England has faced a hard Ashes series, but at the Sydney Cricket Ground a new chapter was opened as Jacob Bethell presented himself on the largest stage with a spectacular maiden Test century against Australia.

Batting on the fourth day of the last and fifth Ashes Test at the SCG, the 22-year-old left hander impressed with an innings that showed his patience, dynamism and incredible maturity. Coming in early when England lost Zak Crawley cheaply, Bethell found himself immediately under pressure. Yet, what happened next was a classic demonstration of hard work.

A coming-of-age knock on the grandest stage

Bethell hit his hundred with a beautiful four from Beau Webster, shimmying down the track and hitting the ball over mid-on as the crowd went wild. He marked the occasion by taking off his helmet, acknowledging the crowds, and pointing his bat to his family - a moment which could not have expressed better the feeling of the occasion. It is important to point out that this was not only his first Test century but also his first-ever first-class century, thus making the knock even more special.

Ex-players and spectators unanimously commended Bethell's character. Instead of going for milestones, he simply let the tension simmer; his on-field presence got tested by seven fiery balls at 99 before he finally passed the mark. After facing 162 balls, he reached the three figures with shots like clear drives, bold cuts, and sound decision-making against the top-notch Australian bowlers.

Watch the video:

A maiden Test century for Jacob Bethell! What a way to do it 🤩#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/lXSUViEVrR

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 7, 2026

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In a contest wherein England quite frequently seemed to be at their wit's end, Bethell's straight drive was a signal of the new generation. Not only did it save England from the imminent danger of an innings defeat but also forced Australia to take on the challenge of batting in the next innings, thus, creating an interesting last chapter of the Test. For England, the Ashes may be gone, but at the SCG, a star was unmistakably born.

Maiden first-class hundreds by England players in Test cricket

The England team’s terrible Ashes 2025–26 performance has brought the coach Brendon McCullum into the limelight. There is a lot of speculation regarding the future of the much-discussed ‘Bazball’ playing style. The series was lost in just 11 days, and with the score at 0-3 and two Tests left, the team led by Ben Stokes has been completely outclassed in all areas by Australia.

Monty Panesar brings up Ravi Shastri as the one who can help England solve the Australian problem

Meanwhile, the dust has not settled yet, and the former England player Monty Panesar has put a rather surprising but at the same time very attractive name on the table: Ravi Shastri. During his conversation with journalist Ravi Bisht on YouTube, Panesar insisted that Shastri's acknowledged ability to defeat Australia was what made him a perfect choice to pull England out of their present predicament.

“You have to question who clearly knows how to beat Australia,” said Panesar. “What are the ways to mentally, physically, and tactically exploit their strengths? I think Ravi Shastri must be the next head coach of England.”

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The credentials of Shastri are tough to overlook. He was the captain behind the two famous Test series wins in Australia during India’s heydays, 2018–19 and again in 2020–21, while he was the India head coach. The latter victory, which was attained in spite of injuries and the notorious 36 all out in Adelaide, has been described as one of India’s greatest overseas accomplishments.

Bazball is at a turning point as McCullum faces the consequence of the Ashes collapse

McCullum, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s choice in 2022, first made the Test team of England a different character. Together with Stokes, he took the team to 10 victories in their first 11 matches, bringing back faith and combativeness. But the victory has now turned to a draw. England has been unable to win high-profile series against Australia and India and has lost 16 of the last 33 Tests.

McCullum has, however, been criticized, and has still kept saying he is not the one to decide about his future. He is under contract until the 2027 ODI World Cup, and he keeps insisting he is still motivated, calling the England role “a pretty good gig.”

With the Ashes already lost and the pressure mounting, the ECB is faced with a crucial decision. The choice between continuing with the Bazball approach or seeking a tough tactician like Shastri could determine the course of England's red-ball cricket for many years.

Western Australia hasn’t been shy away from rubbing salt on England’s fresh and deep wounds as they again lost the Ashes 2025/26 series after the 82-run defeat in the third red-ball clash at the Adelaide Oval. On December 22, they published an obituary of ‘Bazball’- which changed the face of English cricket with their attacking approach.

It’s reminiscent of the obituary of England Cricket that was published by the ‘Sporting Times’ in 1882, which led to the iconic name of the series- ‘The Ashes’. There were several stages during the Adelaide clash when England were ahead, but they couldn’t dominate the game from thereon, which saw them losing the urn by a 3-0 margin in the series so far. 

