The world’s oldest cricket rivalry is back! The Ashes 2025–26 sees Australia and England go head-to-head in a five-Test battle that will define legacies and ignite cricket passion across both nations.
From fixtures and venues to key stats, squads, and betting insights — here’s your complete Ashes 2025 guide from CricketClues.
???? Ashes 2025–26 Schedule
The series begins in Perth on November 21, with play starting at 02:30 AM (UK time). All matches will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.
| Test | Dates | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Nov 21–25 | Optus Stadium | Perth |
| 2nd Test | Dec 4–8 | The Gabba (Day/Night) | Brisbane |
| 3rd Test | Dec 17–21 | Adelaide Oval | Adelaide |
| 4th Test | Dec 26–30 (Boxing Day) | MCG | Melbourne |
| 5th Test | Jan 4–8 | SCG | Sydney |
???? Ground Guides & Pitch Insights
????️ Optus Stadium, Perth
Average 1st innings score: 395
Australia have won 4 of 5 Tests here.
Offers pace and bounce, but less extreme than the old WACA.
India’s huge win in 2023 proved this wicket rewards disciplined batting — something England will need in spades to start strong.
????️ The Gabba, Brisbane (Day/Night Test)
Average 1st innings runs/wicket: 32.9
Only 2 Australia losses since 1987.
Pink ball under lights adds swing and seam.
Known as the “Fortress,” Brisbane’s twilight sessions can destroy batting line-ups. Mitchell Starc is deadly here with the pink ball.
????️ Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Avg 1st innings runs/wicket: 44.8
Known for even bounce and swing later in the day.
Adelaide’s picturesque setting hides a tricky surface that changes character — flat early, then favors bowlers as the match wears on.
????️ MCG, Melbourne (Boxing Day Test)
Avg 1st innings runs/wicket: 40.3
England’s most successful Australian venue historically.
Capacity crowd of 90,000 expected.
If England want to turn the tide, this could be their best shot. Steve Smith and Pat Cummins have incredible records here.
????️ SCG, Sydney (Final Test)
Avg 1st innings runs/wicket: 46.1
Traditionally spin-friendly.
Nathan Lyon dominates on home turf.
If the Ashes go to the wire, Sydney’s turning surface could be decisive. England’s spin duo Will Jacks and Shoaib Bashir may finally come into play.
???? Squads
???????? Australia
Captain: Pat Cummins
Batters: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Renshaw
Wicketkeeper: Alex Carey
All-rounders: Cameron Green, Beau Webster
Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
(Final squad confirmation pending.)
???? England
Captain: Ben Stokes
Batters: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell
Wicketkeeper: Jamie Smith
All-rounder: Will Jacks
Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir, Matt Potts, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson
⚖️ Team Strengths & Weaknesses
???????? Australia
Still the toughest team to beat at home. Their fast-bowling depth and fierce competitive edge make them favorites, though Pat Cummins’ fitness and Khawaja’s form are question marks.
They thrive when ahead but can look vulnerable when pressured — something England will aim to exploit.
???? England
“Bazball” returns to Australia — bold, aggressive, and fearless. England’s pace attack is designed for Aussie conditions, featuring Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson.
But can their batting handle Australia’s pace and bounce? That will decide whether they end a 38-year drought Down Under.
???? Players to Watch
Marnus Labuschagne (Australia): Back in form with four centuries in five domestic matches. Key to stabilizing Australia’s batting.
Beau Webster (Australia): Versatile all-rounder who could fill the Cameron Green role.
Jofra Archer (England): England’s X-factor pacer. His pace and aggression could be decisive — if he stays fit.
Jacob Bethell (England): A bold young pick at No.3. England believe he’s ready for the Ashes cauldron.
???? Ashes Betting Insights
???? Series Winner Odds (indicative early markets)
Australia: 1.80
England: 3.25
Drawn Series: 4.50
(Odds vary by bookmaker; check updated prices before betting.)
???? Top Series Run-Scorer Predictions
Australia: Steve Smith or Marnus Labuschagne
England: Joe Root or Harry Brook
???? Top Series Wicket-Taker Predictions
Australia: Mitchell Starc (especially in day/night Test)
England: Jofra Archer if fully fit
England’s bold approach may create short betting windows — perfect for live or session betting opportunities.
???? Key Stats
England have won only two Ashes series in Australia since 1986–87.
Australia have lost just one home series in nine years.
Nathan Lyon has 60+ wickets in home Ashes Tests since 2013.
Steve Smith averages 78 at the MCG and 62 overall in home Ashes Tests.
???? Final Thoughts
The 2025–26 Ashes is shaping up as a classic clash of philosophies: Australia’s precision and power vs. England’s fearless Bazball.
If both captains — Pat Cummins and Ben Stokes — stay fit, we could be in for the most entertaining Ashes series of the decade.
Stay with CricketClues.com for daily updates, match previews, cricket betting tips insights, and live analysis throughout the series.
