teams announced experienced squads with a mix of pace and spin options. England travel with a pace-heavy attack including Mark Wood and Josh Tongue, while Australia will shuffle its bowling group after last-minute injury setbacks. The recent unavailability of frontline quicks has forced Australia to name replacements and reshuffle leadership for the Perth Test. Those on-the-ground changes increase the unpredictability of the opener.
Captaincy and injuries: immediate talking points
Australia enters the series with leadership questions after Pat Cummins was reported unavailable for the first Test; Steve Smith is stepping into a leadership role in his absence. Injuries to names such as Josh Hazlewood have further tested Australia’s depth, while England will be watching Perth’s bounce closely as they seek to neutralise the home advantage. These absences and tactical responses are likely to shape team selection and match-day plans.
What to watch: three decisive themes
First, the fast-bowling contest: Perth’s surface typically rewards pace and bounce, so the early exchanges between frontline pacers may define the opening days. Second, adaptation to pink-ball conditions at the Gabba (day–night Test) will test players’ versatility in swinging, slower light and shot selection under lights. Third, batting resilience — especially from middle-order pillars on both sides — will likely decide who controls the series momentum in the crucial middle Tests.
Fans and broadcast: a global stage
Broadcasters and publishers are rolling out heavy coverage across the series, with live telecast windows, dedicated podcasts and interactive content to engage global audiences. With strong interest from both Australian and UK viewers, the Ashes will be a major draw for cricket fans over the southern summer.
Prediction pulse — who holds the edge?
Home advantage and familiarity with conditions give Australia a pre-series edge on paper, but England’s seam resources and strategic planning make them dangerous away from home. The early injury news and leadership shuffle add a layer of uncertainty — making Perth’s opener an essential barometer for the rest of the Ashes. Expect a tight, combative series where single sessions or sessions under lights could swing outcomes.
Disclaimer
This article is a preview based on publicly announced fixtures, contemporary squad reports and media coverage. Injury statuses and final XIs may change close to match kick-off. Readers should consult official match centres and governing bodies for the latest confirmed information.
Sources
- Cricket Australia — Men’s Ashes 2025-26 match centre and notices
- England and Wales Cricket Board — 2025-26 fixtures announcement
- The Guardian — Ashes preview and injury updates
- ESPNcricinfo — squads and match schedules
- Cricbuzz — squads and match schedules