Australia will continue to be without their regular captain, Pat Cummins, for the second Ashes 2025/26 Test, which will be a day-night contest at the Gabba in Brisbane. The selectors have picked the same 14 players who were on duty in Perth, with Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, and Beau Webster among those who failed to make it into the eleven.

Cummins bowled to Steve Smith on November 28 at the SCG and will travel to Brisbane with the team. He is likely to make his return in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, which gives him two weeks to prepare. Their opening batter, Usman Khawaja, has retained his place in the squad after back spasms in Perth.

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Travis Head’s success during the chase of Australia, where he smashed a fine knock of 123 runs off just 83 runs in the fourth innings of the game, has prompted debate about whether it should be made a permanent move.

Australia retain 14-member squad for second D/N Ashes 2025/26 Test in Brisbane

The absence of Cummins means that Brendan Doggett, who claimed five wickets in Perth, is likely to retain his place alongside the experienced duo of Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc. However, a question stands on Nathan Lyon, given he only bowled two overs in Perth and didn’t feature in Australia’s most recent pink-ball Test at the Sabina Park in Jamaica.

“I am going to control what I can control, keep ticking the legs over, and keep bowling and trying to improve in every session and game. If I get called on in that second Test, I feel like I am ready to go again.” Doggett expressed. Josh Hazlewood, who never had a chance to play in Brisbane, continued his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Australia lost their previous day-night Test at the Gabba against the West Indies, where they were blown away before the superb, fiery spell of Shamar Joseph.

Australia squad for second Ashes 2025/26 Test in Brisbane

Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the complete schedule for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, as the defending champions, India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will play the curtain raiser against the United States of America (USA) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

A total of 40 group-stage clashes will take place between February 07 and 20, with the top two teams from each group moving to the Super Eight stage of the event starting on February 21. The main focus of the competition will also be on Australia, under the leadership of Mitchell Marsh.

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Australia won their one and only T20 World Cup in 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium when they got the better of New Zealand under the captaincy of Aaron Finch.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Australia's full schedule revealed

Australia will be happy with the schedule as they will not be required to travel a lot around different venues around the world. Their opening clash of the event will be on February 11, where they will be up against the Irish side at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. It will be a morning clash with no dew anticipated for the entire game.

The second game of the event will be against Zimbabwe two days later at the same venue. However, it will be an afternoon fixture where spin will come into the equation for the two sides. The third and fourth games of the competition for Australia in the group stage will take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

The third game will be against Sri Lanka, the co-hosts of the event, on February 16, before they lock horns with Oman. Both games will be played in the evening.

Australia’s full schedule for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Australia continues to show its dominance with its eight-wicket win over the England side during the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. They came into the clash with three consecutive victories during the three-match Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

Australia were without their premier pacer and captain, Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the Perth Test, along with the veteran seamer, Josh Hazlewood, who was also ruled out of the same clash and would also remain unavailable for the second Brisbane Test. Steve Smith was given the responsibility to lead the side.

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In the first innings, the visiting England side was bundled out for 172 runs in 32.5 overs, while Harry Brook celebrated a fine half-century, while Ollie Pope missed the chance of getting to the milestone by a few runs in the clash. But Australia couldn’t do well either with the bat and were blown away for 132.

Know updated WTC 2025-27 points table post Australia’s victory in 1st Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

England continued to struggle with the bat in their second innings of the encounter as they could post only 164 runs. At one point, they were at a good position of 65/1 and went on to lose their last nine wickets for 99 runs. Scott Boland ended with fine figures of 4/33 in 11.4 overs, while Mitchell Starc completed 10 wickets in the game.

Travis Head smashed a sensational knock of 123 runs in 83 balls with the help of 16 boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 148.19 as they completed the chase by eight wickets.

Updated WTC 2025-27 points table post Australia’s victory

While the pacers dominated the first three innings of the first Test of the Ashes 2025-26, and the fourth innings target of 205 runs seemed really challenging, the Aussie opener Travis Head stunned everyone with a 69-ball century as the hosts stormed in the fourth innings chase. 