See Also: Watch: "Didn't want to..."- Rohit Sharma reacts to ODI World Cup 2023 final defeat

“An affectionate remembrance of Bazball, who died at the Oval on 21st December 2025. Deeply lamented by Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, but basically no one else. R.I.P. Australia win the Ashes, beating woeful Poms in just three matches and 11 days of cricket.” The obituary mocked the Bazball in Western Australia.  

Western Australia mocks Bazball with obituary in Ashes 2025/27

Memory goes back to the opening Test of the series at the Optus Stadium in Perth when England were leading by 100 runs on the first session of the second day with eight wickets in hand. But they let the game slip from that position drastically and ended up losing the game four hours later.

The back page of Monday's The West Australian. pic.twitter.com/BUAs0pxxsK

— The West Australian (@westaustralian) December 21, 2025

Stokes revealed that their dream has been broken at the moment, but they would still try to win the last two games in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and later on in the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

“I thought we were on for another heist this morning when Jamie and Will were playing so well, but we can't do what we came here to do. There’s some good stuff to take out of this game. Looking back on this game, losing the toss and going in to bowl, keeping Australia to an under-par score, not being able to respond with the bat the way we wanted to.” Stokes addressed in the post-match presentation.

England captain Ben Stokes has urged his side to “show a bit of dog” as they prepare for a must-win third Ashes Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, with the five-match series hanging delicately in the balance. Trailing 0-2 after heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane, England face a familiar yet daunting challenge, one that Stokes believes his team is mentally equipped to handle.

Drawing parallels with the 2023 Ashes in England, where his side bounced back from a similar deficit, Stokes insisted that the clarity of the task remains unchanged. “We’ve been in this position before,” he said on the eve of the Test. “Everyone knows what needs to happen. If anything, it makes things simpler and clearer.”

Rather than viewing the situation as pressure-filled, Stokes believes the deficit has sharpened England’s focus. He dismissed any suggestion that the players now owe him or the management a response for their backing, stressing trust over obligation. “These are the moments where the players you back are trusted to deliver,” he said. “I would never say you owe me. Go out, back yourself, and do what needs to be done.”

Watch the video:

If any team can do it, this team can.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 16, 2025

Backing you to have a BIG week, JT! 👊🔥

Hear from Ben Stokes on our preparation, fight, belief, the Oval pitch and much more ahead of the 3rd Test 👇

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 16, 2025

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Show a bit of dog Stokes challenges England ahead of Adelaide Test

Stokes pointed to England’s Lord’s Test win against India earlier this year as an example of how intensity and confrontation can spark a response. “That’s fight to me,” he explained. “Looking your opposition in the eye and showing a bit of dog gives you the best chance.”

England have made just one change for Adelaide, recalling Josh Tongue in place of Gus Atkinson, while sticking with Will Jacks as the spinning all-round option ahead of Shoaib Bashir. Despite questions around selection, Stokes made it clear that mindset matters more than personnel. 

“We’ve had proper, meaningful conversations,” he said. “All the talking is done now. What matters is what gets shown on the field.” With England winless in Australia for 15 years and the series on the line, Stokes’ message is clear: resilience, fight, and belief must now translate into performance.

Australia have received a timely boost ahead of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, with both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood returning to the nets in Sydney. The fast-bowling duo, who missed the opening Test in Perth due to injury, trained at Cricket Central while New South Wales were in Sheffield Shield action.

Cummins, recovering from a back issue, was seen bowling with the pink ball,an encouraging sign with the Brisbane Test set to be a day-night fixture. According to head coach Andrew McDonald, the Australian captain is nearing the end of his rehabilitation. He noted that Cummins’ intensity and pace in the nets suggested real progress, though the final hurdle remains proving he can withstand the significant workload required in Test cricket.

The two-day finish in Perth has given Australia an extended break before the second Test, which has strengthened Cummins’ chances of returning. With the schedule tightening after Brisbane, his availability would be a major lift for the hosts as they aim to build on their early advantage.

