Ashes 2025-26: England’s Quest to Reclaim the Urn

Cricket Australia has unveiled the schedule for the highly anticipated 2025-26 men's Ashes series, with England set to begin their campaign in Perth from November 21-25, 2025. This series will see England looking to regain the coveted urn after a hard-fought draw in the previous series.

For the first time, Perth's Optus Stadium, which opened in December 2017, will host an Ashes Test, breaking the long-standing tradition of playing Ashes matches at the Waca. Additionally, it will mark the first instance since 1982-83 that Australia will not start a home Ashes series at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Instead, the Gabba, renowned for Australia’s dominance in Ashes Tests, will host the second Test from December 4-8. It will also feature the first-ever day-night Ashes Test at the venue, played with a pink ball under the lights.

England's journey continues at the Adelaide Oval for the third Test, which takes place from December 17-21, followed by the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26-30. The series will conclude at the Sydney Cricket Ground with the final Test running from January 4-8, 2026.

In addition to the men's series, Australia will host England for the women's multi-format Ashes in early 2025. The winner of the women’s series will be decided through a points-based system across three one-day internationals, three T20s, and a single Test match.

Men’s Ashes 2025-26 Schedule:

- First Test: Optus Stadium, Perth (November 21-25)

- Second Test: Gabba, Brisbane (December 4-8)

- Third Test: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (December 17-21)

- Fourth Test: MCG, Melbourne (December 26-30)

- Fifth Test: SCG, Sydney (January 4-8)

The upcoming Ashes is expected to be one of the most exciting in recent times, with England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum meticulously planning their strategies. Their preparation has already led to a reshuffle in England's bowling attack, including the retirement of legendary pacer James Anderson, the country's highest Test wicket-taker.

Australia retained the Ashes in England last year after a dramatic 2-2 draw, heavily relying on weather conditions at Old Trafford to avoid defeat in the third Test. England has not triumphed in an Ashes series on Australian soil since 2010-11 when Andrew Strauss led them to a 3-1 victory.