England set a 205-run target for the hosts Australia in the fourth innings, as the Aussie left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc completed his 10-wicket haul in the match with three more wickets in England’s second innings after his seven-fer in the first innings.  

While every cricket fan was feeling an exciting fourth innings battle in the Perth Test and a possible finish on the third day, Travis Head had a completely different idea. It was a Head-storm, where the English bowlers had no clue how to stop him.  

Watch: Mitchell Starc completes 10-wicket haul on Day 2 of 1st Test of The Ashes 2025-26

Travis Head slammed 69-ball century

As the experienced opener Usman Khawaja was unavailable to open the innings, debutant Jake Weatherald opened with Travis Head in the fourth innings. The openers had a brilliant 75-run partnership for the first wicket, while Head and Marnus Labuschagne had a 117-run partnership for the second wicket before the stand-in captain Steven Smith and Labuschagne's third wicket partnership comfortably took Australia home.  

After completing his fifty in 36 balls, Head completed his 10th Test century in just 69 balls. It was the second fastest century in the Ashes history, while it was also the joint third fastest Test century by an Australian batter. Overall, it was the joint sixth fastest century in Test cricket history.  

Fastest Ashes centuries for Australia:

57 balls - Adam Gilchrist, Perth 2006
𝟲𝟵 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 - 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱, 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
85 balls - Joe Darling, Sydney 1898

One of the greatest Ashes innings you'll ever see 🤩 pic.twitter.com/8Cb89vYpyv

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 22, 2025

Fastest centuries in the Ashes history  

• 57 balls by Adam Gilchrist (Australia) in Perth 2006

• 69 balls by Travis Head (Australia) in Perth 2025

• 76 balls by Gilbert Jessop (England) in The Oval 1902

Fastest Test centuries by Australians 

• 57 balls by Adam Gilchrist (vs England) in Perth 2006

• 67 balls by Jack Gregory (vs South Africa) in Johannesburg 1921 

• 69 balls by David Warner (vs India) in Perth 2012

• 69 balls by Travis Head (vs England) in Perth 2025

Once again, the Aussie fast bowlers dominated as England were all out for 164 runs to set a 205-run fourth innings target for the hosts in the first Test of the Ashes 2025-26 at Perth Stadium in Perth. Just like their first innings of the match, the experienced Aussie opener Usman Khawaja didn’t come to bat as an opener in the fourth innings of the Test. 

Australia have a 205-run target to win the Test match and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with four to go. However, just like the first innings of the Australian innings in the match, Usman Khawaja couldn’t come to bat as an opener, as the debutant Jake Weatherald had the new opening partner as Travis Head. 

Watch: Mitchell Starc completes 10-wicket haul on Day 2 of 1st Test of The Ashes 2025-26

Usman Khawaja once again missed out on opening batting

During the second innings of England’s innings in the Perth Test, the first slip fielder Usman Khawaja went for a low catch to dismiss Jamie Smith. Although that tough attempt was unsuccessful, Cricket Australia reported that he might have tweaked his back, while he also suffered spasms during the first innings of the match.   

While Khawaja went to the dressing room, the stand-in captain Steven Smith was seen talking with the square leg umpire, presumably about whether he could bat as an opener if he stayed out of the field for an extended time. 

Later, Cricket Australia confirmed that Khawaja couldn’t bat as an opener in the fourth innings of the Perth Test. It was also clarified that he wouldn’t be able to open even if he was able to, as that injury wasn’t counted as an “external blow.” 

Unfortunately, Uzzie's not moving too well: Pat Cummins

Australian regular captain Pat Cummins, who isn’t playing the Ashes 2025-26 opener as he is recovering from his injury, later confirmed Khawaja’s injury during his presence at the broadcaster.  

Cummins claimed, "Unfortunately, Uzzie's not moving too well. His black flared up again, in the slips going for a jump above his head. So he's unable to open. So kinda working out if we shuffle everyone up like the first innings.” 