Hazlewood Eyes Adelaide as Australia’s Pace Bench Shows Impressive Depth

Hazlewood, meanwhile, bowled with the red ball as he works his way back from a hamstring strain. Although he is not expected to feature in Brisbane, his presence at training has provided optimism that he will be ready for the third Test in Adelaide. McDonald indicated that the team expects Hazlewood to play a part later in the series once his early rehab phase is complete.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Rishabh Pant smiling after missing easy chance to stump Tristan Stubbs on Day 4 of IND vs SA 2nd Test

Australia’s depth has also been highlighted by impressive domestic performances. Xavier Bartlett’s standout display for Queensland,taking 4 for 35 and scoring a career-best 72,has placed him firmly on the selectors’ radar, though Australia may not need reinforcements if their frontline quicks return as planned. Michael Neser, the spare pacer in Perth, remains another strong option, especially at his home ground in Brisbane.

Jhye Richardson is also edging closer to full fitness after shoulder surgery. He bowled 20 overs for the Cricket Australia XI against England Lions and is expected to feature for Australia A next week. With Cummins likely for the Gabba and Hazlewood targeting Adelaide, Australia’s pace stocks appear to be strengthening at the perfect time.

Travis Head has a reputation for changing the tempo of a match within a handful of overs. But on a fiery Perth surface in the opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series, he unleashed arguably the most destructive knock of his career. Facing a tricky target of 205 after Australia were rattled by Ben Stokes’ spell earlier in the match, Head walked out to open and simply tore England apart.

The left-hander smashed 123 runs from just 83 balls, peppering the boundaries with 16 fours and four sixes, and turned what could have been a tense chase into a statement victory. Australia romped home by eight wickets inside two days, a rare instance of Ashes carnage finishing before the weekend truly began.

Along the way, Head not only thrilled the Perth crowd but also rewrote several chapters of cricket’s record books. Here are the five milestone achievements from his unforgettable century.

1 Second-fastest century in Ashes history

Head needed only 69 balls to reach his hundred, placing him among the absolute best in 147 years of Ashes rivalry. The only name ahead of him? The legendary Adam Gilchrist, who smashed a 57-ball hundred at the very same venue back in 2006.

Gilchrist ended unbeaten on 102 from 59 deliveries that day, a knock that still lives in Ashes folklore. Head’s innings now joins that elite stratosphere, highlighting the modern Australian approach of fearless, counterattacking cricket when the pressure is on.

2 Fastest fourth-innings hundred in Test cricket

Chasing in Test matches is a mental test, the scoreboard pressure, fielders around the bat, every mistake magnified. But Head made the fourth innings look like a Saturday afternoon net session.

He broke a 122-year-old record, surpassing Gilbert Jessop, whose 76-ball hundred at The Oval in 1902 had stood untouched for generations. Head’s strike-first intent turned a competitive chase into a sprint and left England with no time to react or reset their plans.

3 Joint-fastest Test hundred by an opening batter

Head’s attacking instincts have transformed him into a dynamic Test opener. With his 69-ball ton, he now shares the fastest century by a Test opener with another Australian power-hitter: David Warner - 69 balls vs India, Perth, 2012

Warner went big in that innings with 180. Head matched the speed and nearly matched the punch, proof that Perth continues to be a playground for Aussie stroke makers.

ALSO SEE: Taijul Islam breaks Shakib Al Hasan's all-time Test record for Bangladesh

4 Highest strike rate ever in a successful Test run chase

Head played like he was chasing a T20 total, not one set by arch-rivals England in the Ashes. His 123 off 83 balls came at a staggering 148.19 strike rate, now the all-time highest while successfully chasing in Tests.

He overtook England’s Jonny Bairstow, who set the previous record with a 147.82 strike rate while hunting down 299 against New Zealand in 2022. This was pure domination, England bowled short, full, wide, straight… but nothing slowed him down.

5 Joint third-fastest century by an Australian in Test cricket

Australia has produced some of the most aggressive batters in Test history - Gilchrist, Warner, Hayden… and now Head comfortably sits among those giants.

Fastest hundreds by Australians in Tests:

1. Adam Gilchrist - 57 balls (2006 vs England)
2. JM Gregory - 67 balls (1921 vs South Africa)
3. Travis Head - 69 balls (2025 vs England)
   David Warner - 69 balls (2012 vs India)

For Head to be tied on that list shows just how much of a game-breaker he has become.

