The Ashes: Australia vs England – Here Is All You Need To Know

The iconic Ashes 2025-26 is set to ignite on November 21, 2025, in Perth as Australia and England renew one of cricket’s fiercest battles. England enter the series aiming to end their long drought in Australia, having last tasted Ashes success Down Under in 2011, while their most recent Ashes triumph on Australian soil came in 2015.

Australia, despite strong home records, face an unusual challenge with their squad hit by injuries. With anticipation soaring, both camps prepare for a contest loaded with pressure, narratives, and national pride.

Australia vs England: Team Challenges, Key Players And Selection Talking Points

Australia will start the series without two major pillars—skipper Pat Cummins, sidelined with a back issue, and pacer Josh Hazlewood, out due to a hamstring strain. Their absence opens the door for seamers like Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett to step up. At the top of the order, selectors are weighing options such as opener Jake Weatherald or even repositioning Marnus Labuschagne. The rest of the squad carries proven performers, including Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, and Nathan Lyon.

England, on the other hand, boasts a fiery pace unit capable of consistently breaching 90 mph. Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Matthew Potts bring pace, depth and aggression rarely seen in an English touring attack. Supported by experienced campaigners like Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, and captain Ben Stokes, England arrive with renewed confidence. Their combination of firepower and leadership could trouble Australia despite the home advantage.

Australia vs England: Full Schedule, Squads And Viewing Information For Fans In India

The second Test begins on December 4 at The Gabba in Brisbane, a day-night fixture starting at 10 a.m. IST. The third Test follows on December 17 in Adelaide, commencing at 5:30 a.m. IST. Boxing Day cricket returns on December 26 at the MCG in Melbourne, starting at 5 a.m. IST, while the final Test kicks off on January 4, 2026, at the SCG in Sydney, also at 5 a.m. IST.

Australia: Steve Smith (captain), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, and Mitchell Starc.

England: Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Indian viewers can watch every Test live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD, with digital streaming available on JioHotstar. With reputations at stake and both squads eyeing dominance, the Ashes 2025-26 promises gripping cricket from start to finish.