The 2025-26 Ashes series has concluded, leaving a trail of drama, unforgettable performances, and tough lessons in its wake. While the contest may not have fully lived up to its sky-high expectations, it generated more genuine emotion and narrative than much of modern franchise cricket. Our panel of writers delivers its end-of-series awards, picking out the stars, the slip-ups, and the moments that defined Australia's victory.
Player of the Series & Defining Moments
The battle for player of the series was fiercely contested, but two Australians stood head and shoulders above the rest. Mitchell Starc was a colossus for the hosts, playing all five Tests and claiming a remarkable 31 wickets at an average of 19. His ability to strike early, including taking a wicket in his first over on four separate occasions, repeatedly broke England's momentum. With vital half-centuries with the bat, he was the series' most influential cricketer.
Not far behind was the pugnacious Travis Head, whose aggressive batting at the top of the order set the tone for Australia. His blistering 123 from 83 balls in Perth to chase a tricky target was a signature innings, embodying a smiling, swashbuckling annihilation of England's bowling.
For England, a shining light was Jacob Bethell's maiden Test century at the SCG, a moment of pure hope and promise amid the struggle. Joe Root also reminded everyone of his class with a superb, orthodox hundred at the Gabba, his first on Australian soil.
Brain Fades, Moral Victories & Farewells
England's campaign was punctuated by costly errors. The collective loss of composure in the field after Harry Brook dropped Travis Head early in Brisbane was cited as a pivotal brain fade. Jamie Smith's rash dismissals, particularly a wild swipe at Marnus Labuschagne in Sydney, also drew strong criticism for their poor timing and judgement.
Amid the disappointments, there were moral victories. Jofra Archer's resilient return to Test cricket, culminating in a five-wicket haul and a quick fifty in Adelaide, was a heartening subplot. The dignified retirement of Usman Khawaja, Australia's first Muslim Test cricketer, was met with a heartfelt standing ovation at the SCG, celebrating a trailblazing career of over 8,000 runs.
The series also bid farewell to the unbridled 'vibes' philosophy of England's 'Bazball' era, with calls for a more technically robust approach, and to Stuart Broad's role as pantomime villain, now reinvented as a respected broadcaster in Australia.
The Road to 2027: What Next for Both Sides?
Looking ahead to the next Ashes battle in 2027, our writers have clear advice. For England, the consensus is a need to re-engage with the fundamentals. This includes integrating more technical coaching, fostering greater mental and physical hardness in the bowling attack, and making peace with county cricket to develop players in a competitive environment. A dedicated fielding coach and months of catching drills were also highlighted as non-negotiables after a series of costly drops.
For the victorious Australia, the path is about evolution. They must manage the transition of their 'golden generation', particularly finding a trusted successor to spinner Nathan Lyon. Maintaining their core group of players and their famed competitive cussedness is key, while also ensuring their fast-bowling stocks remain fit and ready.
Ultimately, the 2025-26 Ashes provided a compelling, if flawed, spectacle. It proved that Test cricket, with all its nuances and pressures, can still generate stories and passions that no abbreviated format can match.