A knock that defines a modern Ashes era

This innings wasn’t just about records, it was a statement:

• England had sniffed a famous win after Stokes’ fiery spell
• The pitch was lively and the match finely poised
• Head turned pressure into fireworks

In less than 29 overs, Australia sealed an eight-wicket win in a Test that lasted barely two days, a rarity in Ashes history.

The Travis Head effect

Head has made a habit of producing match-turning centuries at high tempo, his Ashes hundred at Brisbane in 2021 being another example. But this one felt definitive, a declaration that in this rivalry, Australia have a new tone-setter. If this is how the series has begun, England’s bowlers could be in for a long, or perhaps very short, few weeks.

England captain Ben Stokes conceded that his side were left completely “shellshocked” by Travis Head’s breathtaking knock, which powered Australia to a dominant eight-wicket victory in the opening Ashes Test in Perth. The match finished inside two days, as Australia rose above the early chaos and seized control with ruthless efficiency.

Boland’s burst and Head’s fireworks leave England stunned

England looked well placed at lunch on Day 2, having reached 65 for 1 with a lead approaching 100 runs. But their promising position evaporated within minutes. A dramatic collapse, four wickets tumbling for just 11 runs, handed Australia all the momentum. Scott Boland’s sharp burst ignited the turnaround, and although England’s lower-order fought to post 205, it was nowhere near enough once Head walked out.

With Usman Khawaja unavailable, the decision to promote Head to the top proved a masterstroke. The left-hander launched a fierce counter-attack, smashing 123 off just 83 balls in an innings packed with clean hitting and fearless intent. He single-handedly dismantled England’s plans and steered Australia to the target in only 28.2 overs.

ALSO SEE: India and Pakistan set to be in same group as ICC set to announce scehedule for T20 World Cup 2026

Speaking after the defeat, Stokes openly praised Australia’s match-winner. “That innings from Travis Head was pretty phenomenal,” he said. “It’s still very raw, but that knock really took the wind out of us. We tried different plans, but when someone’s going that hard, it’s tough to stop.”

England captain calls for quick reset ahead of crucial Brisbane Test

While critics pointed to England’s aggressive batting as a factor in their collapse, Stokes insisted the approach wasn’t the problem, execution was. “The players who took the game on found success,” he said. “Occupying the crease didn’t seem to work on this surface. On wickets like this, you never feel you have enough runs.”

Despite the disappointment, Stokes highlighted the positive impact of England’s five-man pace attack, which impressed during Australia’s first innings on a lively pitch that saw 19 wickets fall on Day 1. With a long break before the day-night Test in Brisbane starting December 4, England aim to regroup quickly.

“It hurts, obviously,” Stokes admitted. “But we’ve got four games left. We’ll let this sink in and then move on, we’ve got to hit the ground running in Brisbane.”

The stand-in captain for Australia, Steve Smith, in the absence of their regular Test captain, Pat Cummins, has confirmed the playing XI ahead of the opening Test of the Ashes 2025/26 at Optus Stadium in Perth. They have decided to go with two debutants, Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald, for the opening clash, besides missing a few top players. 

There were several discussions on the decision between Cameron Green and Beau Webster, and management has decided to go with the former. The Western Australia star went through a few rounds of the Sheffield Shield games and also bowled a few overs. Smith reckoned that Marnus Labuschagne had done enough to win a recall.

See Also: List of players to score ODI centuries against all Test-playing Nations ft. Shai Hope

“Marnus, when he's batting at his best at No.3, he makes us a very good cricket side. We couldn't really leave him out after he came back and did exactly what was told of him. The way he's batted in Shield and one-day cricket for Queensland in the last couple of weeks has been amazing.” Smith expressed at the press conference.

Australia confirm Jake Weatherald and Brendon Doggett’s debut in opening Ashes 2025/26 Test

Since the opening Ashes 2020/21 Test at the Gabba when Pat Cummins became the captain of the red-ball side, Australia have not lost a single home Test series. In six attempts, the only drawn series was against the West Indies a year ago.

“So when he's batting well, he's tough to leave out and hopefully he can bring that to the Test arena now. Beau, he's the one who misses out, unfortunately. He came into international cricket and lit it up immediately – it's a really tough one on him.” Smith shed light.

