The Ashes 2025/26: England's Quest for Glory Down Under Begins
The legendary Ashes rivalry has reignited as England embark on their mission to reclaim the famous urn on Australian soil for the first time in fifteen years. Ben Stokes leads his team into battle against an Australian side that has dominated recent home series, having secured three consecutive comprehensive victories including a 5-0 whitewash in 2013/14 followed by two 4-0 triumphs.
The 2023 series in England concluded in a dramatic 2-2 draw, providing hope that this touring party can be more competitive than their predecessors. Australia faces the first Test in Perth with significant challenges, as captain Pat Cummins is injured and will be replaced by Steve Smith, while key bowler Josh Hazelwood is also unavailable for the Perth encounter.
Complete Test Match Schedule and UK Viewing Times
British cricket enthusiasts should prepare for overnight viewing sessions with matches starting in the early hours. The full schedule with UK times is as follows:
- First Test – Optus Stadium, Perth: Starts November 21 at 2.30am UK time
- Second Test – The Gabba, Brisbane: Day/night match beginning December 4 at 4.30am UK time
- Third Test – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide: Commences December 17 at 12am UK time
- Fourth Test – MCG, Melbourne: Christmas Day start at 11.30pm UK time
- Fifth Test – SCG, Sydney: Begins January 3 at 11.30pm UK time
How to Follow The Ashes from the United Kingdom
TNT Sports holds exclusive television broadcasting rights for the series in the UK, requiring viewers to have a subscription to their channel or streaming service Discovery+. For those preferring radio coverage, the BBC's Test Match Special will provide ball-by-ball commentary throughout the contest.
Notably, Sky Sports opted not to pursue broadcasting rights for this overseas series, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts with Premier League football and the World Darts Championship during the British winter months.
Iconic Australian Cricket Venues Hosting The Ashes
The series will traverse five legendary Australian cricket grounds, each with impressive capacities:
- Optus Stadium, Perth: 61,000 capacity
- The Gabba, Brisbane: 37,000 capacity
- Adelaide Oval, Adelaide: 53,500 capacity
- MCG, Melbourne: 100,000 capacity
- SCG, Sydney: 48,000 capacity
Squad Lists and Betting Odds
England's squad features established stars including Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Jofra Archer, while Australia will rely on experienced campaigners like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Nathan Lyon.
Bookmakers currently favour the home side with Australia priced at 4/7 to win the series, while England are available at 2/1. The draw is considered unlikely at 17/2, reflecting the competitive nature anticipated between these historic rivals.
With both teams facing early selection challenges and England seeking to break a long-standing overseas drought, this Ashes series promises compelling cricket drama through the night for British supporters.
