Build-up to the Ashes: Key players for England and Australia

The Ashes is more than just a cricket series—it’s a defining moment in the careers of those who take part. As the 2025–26 edition looms, both sides head into battle with plenty on the line.

For England, this will be the first Ashes series since 2006–07 without James Anderson. The legendary seamer, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, bowed out last year after featuring in 10 consecutive Ashes series. His absence marks the end of an era—and leaves a huge void for the next generation to fill.

Australia, meanwhile, still boast the core of the side that has dominated Test cricket over the last decade. But time waits for no one, and this Ashes is likely to be the last hurrah for several household names.

Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Josh Hazlewood are all approaching the twilight of their careers—and they won’t want their home farewell soured by defeat.

After all, Australia haven’t lost an Ashes series at home since 2011, and they’ve retained the urn every time since 2015.

With excitement building and UK free bets already popping up ahead of the first Test, fans and punters alike are g etting ready for what could be a series for the ages.

Here are four players—two from each side—who could define the 2025–26 Ashes.

Ben Stokes (England)

Ben Stokes has done just about everything in the game: World Cup winner, Headingley hero, match-winning all-rounder, and transformational captain. But there’s one major omission from his glittering CV—winning the Ashes Down Under.

Stokes was part of the 2015 side that last claimed the urn, but he’s never tasted Ashes glory in Australia. Injuries and workload management have limited his involvement in recent series, but with the captain’s armband and the weight of a nation’s hopes on his shoulders, this could be his defining moment.

If England are to finally break their 15-y ear winless run in Australia, they’ll need Stokes firing with bat, ball, and brain. Few players have a bigger impact on the outcome of a match—and no one in this England side wants this as badly as he does.

Joe Root (England)

Joe Root is statistically one of the greatest Test batters of all time—and currently sits second only to Sachin Tendulkar in the all-time run-scoring charts. But one monkey remains firmly on his back—he has never scored a century in Australia.

Despite coming close on multiple occasions, Root’s record Down Under remains frustrating. His struggles against Josh Hazlewood are particularly well documented—the Australian seamer has dismissed him 10 times in just 18 Tests.

With a new generation of English talent arou nd him, this could be the series where he finally cracks the Australian code. If Root can anchor the batting order and dominate like we know he can, England’s chances of regaining the urn rise dramatically.

Steve Smith (Australia)

Smith’s legacy as an Ashes great is already secure. He has tormented England across multiple series, including his unforgettable 774-run performance in 2019. But the 2025–26 edition may well be his farewell tour.

The former captain remains one of the most technically gifted batters in world cricket. His unorthodox style, supreme hand-eye coordination and mental resilience make him a nightmare for bowlers—even when out of form.

Smith will be desperate to go out on top, especially afte r a relatively quiet Ashes in 2023 by his own high standards. On home soil, he’s almost always a threat—and with a possible series decider in Sydney, don’t be surprised if he delivers one final masterclass.

Pat Cummins (Australia)

Cummins has grown into the role of Australian captain with calm authority—and remains one of the most lethal fast bowlers in the world. But like Smith, this could be his final Ashes series, and the last time he leads Australia in a battle for the urn.

Cummins was instrumental in Australia retaining the Ashes in England in 2023, and his bowling—especially with the new ball in home conditions—is second to none. His pace, control, and ability to strike early make him a constant threat.

He’ll also be key to neutralising England’s ‘Bazball’ aggression. If Cummins can put the brakes on England’s run rate and expose their middle order early, Australia’s chances of maintaining their Ashes stranglehold look strong.