“Injuries happen in sport, particularly in cricket with fast bowlers, as they put a lot of stress on their bodies. Unfortunate that those two are out. But an exciting opportunity for Scotty (Boland) and for Brendan Doggett to make his debut.” Australia’s captain informed.

Australia’s playing XI for opening Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.

With over 140 years of enriching history, Australia and England go head to head again in the highly anticipated Ashes Series, commencing on 21 November 2025 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. 

The five-test rubber runs until 8th January 2026, with Brisbane (The Gabba and the host of the Day-Night Pink Ball Test), Adelaide, Melbourne (The Traditional Boxing Day Test venue), and Sydney (The New Year's Test) as the other venues (in order) for the rest of the four games.

The series holds humungous importance as ever, with stakes, pride, prestige, and bragging rights up for grabs, in addition to crucial World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 Points Table position. The mercury will soar high, and the tempers will flare. The Australian Summer has never been hotter.

The Historical Context of ‘The Ashes’

The cricketing clash between the two proud nations is one of sports’ greatest rivalries, which began in 1882-83. During that season, Australia, captained by Billy Murdoch, defeated England on the latter’s soil, and then the English media voiced out their brutal opinions.

A leading national daily, ‘The Sporting Times’, published an obituary, announcing the passing away of English Cricket in a condolence statement. Moreover, it stated that the ashes of the wooden bails, covering the stumps, will be transported to Australia post the funeral. 

That name stuck, and a subsequent English tour to Australia, led by Ivo Bligh, vowed to "regain the Ashes" and thus began the famous rivalry. The symbolic trophy, a small terracotta urn, was presented to the skipper after England won that series. It was brought back to Britain and is now housed at the Lord's Cricket Ground, London.

Consequently, the series between the sides became popular as ‘The Ashes’. Since then, the biennial event’s miniature yet renowned trophy has been considered to be the same ash vessel, a replica of which is now awarded to the winners.

See Also - Ashes 2025-26: Live streaming details , How and Where to watch for free?

The two arch-rivals have so far contested 340 test matches. The Aussies have triumphed on 140 instances, whereas the Englishmen have won on 108 occasions. Ninety-two games have ended in a draw. The series winners’ tally stands marginally in favour of Australia.

The current hosts have won 34 trophies as compared to England’s 32. There have been seven drawn series as well, and on six of them, Australia have retained the urn. The men from Down Under have retained the trophy since the 2017-18 season.

England last lifted the Ashes in 2015, at home, after emerging victorious 3-2. Further, it’s worth noting that it has been 15 years since England last won a test match in Australia. They had then defeated their rivals, away from home, in their den, by claiming the 2010-11 series 3-1.

The Australia and England Squads' Comparison for The Ashes 2025-26

Both, the home side, Australia, and the touring party, England, come in with a balanced but formidable unit. The sets of players chosen in the mix make the squads cover all bases.

While the Aussie men prefer to play the traditional brand of test cricket, on the contrary, their opponents, quintessentially, have been known for playing an attacking style in the red ball format of the game. Both groups feature players who are intrinsic strokemakers. Further, the sides are fully loaded with bowlers who carry raw pace in their ranks as well. 

Top Order -

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Jacob Bethell

The hosts enter the series with a string of doubts over their batting order. Sam Konstas has been overlooked, and the only thing that seems certain is the position of Usman Khawaja at the top. The latter is at the tail end of his career, and he might have a different opening partner in Jake Weatherald, come Perth.

If handed a debut, Jake will be the sixth different batting partner to Khawaja since David Warner's retirement. Marnus Labuschagne is back in form, courtesy of some great returns in Sheffield Shield Cricket. With Cameron Green going full tilt again, he's expected to play the all-rounder role. 

England, on the other hand, come with a definite assurance. Their top order has been tried, tested, and looks sorted, having been given a great and consistent run since 2019.

Their fearless approach to playing, synonymous with 'Bazball', has often laid the foundation of some impeccable victories. If the tourists are to have a great summer in Australia, the standout duo of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley must click. The only worry that might persist would be the dwindling batting form of Ollie Pope as the series progresses. 

Middle Order -

Australia: Steve Smith, Travis Head
England: Joe Root, Harry Brook

The middle order is the backbone and lifeline of any test side, and this time it is no different. It comprises the engine room and would play the maximum role in deciding the series. Steve Smith, the stand-in skipper for the first test, and Joe Root are the epicentre players of their respective sides and the reliable glue between the top and lower order.

