Top 5 key similarities between Australia's wins in the Ashes 2025-26 and the 2013 series

Australia showed their strength at home once again, defeating their arch-rivals England to win the 2025-26 Ashes series 4-1. The Men in Yellow sealed the series with a five-wicket win in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday, January 8.

This is Australia’s fourth consecutive Ashesseries win at home, a streak that started with the famous 2013-14 series. Back then, the Michael Clarke-led team were at their best, handing England a 5-0 whitewash as they left Australia completely broken and defeated.

There are some patterns and similarities between the two series, which are 12 years apart. Here are five similarities between Australia’s wins in the Ashes 2025-26 and the 2013 series.

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1. A Left-Arm Pacer Leads the Wickets

The 2013-14 Ashes is remembered for Mitchell Johnson, who took 37 wickets at an average of 13.97. He troubled England throughout the series and finished as the leading wicket-taker, 15 wickets ahead of Ryan Harris. He was also named Player of the Series.

Similarly, Mitchell Starc led the 2025-26 Ashes with 31 wickets at an average of 19.93, finishing nine wickets ahead of Brydon Carse.

2. A Left-Handed Australian Opener Tops the Runs

In the 2013-14 Ashes, David Warner scored 523 runs at an average of 58.11, including two centuries and two fifties. He dominated the England bowlers.

In the 2025-26 series, Travis Head, who was not originally an opener, scored 629 runs in five Tests. He hit three centuries and ended as the top scorer of the series.

3. England Faces a No.3 Crisis

England’s success in Australia depends heavily on the No.3 batter. In 2013-14, Jonathan Trott left the tour early after scoring 10 and 9 in the first Test. Joe Root and, later, Ian Bell struggled in the role.

In the 2025-26 Ashes, Ollie Pope scored only 125 runs in three Tests. England then tried Jacob Bethell, who struggled at first but later scored a memorable century in Sydney.

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4. Hotspot and Snicko Issues

The 2025-26 Ashes saw several problems with the Decision Review System, especially Snicko, which caused confusion due to delayed or missing spikes.

Similar issues were seen in the 2013-14 series, including Joe Root’s controversial dismissal in Perth despite no clear evidence from Hotspot.

5. Veteran Retirements and England Coach Under Pressure

During the 2013-14 Ashes, Jonathan Trott and Graeme Swann retired during the series. England coach Andy Flower faced heavy criticism and later stepped down.

In the 2025-26 Ashes, veteran batter Usman Khawaja retired during the series due to injury. England coach Brendon McCullum is also under pressure after a poor campaign and questions over the ‘Bazball’ approach.