England face Australia in the first Ashes Test in Perth on Friday, with Ben Stokes’s side targeting a first away victory against the old enemy since the 2010–11 series.
The hosts have confirmed their team for the opener, handing out debuts to opening batter Jake Weatherald and seamer Brendan Doggett. Doggett and Scott Boland deputise for the absent Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who are both ruled out through injury to bolster England’s chances of a strong start to the series.
England are yet to clarify the exact composition of their XI having named a 12-player squad yesterday. Included within that group is spinner Shoaib Bashir, although the suggestions are that captain Stokes may be considering unleashing an all-seam attack including pace-packed pair Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
Follow all the latest news from Down Under with the team news expected in the coming hours, plus our player-by-player guide and combined Ashes XI here:
Ashes 2025/26: Australia v England
- Australia face England in first Test in Perth on Friday (02:30 GMT)
- Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald primed for Test debuts as Australia XI confirmed
- Mark Wood named in 12-man England squad for first Test, setting up a five-man seam attack
- Ashes player-by-player guide and combined XI
- Steve Smith takes strange swipe at Monty Panesar after criticism
Mitchell Starc confident Australia can overcome injuries
20:00 , Mike JonesAll the noise coming out of the Australian camp surrounds injured duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, severely depleting the home bowling stocks.
Scott Boland and uncapped Brendan Doggett are expected to replace the injured duo who boast 604 Test wickets between them.
And Mitchell Starc is confident the team can cope without their talismen.
“Sadly, injuries and fast bowling happen,” the 35-year-old Starc said of Cummins and Hazlewood.
“But (it’s) good to see the depth in the squad. We know what Scottie Boland can do. Doggie’s (Doggett) coming off a hot streak at the moment as well.”
Will England select five seamers?
19:30 , Mike JonesPerth is known for its pace and bounce and for being a friendly pitch for seam bowlers.
England’s squad features five seamers including captain Ben Stokes with Shoaib Bashir as the spin option.
Will Stokes and Brendan McCullum punt for an all seam attack in the first test?
"[The possibility is] very exciting,” explained Gus Atkinson.
“We hear about these pitches in Australia with pace and bounce, so to come out here is really nice knowing as a fast bowler you can make major contributions.
"We’re all very excited. There is a lot a of pace in our attack. I’m probably a bit slower than a few of the others.
"It’s to hold that control, look to take wickets and keep the batters under pressure."
England need 'accuracy as well as pace'
19:00 , Mike JonesEngland electing to go with an all seam attack is all well and good but there pace will be ineffective if they do not also have the accuracy to exploit it.
England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, James Anderson, played in six tours of Australia and knows a thing or two about taking wickets there.
“The pitches will have a little bit of movement in them, they have done in the last two tours we've been there. So you do need accuracy, as well as pace,” Anderson told the Tailenders Podcast ahead of the series.
“I think one of the question marks for England will potentially be Ben Stokes - out of that group of bowlers, he is the one bowler that could churn out those spells of accuracy and skill.
“But he's also got that injury record hanging over him, so that could be a big part of the series as well.”
England to rotate Archer and Wood?
18:30 , Mike JonesJimmy Anderson believes that the first test match in Perth may be the only game in which Jofra Archer and Mark Wood play together with England resting and rotating the pair throughout the series.
He explained: “I think if you're going to play them together, potentially the first Test at Perth, where it's fast and bouncy, you want to get off to a good start in the series so hit them straight away with proper pace.
“After that I imagine they'll try and play one of them, and rest and recover the other.”
Anderson added that Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse will need to bowl consistently throughout the series if England stand a chance of winning.
“That leaves space for Brydon Carse or Gus Atkinson. They're still quick enough, but they've got skill as well, and probably a bit more control than the others,” Anderson continued.
“They're going to have a big part. If England are going to win this series, or have a chance, then the bowling attack has got to be relentlessly good.”
Pope confirmed at No.3
18:05 , Mike JonesAlong with the fitness of Mark Wood one of the questions over England’s team selection was who would bat at three?
The two choices where Ollie Pope or Jacob Bethell with the former vice-captain getting the nod.
Pope scored 100 and 90 in England’s only warm-up match heading into the series and was selected in the squad while Bethell misses out in Perth.
Pope averages 35.36 in Test cricket with nine centuries but needs more consistency. A recent trend has seen him score big at the start of series before falling away as the series goes on.
His average rises to a 41.60 batting at three, where he has registered eight of those nine tons so there is potential there and it is easy to see why England have kept faith with him.
Ben Stokes to wear special spikes during Ashes
17:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleBen Stokes will carry with him two deeply personal symbols as the Ashes gets under way on Friday morning.
Stokes will lead the charge as his team bid for a first Ashes victory in Australia since 2010-11, after which a long run of Australian dominance on home soil began.
Stokes has collaborated with adidas and fine artist Jordan Dawson to create the bespoke shoes he will wear throughout his time in Australia, with a phoenix motif prominent in the design alongside a nod to Stokes' late father Ged.