While Khawaja is struggling with his back spasms in the Perth Test, he has been criticized for his pre-match golf outings.  

The left-arm pacer of the Australia side, Mitchell Starc, had some responsibility to grab during the opening Test of Ashes 2025/26 at the Optus Stadium in Perth in the absence of their two injured premier pacers- Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Starc was in hot form with his enormous pace and accuracy, as none of the visiting batters had the chance to tackle the left-arm pacer.

Starc opened his account with the wicket of Zak Crawley as the right-handed batter went for a booming drive and ended up getting an outside edge into the hands of the first slip, Usman Khawaja, who juggled the delivery in his hands before keeping it in. Crawley was really tentative against the new ball.

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Starc trapped the other opening batter, Ben Duckett, as the left-handed batter was trapped before the stumps, having been pinned on the crease. He was stuck on the crease against the moving delivery while Joe Root, due to the flashing drive, got an outside edge into the hands of the slip fielder.

Mitchell Starc completes 100 wickets in Ashes history during 2025/26 Test in Perth

After the break, Starc bowled a beautiful delivery to Ben Stokes as the England captain was down on his knees and had a puzzling look at the bowler. The left-arm pacer of the Three Lions completed his 100 wickets in the Ashes rivalry as he became the first left-arm pacer to complete the milestone, with Mitchell Johnson being the second highest wicket-taker in the list with 52 wickets.

Starc also sent back Gus Atkinson, who got an outside edge into the hands of the slip fielder, while Mark Wood and Jofra Archer were bounced out with the short balls. The Sydney-born ended up with figures of 7/58 in 12.5 overs at an economy rate of 4.50.

England, having been bundled out for 172 runs in the first innings due to the 52 runs from Harry Brook and 46 from Ollie Pope, drew the first blood with the wicket of Jake Weatherald as Archer came streaming in with pace.

Australia went into the opening Test of the Ashes 2025/26 against England at the Optus Stadium in Perth without their two premier pacers- captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. In these circumstances, the pressure and the responsibility were on the shoulders of veteran Mitchell Starc, who breathed fire on the opening day of the series. 

Mitchell Starc was excellent from picking the first wicket in the very first over of the game when Zak Crawley went for a booming drive on the sixth delivery. The right-handed batter negotiated the first five deliveries in the channel of uncertainty from the left-arm pacer, but couldn’t restrain from going for the big shot.

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Starc celebrated his five-wicket haul during the first inning. It was a length delivery outside the off stump which angled away from Gus Atkinson as the batter hanged the bat out and the thick outside edge went low to the second slip where the fielder grabbed a fine catch to send the batter back into the hut.

Watch: Mitchell Starc celebrates fifer during opening Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

When Joe Root came into the middle, there was a massive burden on the right-handed batter to notch up a big score. But he couldn’t open his account in the first six balls as the Yorkshire batter went for a huge drive and got an outside edge behind the stumps. Starc ended up bagging wickets at an aggressive pace and accuracy.

THAT'S FIVE FOR MITCH STARC! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/igYkBPOL9N

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 21, 2025

Starc has now completed his 100 Test wickets in the Ashes history. He has also become the first left-arm fast bowler to get to the milestone in Ashes history, with Mitchell Johnson being the second leading wicket-taker (52) in the list. The New South Wales pacer ended with figures of 7/58 in the innings, which is his best bowling spell in the longest format.

Harry Brook celebrated a fine half-century with the bat as he notched up 52 runs in 61 balls at a strike rate of 85, while Ollie Pope clubbed 46 runs in 58 balls as England were bundled out for 172 runs in the first innings.

AUS vs ENG 1st Test Ashes, 2025 Match Preview:

The first match of the iconic Ashes 2025 series will be played at Optus Stadium, Perth. In the last Ashes series in 2023, both teams won two matches each (2-2). Steven Smith will lead the Australian side in the absence of Pat Cummins. Australia has been in good form in the Test format, winning four of its last five games.