Their batting prowess and experiences make them great, and the series would surely revolve around their performances. A test hundred in Australia has eluded Root, the current number one batter in the ICC rankings, ever since, and this might be his best chance to add that to his glorious repertoire. 

Harry Brook, ranked second in the ICC test list, is the modern-day sensation and has taken the cricketing world by storm. His almost negligible game time in Australia, hitherto, might give him a rough start initially. However, the English vice-captain is skilled magnificently and possesses all that it takes to succeed Down Under. Travis Head, similarly, loves to take the attack to the opposition, and England must not expect any mercy from him. 

All Rounders -

Australia: Cameron Green, Beau Webster
England: Ben Stokes, Will Jacks

The Aussie all-rounders seem bleak against the English leader, Ben Stokes, who is a cricket institution in himself. Batting, bowling or fielding, the latter is a literal workhorse and is second to none. His immaculate ability to keep going makes him tenacious and determined more than ever to win this Ashes series. He is also in great touch, having had an invaluable role to play in the Indian series during the UK summer.

The only issue that might prick the visitors is Stokes' tryst with frequent breakdowns. England would wish for him to be at his fittest and go full throttle at their opponents. He is arguably the sport's greatest ever player. 

Beau Webster might have to make way for Cameron Green as the lone fast-bowling all-rounder in the playing eleven. Make no mistake, the former performed exceedingly well against India last summer and fulfilled Green's absence effectively. 

Wicket Keepers -

Australia: Alex Carey, Josh Inglis
England: Jamie Smith

Australia's incumbent wicket-keeper, Alex Carey, has consolidated his position with the gloves in hand perfectly. Having debuted in The Ashes 2021-22, he has grown in his duties behind the stumps and has made useful batting contributions with the tailenders. The Southpaw has braved the effects of time and has had an assured international career so far. 

England's Jamie Smith is one of the few prodigious cricketing talents making rounds. The Surrey player has had an impactful initiation to test cricket, both with the bat and while donning the gloves in his hands. His ability to go 'horses for courses' makes him versatile and mature beyond his young age. He might lick his lips seeing the bounce on the Aussie pitches. 

Fast Bowlers -

Australia: Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Sean Abbott
England: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Matthew Potts

Both teams boast some heavy pace batteries, raring to go, and striking poles at above 90 miles an hour. The Aussie trio of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood are a menace and a nightmare for any batting line-up. Playing together, they have amassed 466 wickets at an average of 24.50 in 38 test matches.

However, Pat Cummins, the Aussie skipper, and Josh Hazlewood are recovering from their respective injuries and hence are not expected to play any role in the first game. The players that would fill those gaps bring with them rich pace bowling talent. Scott Boland, among them, is England's nemesis, having bowled exceptionally well in the limited game time he has had for his national team. 

The English quicks lack playing time with the red ball on the Australian pitches, and otherwise as well. Most of them have been hit by frequent injury bugs over the years. Therefore, it would be interesting to see how they manage their workloads under gruelling conditions over a period of two months.

If fit, they will unleash fire at the opposition batters and go neck and neck with their Aussie counterparts. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood can prove to be potent weapons for Ben Stokes. England, for the first time, possess an arsenal of bowlers that do not rely on traditional swing and seam bowling. They are now faster, fierier and lethal.  

Spinners -

Australia: Nathan Lyon 
England: Shoaib Bashir

The two spinners enter with a vast difference in experiences. Nathan Lyon has been plying himself for a long time now and has racked up 562 test wickets, yet.

He is arguably one of the greatest off-spinners of all time and is never far away from wickets, besides providing a break to the pacers through his lengthy spells. He has had a massive say regardless of the conditions, and that makes him irreplaceable.

Shoaib Bashir, on the contrary, is just in his second year of the longest format of the game. The English team management trusts him with the ball in his hands. His height to extract the bounce off the pitch, and the accuracy to hit the right lengths, could aid him in having fruitful returns for his side. 

