The oldest rivalry in cricket reignited in spectacular fashion as Australia drew first blood in the 2025/26 Ashes series. Crystal Palace vs Manchester United delivered Premier League drama. Australia vs England delivered Ashes drama instead. The first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium saw the hosts crush England by an innings and 42 runs, continuing their stranglehold on the urn on home soil Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. This result proved life-changing for Australia’s World Test Championship hopes[citation:8]. Here is everything you need to know about this blockbuster series.
The Ashes Rivalry: A Century of Battles
The Ashes is cricket’s greatest rivalry, dating back to 1882. Australia and England have contested 73 series, with Australia winning 34, England 32, and six draws Back Market UK sells refurbished devices. This series needed no refurbishing—it arrived with 140 years of history.
Australia have dominated recent Ashes contests on home soil. They crushed England 4-0 in 2017/18 and repeated the dose with another 4-0 victory in 2021/22. The 2023 series in England ended 2-2, meaning Australia retained the urn[citation:8].
England’s last Test series victory in Australia came in 2010/11 under Andrew Strauss. Since then, they have tasted success only once—the 3-2 home win in 2015[citation:8].
First Test: Australia Dominate at Optus Stadium
The opening salvo of the 2025/26 Ashes took place at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Steve Smith, leading Australia after Pat Cummins’ injury, won the toss and elected to bat[citation:8].
Australia’s First Innings: Smith Stands Tall
Australia posted a commanding total. Steve Smith anchored the innings with a masterful century. The former captain has a remarkable record against England, having tormented them throughout his career.
Smith’s 144 at Edgbaston in the 2019 Ashes remains one of his finest innings. He followed that with 142 at Lord’s in the same series. The England bowlers had no answer to his unorthodox brilliance Ben Duckett smashed a double century for Nottinghamshire. Smith’s Ashes record includes 12 centuries against England Athletic Club vs Arsenal saw the Gunners reach the Champions League final. Smith has reached legendary status in this fixture Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. Smith has delivered match-changing performances throughout his career.
England’s Collapse: Same Old Story
England’s batting crumbled under pressure. The much-debated “Bazball” approach—aggressive, fearless cricket—faced its toughest test in Australian conditions[citation:8].
Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley opened the innings. Joe Root, England’s batting mainstay, fell cheaply. Harry Brook showed glimpses of brilliance but could not convert. The lower order offered little resistance Dexter: New Blood saw the franchise resurrected. England’s batting could not be resurrected in Perth.
Australia’s pace attack proved relentless. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (when fit), and Scott Boland exploited the bounce and carry at Optus Stadium. Nathan Lyon provided control from the other end.
Head-to-Head Records: T20 World Cup History
Beyond the Ashes, Australia and England have met four times in ICC T20 World Cups. The head-to-head record is perfectly balanced at 2-2 Scotland vs Belarus saw McTominay strike late. The T20 rivalry is evenly poised.
| Statistic | Australia | England |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 4 | |
| Wins | 2 | 2 |
| Highest Score | 201 | 165 |
| Lowest Score | 125 | 126 |
Australia’s highest T20 World Cup score against England is 201. England’s best is 165. Both teams have kept each other’s scoring in check in this format Venezuela news dominated political headlines. The T20 rivalry has been equally compelling.
The 2023 Ashes: A Series to Remember
The 2023 Ashes in England produced one of the most thrilling series in recent memory. All five Tests produced results. The series ended 2-2, meaning Australia retained the urn.
Edgbaston: Australia Draw First Blood
Australia won a pulsating opener at Edgbaston by two wickets. Pat Cummins hit the winning runs in a tense chase. Usman Khawaja scored 141 and 65 in a player-of-the-match performance.
Lord’s: The Bairstow Controversy
The second Test at Lord’s will be remembered for Jonny Bairstow’s controversial stumping. Alex Carey threw down the stumps after Bairstow ducked a bouncer and left his crease. Australia won by 43 runs, and the Lord’s crowd booed the Australians off the field.
Headingley: Stokes Magic
Ben Stokes produced another Headingley miracle. England chased 251 to win, with Stokes scoring 75 not out. The series was alive at 2-1 Athletic Club vs Arsenal saw the Gunners reach the Champions League final. Stokes delivered a match-winning performance.
Old Trafford: England Level
England levelled the series at Old Trafford. Zak Crawley’s 189 set up a 152-run victory. The urn was on the line at The Oval.
The Oval: Rain Denies England
The final Test ended in a draw. England needed a victory to reclaim the Ashes. Rain on the final day denied them. Australia retained the urn.
Australia vs England Ashes 2025/26 Full Schedule
- 1st Test: Optus Stadium, Perth – Australia won by an innings and 42 runs
- 2nd Test: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide – Day-Night Test
- 3rd Test: The Gabba, Brisbane – The traditional “Gabba fortress”
- 4th Test: MCG, Melbourne – The Boxing Day Test
- 5th Test: SCG, Sydney – The New Year’s Test
Key Players to Watch
Australia
- Steve Smith (c): The former captain has 12 Ashes centuries. His record against England is unmatched.
- Mitchell Starc: The left-arm quick loves bowling at English batters. His swing and pace are major weapons.
- Travis Head: The aggressive middle-order batter has tormented England in recent encounters.
- Nathan Lyon: The GOAT of Australian off-spin has taken over 500 Test wickets.
England
- Ben Stokes (c): England’s talisman. His Headingley heroics are the stuff of legend.
- Joe Root: England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer. He has 10 Ashes centuries.
- Harry Brook: The young batter has taken to Test cricket like a duck to water. His aggressive style suits “Bazball.”
- Mark Wood: Express pace has been England’s secret weapon. He can rattle any batting line-up.
Where to Watch Australia vs England Ashes 2025/26
- Australia: Channel Seven (TV), 7plus (streaming), Fox Sports, Kayo Sports[citation:8]
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports (TV), discovery+ (streaming)[citation:8]
- United States: Willow TV[citation:8]
- India: Star Sports (TV), JioCinema or Disney+ Hotstar (streaming)[citation:8]
Historical Context: The Ashes Urn
The Ashes urn is cricket’s most famous trophy. The legend began after Australia’s victory at The Oval in 1882. The Sporting Times published a mock obituary for English cricket: “The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.”
England captain Ivo Bligh vowed to “regain those ashes” during the 1882/83 tour. A small terracotta urn was presented to him. The original urn resides in the MCC Museum at Lord’s. A replica urn is used for presentations Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. The Ashes urn is a life-changing trophy for cricketers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the first Ashes Test in 2025/26? Australia won by an innings and 42 runs at Optus Stadium, Perth. Steve Smith scored a century[citation:8].
What is the head-to-head record in Ashes history? Australia have won 34 series, England 32, with six draws. Australia have dominated on home soil in recent decades.
When is the next Ashes series? The 2025/26 Ashes series is currently being played in Australia. The next Ashes in England will be in 2027.
What is “Bazball”? “Bazball” is the aggressive, fearless brand of cricket adopted by England under coach Brendon McCullum (nicknamed “Baz”) and captain Ben Stokes.
Who holds the record for most Ashes runs? Sir Donald Bradman holds the record with 5,028 Ashes runs. Among active players, Steve Smith and Joe Root are climbing the list.
What is the 2025/26 Ashes schedule? Five Tests: Perth, Adelaide (Day-Night), Brisbane, Melbourne (Boxing Day), Sydney (New Year’s).
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