On the other hand, England played their last series against India, which ended 2-2. In this first match, both teams will aim to give their all to register their first win of the series.

AUS vs ENG Recent Performance: 

AUS vs ENG 1st Test Ashes, 2025 Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: The Ashes, 2025
• Match: AUS vs ENG Match 1 Test
• Date: 21 Nov. 2025
• Match Start Time: 07:50 AM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Sony Sports TEN Network, Jio Hotstar & Fancode

AUS vs ENG Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

AUS vs ENG Pitch & Weather Report:

The weather report for the Perth test is ideal. The temperature is expected to reach around 22.7°C. Based on previous stats, the average 1st inn score at this venue ranges between 320 and 350 runs. The pitch offers good assistance to pacers.

Optus Stadium Perth Stats: 

The Optus Stadium Perth pitch favours the pacers. Winning the toss and opting to bat will be a wise decision on this surface.      

AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Playing 11

Australia (AUS) Probable 11:

1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steven Smith(C), 5. Travis Head, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Alex Carey(WK), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Nathan Lyon, 10. Brendan Doggett, 11. Scott Boland

England (ENG) Probable 11:

1. Ben Duckett(WK), 2. Zak Crawley, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes(C), 7. Jamie Smith(WK), 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Brydon Carse, 10. Josh Tongue, 11. Gus Atkinson

AUS vs ENG- Top Picks from AUS

AUS vs ENG- Top Picks from ENG

AUS vs ENG Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

AUS vs ENG Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

Australia is expected to win this match. They have more depth and experience in their batting unit. Although the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood may hurt them, they still have Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc to counter the England batters.

AUS vs ENG 1st Test Ashes, 2025 FAQ

Who is likely to win the AUS vs ENG match today?

Australia (AUS) are expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

Australia

Who are the top fantasy picks for the AUS vs ENG Dream11 team?

Steven Smith, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Harry Brook 

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface favours the pacers, and we can expect an average score range between 240 and 280 runs.

Along with some of the memorable batting performances, the Ashes series has been historic thanks to some of the fiercest bowling. It’s about the moments of the game, like how you start the game, whether it’s the delivery from Steve Harmison in the second slip to start the trip or Mitchell Starc’s leg-side delivery breaking the stumps of Rory Burns around the leg. 

Over the years, several bowlers, irrespective of pacers and spinners, have provided some of the sensational bowling performances in the Ashes history. The Ashes 2025/26 series will begin on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, and before that, here is a glance at the top five best bowling performances in Ashes history.

In the list of the top five bowling performances in the Ashes history, only two spinners each from respective sides have got their chances. Jim Laker is from England who had an incredible record, while there is no race to the late great King Shane Warne. The latter was a nightmare to the England batters whether they play at home or make their trip to down under.  

Let’s take a look at the Top 5 bowling performances in history of Ashes-

1. Jim Laker (England)

The former England off-spinner, Jim Laker, was incredibly successful in his bowling against Australia in the history of the Ashes. The late spinner picked up 79 wickets in just 33 innings at an average of 18.27 and a strike rate of 50 with five five-wicket hauls and as many four-wicket hauls at the best bowling figure of 10/53.

Laker’s best bowling came in 1956 at the Old Trafford ground in Manchester, when in the first innings, he ended with magical figures of 9/37 in 16.4 overs as the visitors were bundled out for 84 with only two batters getting into the double figures. In the second innings, he collected 10/53 to build up the match figures of 19/90 to collect an innings and 170 run win.

2. Stuart Broad (England)

Australia will never forget the 2015 Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. It was one of those unique games where all the edges were nearly taken at the slip region or to the wicket-keeper. James Anderson was out of the clash due to injury, as the responsibility fell on the home boy, Stuart Broad, who ended with 8/15 in his 9.5 overs. Australia got bundled out for 60 in the first innings and couldn’t recover from that position to face a massive innings and 78-run defeat.