The Conclusion

Ben Stokes really wants to be one of the few England captains to win the Ashes in Australia 🗣✨#Cricket #BenStokes #Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/jiaNlWTquM

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 20, 2025

Experts say that this English side has all that it takes to succeed Down Under. As is evident, they possess similarities with the 2011-12 Ashes series-winning squad, and the players feel confident in their ranks to do so. Australia are never an easy force to reckon with anywhere, let alone in their backyard. 

However, they have been plagued with injuries of late, and a few uncertainties surround their batting form too. It will be crucial for both sides to set an early marker and lay the blueprint for the series' progression ahead.

Nevertheless, it would be a humdinger of a battle, with premium cricket on display, at some very aesthetic stadiums, among thousands of passionate fans of Australia and the Barmy Army. The buzz is real and at an all-time high. The former players have been raking up some mind games and banters, and so are the current ones. Taking a dig at the opposition is the flavour of the season.

The Aussie media has been at its bashing best and leaving no stone unturned in mocking the English group. The analysis and all the preparations are done. The predictions are already in. Expect fireworks under the scorching southern hemisphere sun. It will surely be a glorious couple of months, culminating in a wonderful spectacle of test cricket. After all, the greatest rivalry in any sport is waiting to heavily treat the fans globally. It's almost time. 

See Also - 'England’s Cocky Captain...' - Australian media mocks Ben Stokes ahead of 2025-26 Ashes series

Nasser Hussain has joined The Athletic as a columnist as part of our coverage of the Ashes, which begin on Friday in Perth.

“This is going to be a special series because it does feel like the culmination for this [England] regime. Not the end, but this is what they’ve built up… pic.twitter.com/HiG70fGkkM

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 17, 2025

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the stand-in captain for Australia in the first Ashes 2025-26 Test?

Steve Smith will serve as the stand-in captain for Australia in the first Test in Perth due to an injury to regular skipper Pat Cummins.

2. Which Australian grounds are hosting the Day-Night Test and the Boxing Day Test in the 2025-26 Ashes?

The Day-Night Test (pink ball), the second game of the series, will be hosted at The Gabba in Brisbane, drifting away from the streak of hosting it at the Adelaide Oval over the past few seasons. The iconic Boxing Day Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

3. When did England last win an Ashes Test match and series in Australia?

England last won an Ashes Test in Australia in 2011 (as part of the 2010-11 series), which remains their last series victory Down Under (winning 3-1).

4. Which England batsman is currently ranked number one in the ICC Test Rankings ahead of the series?

Joe Root, who is ranked number one in the ICC Test Batting Rankings, will be a central player for England as he searches for his first Test century in Australia.

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England have kept their cards close to their chest ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth, naming a 12-man squad that includes off-spinner Shoaib Bashir alongside a formidable pack of express quicks. With Mark Wood passed fit after hamstring soreness and bowling with serious heat in training, the visitors look increasingly likely to unleash an all-pace attack for the series opener starting Friday.

The final call rests between Bashir and seamer Brydon Carse, a decision heavily influenced by conditions at the traditionally quick and bouncy Perth Stadium. Pitch curator Isaac McDonald has promised plenty of pace and carry, aligning with England’s long-held plan to go all-seam. But with signs of dryness on the surface, Bashir remains firmly in the conversation.

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Despite struggling in the lone warm-up match after returning from a broken finger, Bashir has earned England’s trust over the past year. The 22-year-old became the youngest English bowler to reach 50 Test wickets earlier this year and has been the team’s preferred spinner in red-ball cricket. His selection would mark the rare instance of an England player appearing in an Ashes Test without currently being attached to a county side.

However, the prospect of an attack featuring Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Stokes, and Carse, all touching 90mph, has drawn comparisons to the fastest English outfits of the past, including the storied 2005 and 1970-71 touring groups. With only five players in the squad having Test experience in Australia, England believe their lack of “scarring” could be a hidden advantage.

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Atkinson echoed that sentiment, saying the group’s freshness brings clarity rather than fear: “No scars. A huge opportunity to do something special.”

Australia, meanwhile, are set to debut opener Jake Weatherald and may hand a first Test cap to quick Brendan Doggett following injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. With both sides dealing with new faces and fresh dynamics, the opening Test promises a fiery start to what is already shaping as a blockbuster Ashes summer.

Squads

England 12-man squad for 1st Test:
Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood.

Australia squad (1st Test):
Steve Smith (c), 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.