The Ashes is one of the biggest rivalries in world cricket. When Australia and England face each other in a five-Test series, the cricket world watches with excitement. The matches are tough, emotional, and filled with history. Every Ashes tour brings new stories, new heroes, and unforgettable moments.
As the Ashes return again, here is everything you need to know, from the long rivalry to the upcoming schedule, squads, injury updates, and past records.
Why the Ashes Is So Special
The Ashes rivalry began in 1882 when England lost a Test match to Australia at The Oval. A British newspaper named Sporting Times printed a joke saying that “English cricket has died, and the body will be taken to Australia,” calling it “the ashes” of English cricket. Soon, the small urn became the symbol of the series.
Since then, every Ashes series has felt like a battle for national pride. Fans from both sides follow each ball closely. The pressure is huge, the stadiums are packed, and the cricket is intense. Unlike many other series, the Ashes has more tradition, more rivalry, and more emotional weight.
History of the Ashes
● It started in 1882 after England’s loss.
● Played every two years, switching between England and Australia.
● Australia have won more Ashes series overall, but England have also enjoyed many famous victories.
● The Ashes have produced great cricketing moments, Shane Warne’s “Ball of the Century,” Ben Stokes’ Headingley miracle, Don Bradman’s genius, and many unforgettable battles between fast bowlers and top batters.
The Ashes is not just a cricket series. It is a part of sporting culture in both countries.
Ashes Head-to-Head Record
- Total Ashes Series Wins
- Total Matches: 345
- Australia Wins: 142
- England Wins: 110
- Drawn Matches: 93
Also read: Is BCCI to Reappoint Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI Captain in Shubman Gill’s Absence?
Ashes 2025-26: Full Schedule
The upcoming Ashes will be held in Australia during the 2025-26 summer. Five Test matches will be played:
1) 1st Test – Perth (Optus Stadium), Dates: 21-25 November 2025
2) 2nd Test – Brisbane (The Gabba, Day/Night) , Dates: 4-8 December 2025
3) 3rd Test – Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Dates: 17-21 December 2025
4) 4th Test – Melbourne (MCG, Boxing Day Test), Dates: 25-30 December 2025
5) 5th Test – Sydney (SCG), Dates: 4-8 January 2026
These venues are known for their unique conditions, fast pitches in Perth and Brisbane, swing in Adelaide under lights, and traditional festive Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.
Australia Squad For 1st Test Match
Australia Ashes squad: Steven Smith (captain), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marcus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Micheal Neser, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Scott Boland, Brendon Doggett, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc
England Squad For 1st Test Match
England Ashes squad: Ben Stokes (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (Vice-Captain), Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood
Injury Updates:
Australia
● Pat Cummins: Expected to miss the first Test due to a back/stress injury but should return later for the second Test.
● Josh Hazlewood: He was ruled out of the first Test after hurting his hamstring during a Sheffield Shield match. The first scans didn’t show much, but later tests confirmed it was a muscle tear.
● Sean Abbott: Ruled out of the opening Test with a hamstring problem.
England
● Mark Wood: Had a minor concern but is expected to be fit.
● Rehan Ahmed: Dealing with a leg issue earlier; unlikely for major role.
● Ben Stokes: Managing shoulder discomfort but expected to play.
Conclusion
The return of the Ashes promises drama, tension, skill, and excitement. With a long history of great moments and the natural rivalry between England and Australia, every Test match
feels like a final. The 2025-26 Ashes in Australia will feature new talents, big comebacks, and fresh storylines, everything fans love about this iconic contest.
Written by Kinjal Walantra