England and Australia are set to clash in the 2025‑26 Ashes, a five‑match Test series that will kick off on 21 November 2025 at Perth Stadium and wrap up on 6 January 2026 in Sydney.
Series overview and schedule
The schedule was unveiled by Cricket Australia on 16 October 2024. The five Tests will rotate across the country, giving each state a share of the spotlight:
- Perth – 21‑25 Nov (first Ashes Test at the venue)
- Brisbane – 29 Nov‑3 Dec (day‑night match at The Gabba)
- Adelaide – 12‑16 Dec (Adelaide Oval)
- Melbourne – 26‑30 Dec (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
- Sydney – 2‑6 Jan (Sydney Cricket Ground)
That itinerary marks the first time Perth hosts an Ashes Test and the first series in Australia not to start in Brisbane since the 1982‑83 tour.
Venue highlights
Perth’s optus‑branded stadium offers a fast, bouncy wicket that traditionally favours seam bowlers. The Gabba’s floodlights will make night cricket a reality, a novelty that could shift momentum after the first Test. Adelaide’s oval is famed for its pink‑ball spectacle, while the MCG provides the massive crowd that often decides close contests. Finally, the SCG’s historic slope adds a touch of old‑world charm to the series finale.
England’s squad and leadership
Leading the England cricket team is Ben Stokes, appointed captain for the tour. His right‑hand side‑step, Harry Brook, will serve as vice‑captain and has just taken over white‑ball duties after Jos Buttler’s resignation post‑Champions Trophy.
The 15‑man squad blends experience and youth: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope (keeper), Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (keeper), Josh Tongue and Mark Wood. Stokes said, “We’ve got a balanced unit and the conditions suit our pace attack, so we’re confident we can take the series back.”
Road to the Ashes: recent performances
England entered the winter with a mixed bag. A five‑match T20I series in India saw the hosts win only the third game, while the ODI leg was swept 3‑0 by India. The disappointment fed into a “limp” exit from the February 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, prompting the captaincy shake‑up.
Australia, meanwhile, remain the Ashes holders, having won the 2021‑22 series and drawn the 2023 edition. Their squad, though not disclosed in the sources, is expected to feature veteran pacer Pat Cummins, rising star Travis Head and spin wizard Mitchell Swepson, all of whom will be eager to defend the urn.
Implications for the World Test Championship
The series forms a crucial leg of the 2025‑27 ICC World Test Championship. Each Test win nets 12 points, a draw 4, and a loss zero – meaning a clean 5‑0 sweep would hand Australia a massive boost, while a 3‑2 England victory could catapult the visitors into the top three of the table.
Analysts note that the day‑night Test in Brisbane could be a game‑changer. The pink ball tends to swing more under lights, potentially favouring England’s new‑ball bowlers. If the English seam attack exploits that, the series could swing in their favour early.
Scheduling conflicts and future tours
One puzzling detail: Sky Sports reports England’s 2025 itinerary starts with a T20I/ODI tour of India in January‑February, yet a Wikipedia entry lists a simultaneous three‑match ODI series in Sri Lanka for the same dates. No official clarification has emerged, leaving fans to wonder whether the board will shift one leg or double‑book venues.
Beyond the Ashes, England will head back to the sub‑continent for a summer Test series against India in 2026, while Australia plans a home summer against South Africa. These fixtures will keep both sides busy as they chase points in the Championship.
What this means for fans
For the average cricket lover, the series promises classic rivalries, iconic venues and a chance to see emerging talent on the world stage. Ticket demand is already soaring, especially for the Perth opener, which marks the stadium’s historic debut. Travel agencies are offering bundled packages that include match tickets, stadium tours and meet‑and‑greets with former Ashes legends – a nod to the commercial boom the series always generates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2025‑26 Ashes series start and end?
The first Test kicks off on 21 November 2025 at Perth Stadium and the series concludes on 6 January 2026 with the final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground.
Who captains England in the Ashes?
Ben Stokes is the appointed Test captain, with Harry Brook serving as vice‑captain and white‑ball captain.
Why is the Perth Test significant?
It’s the first Ashes Test ever played at Perth Stadium, giving the Western Australian crowd a historic moment and adding a fast, bouncy pitch to the series mix.
How does the series affect the World Test Championship?
Each Test win awards 12 points, so a clean sweep would catapult the victor up the Championship table, while a close 3‑2 result could keep both teams in contention for the final.
What’s the scheduling conflict involving England’s 2025 tours?
Sky Sports lists a T20I/ODI series in India for January‑February 2025, while a Wikipedia entry shows an ODI series in Sri Lanka on overlapping dates. The England board has yet to clarify which itinerary will proceed.