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Broad, who retired during the 2023 Ashes at the Kennington Oval in South London, is the third leading wicket-taker in Ashes history with 153 scalps at 28.96 in 74 innings at a strike rate of 54.44 with eight fifers in the format against Australia.

3. Glenn McGrath (Australia)

The former Australian pacer, Glenn McGrath, was known for putting in the hard yards in the same line and length in a handkerchief and continued to pick wickets or either drying up the runs at one end, which opens the gate of wickets falling from the other side. He is the second leading wicket-taker in Ashes history with 157 wickets at an average of 20.92 and a strike rate of 46, thanks to 10 fifers.

McGrath’s best bowling figures of 8/38 came at the iconic Lord’s Test in 1997. The home side was bundled out for 77 runs in 42.3 overs before Australia grabbed a massive lead of over 150 runs. However, the foul weather and improved batting from the home side in the second innings ended it as a draw.

4. Shane Warne (Australia) 

Over the years, Shane Warne has had several memorable bowling performances in the Ashes. The former late great leg spinner is the leading run-getter of the Ashes history with 195 wickets in just 72 innings at an average of 23.25 and a strike rate of 55.16, having 11 five-wicket hauls at the best bowling figures of 8/71 in an innings.

His best performance in the Ashes also came through a six-wicket haul, and that was in 1997 at Old Trafford in Manchester. In the first innings, Australia were bundled out for less than 250 as they needed an inspiring bowling performance, and Warne stood out. He finished with 6/48 in 30 overs as the tourists claimed a 268-run win.

5. Mitchell Starc (Australia) 

Heading into the opening Test of the five-match Ashes 2025/26 series, the pressure was on Australia's premier pacer, Mitchell Starc, in the opening clash at the Optus Stadium in Perth, especially in the absence of the two otehr experienced fast bowlers- Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Moreover, England had made several headlines by their Bazball approach.

In the first innings of the contest, the left-arm pacer picked up a breath-taking 7/58 in 12.5 overs with four maidens at an economy rate of 4.5. He terrorized the visiting batters with his pace and bounce before backing it up with anoter fine spell of 3/55 runs in 12 overs at an economy rate of nearly five with one maiden. He also won the Player of the Match award in Australia's eight-wicket victory. 

Australia have suffered a body blow ahead of the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth next week as their veteran pacer, Josh Hazlewood, has been ruled out of the opening game in Perth with a hamstring injury. He was cleared when he left the field during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria at the SCG. He won’t travel to Perth this weekend, as they have also lost Sean Abbott to a hamstring injury. 

Hazlewood, who has 295 wickets in the longest format, was in superb form against India in the white-ball formats last month and also looked in a great rhythm in Sydney. However, after completing his spell on the third morning, he felt some tightness in his hamstring and left the field immediately.

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The lanky pacer walked to a clinic next door to the SCG to have a scan, which, before the match had finished, returned clear. The national side is already missing their captain and star pace bowling all-rounder, Pat Cummins, for the opening fixture.

Australia add Michael Neser as cover for injured pacers for Ashes 2025/26 Perth Test

Since the beginning of 2014, Australia have only played twice at home in a Test match without Cummins and Hazlewood, but won on both occasions. Those games were against England in 2021 and against West Indies in 2022, which are also the two Tests Neser had played. Hazlewood’s injury means that Brendan Doggett could be closing in on a Test debut.

“Initial scans on Wednesday were clear of muscle strain; however, follow-up imaging today has confirmed the injury. Early imaging can occasionally underestimate low-grade muscle injuries.” Cricket Australia expressed in a statement. England would also likely miss their star pacer, Mark Wood, with hamstring tightness.

“Hopefully by Perth, I'm up there near 100%, and then see where we're at. It's still pretty aggressive, going from nothing to trying to get ready for a Test match in four weeks. But we're going to give it a good shot.” Pat Cummins expressed and is likely to return for the second Gabba Test.