The Ashes, cricket’s most storied rivalry, traces its origins to a match played at The Oval in 1882 when Australia secured their first-ever Test win on English soil. A satirical obituary in The Sporting Times lamented the “death of English cricket”, sparking the creation of the symbolic urn that represents Ashes supremacy. Since then, this biennial series between England and Australia has become a showcase of cricketing excellence and fierce competition.
The Ashes 2025-2026 series between Australia and England promises another thrilling chapter in this saga. Hosted by Australia, who are the current holders of the Ashes having retained them with a draw in 2023, the series will feature five Test matches at iconic venues, beginning with the opener at Perth Stadium from 21-25 November 2025. Known for its fast and bouncy pitch, Perth will set the tone for the series. The action then moves to The Gabba in Brisbane for a day/night Test from 4-8 December 2025, adding the challenge of the pink ball under lights.
The festive season brings the Christmas Test at Adelaide Oval (17-21 December 2025), renowned for its picturesque setting and competitive history. The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (26-30 December 2025) will again draw massive crowds, blending cricket with holiday celebrations. Finally, the series concludes at Sydney Cricket Ground with the New Year’s Test (4-8 January 2026), a venue steeped in tradition and known for producing memorable contests.
This series holds added significance in the ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025-2027), with both teams vying for crucial points. England, still seeking their first series win in Australia since 2010-2011, will look to break the hosts’ dominance.
Fans worldwide eagerly await the drama and skill that define the Ashes, a contest where every ball bowled echoes with history. As Australia and England gear up, the 2025-2026 series promises unforgettable moments and the continuation of a legacy that has captivated cricket lovers for more than 140 years.
Image: Sydney Cricket Ground will host the 5th Ashes Test in January 2026 (Credit: davidmolloyphotography.com / via WikiCommons)
Cricket: The Ashes 2025-2026 fixtures
Ashes 1st Test – Australia vs. England
When: 21-25 November 2025
Where: Perth Stadium, Perth, Australia
Ashes 2nd Test – Australia vs. England
When: 4-8 December 2025 (day/night Test)
Where: The Gabba, Brisbane, Australia
Ashes 3rd Test – Australia vs. England
When: 17-21 December 2025
Where: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia
Ashes 4th Test – Australia vs. England
When: 26-30 December 2025
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne, Australia
Ashes 5th Test – Australia vs. England
When: 4-8 January 2026
Where: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney, Australia