Get ready for the Ashes 2025-26 as Australia and England face off in the opening Test starting November 21st at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The iconic cricket rivalry returns, with the home team, Australia, expected to perform strongly as favorites in the first match.
Steve Smith will captain Australia in the absence of the injured Pat Cummins for the first Test. The team will also be without Josh Hazlewood, a significant gap in their pace attack and the first home Test since 2022 featuring neither Cummins nor Hazlewood. Brendan Doggett is set for his Test debut in Perth, and Jake Weatherald is expected to be given a chance to stabilize the top of the batting order. The return of Cameron Green to the squad is a positive development for the Australian team, providing much-needed depth.
England, led by Ben Stokes, arrives with a full-strength squad, aiming to overcome their historical struggles in Australia. They haven’t won a Test on Australian soil since the 2010-11 Ashes series, enduring a challenging period with 13 losses and two draws in their last three away Ashes campaigns.
A key highlight for England is the fitness of their formidable pace duo, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, who are ready to feature together for only the second time. Indian fans can experience the Ashes live through the Star Sports Network. Additionally, live streaming of the Ashes 2025-26 series will be provided by JioHotstar for audiences in India.