Stokes already has a tattoo of a phoenix, the mythological bird famed for its ability to rise from the ashes and begin anew, and Dawson has woven the same symbolism into his design.
It is clearly a tale that resonates acutely with Stokes, who was the subject of an Amazon Prime documentary titled 'Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes' in 2022.
Stokes said: "I've got a phoenix as a big part of the tattoo on my right arm, so it was something I was keen to include in the design.
"I've had a long career in sport and the phoenix has come to signify my belief that whenever you're down, you can rise again."
Brett Lee fondly recalls 2005 Ashes despite defeat
17:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleFormer Australia paceman Brett Lee fondly recalls the 2005 Ashes as the "best Test series" he played in despite England ending an 18-year wait to win back the urn.
Ahead of the latest battle between cricket's oldest rivals, Lee harked back to arguably their most famous series of all, when England hit back from losing the Lord's curtain-raiser to claim a 2-1 win.
Central to that was a nerve-jangling two-run victory at Edgbaston next time out to level the series, sealed by Steve Harmison bouncing out Michael Kasprowicz and leaving Lee marooned as the unbeaten batter.
Speaking on an episode of the Old Boys, New Balls Podcast, hosted by Lord Ian Botham and England rugby union great Sir Bill Beaumont, Lee said: "That, to me, was the best Test series I've ever been involved in.
"A lot of people say to me 'but Australia lost' - well, so be it. It's the way and the style in which it was played.
"If we won that second Test, I think we would have gone on to beat England, we would have had that momentum, but the game's a funny thing."
England’s two options to seize huge Ashes opportunity against vulnerable Australia
16:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere can be no disputing that this first Test is a major opportunity for England, with Australia shorn of their two best seamers. Cameron Ponsonby sets the scene and the stakes from Perth:
England’s two options to seize huge Ashes opportunity against vulnerable Australia
Ex-England star offers advice to Ben Stokes and Joe Root on handling Ashes hostility
16:20 , Mike JonesPhil Tufnell, the former England slow left-armer, has offered a unique perspective on the notorious hostility of Australian crowds during the Ashes, urging the current England squad to embrace the unforgiving environment.
His advice comes as anticipation for the series, which begins this Friday with the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium, reaches fever pitch, with figures like Ben Stokes and Joe Root already facing media baiting.
Ex-England star offers advice to Ben Stokes and Joe Root on handling Ashes hostility
Ben Stokes calls upcoming Ashes ‘biggest series’ of his England captaincy
16:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland captain Ben Stokes believes the next two months of Ashes cricket will be the most important series of his career.
The latest instalment in one of sport’s most enduring rivalries begins in Perth on Friday in front of a sell-out 60,000 crowd.
It has been billed as a battle that will define the legacy of the entire ‘Bazball’ era and Stokes accepts the hype is justified.
Ben Stokes calls upcoming Ashes ‘biggest series’ of his England captaincy
‘I’m praying for them’: Why England’s Ashes may hinge on Perth opener
15:40 , Richard EdwardsChris Tremlett has experienced both sides of the Ashes.
There was unbridled joy in 2010/11, when Andrew Strauss’s England cricket side became the first English team to win a series down under in 24 years.
And then unrivalled misery four years later when Mitchell Johnson subjected England to an examination they had no answer to.
There was only one common thread across both series.
‘I’m praying for them’: Why England’s Ashes may hinge on Perth opener
Australia v England: Player-by-player guide to Ashes squads — and our combined XI
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleAn eagerly-anticipated Ashes series is almost upon us as England attempt to win back the urn from Australia.
It is 15 years since England last triumphed Down Under, with the tourists failing to win a single Tests on three trips back to Australia since that 3-1 series success.
The tourists’ improved fortunes under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes has swelled hope, though, of a more competitive series after a thrilling 2023 affair on English soil.
Australia secured a 2-2 draw to retain the Ashes then and will give no ground to their fierce rivals – even if they are without captain Pat Cummins for the first Test at least due to a back injury.
Who are the players set to do battle across five Tests and five cities over the next couple of months? Here’s The Independent’s guide to the two squads – and our combined XI:
Australia v England: Player-by-player guide to Ashes squads — and our combined XI
Monty Panesar responds to Steve Smith comments
14:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleMonty Panesar believes Steve Smith still feels guilty about 'Sandpapergate' and has urged England to use it as "ammunition" during the Ashes.
Smith was sacked as Australia captain for his role in the notorious ball-tampering scandal in 2018, but he is leading the side again for the first Ashes Test in Perth because of an injury to Pat Cummins.
He used Thursday's pre-match press conference to launch a bizarre swipe at former England spinner Panesar, who recently called on travelling fans and media to barrack Smith over what happened seven years ago.
In what appeared to be a well-rehearsed response, Smith moved to discredit Panesar's opinion with a detailed reference to his 2019 appearance on Celebrity Mastermind, in which he answered one question right in the general knowledge round. He had six correct answers in the specialist subject round.
Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England between 2006 and 2013, was able to see the lighter side of Smith's jibe, which he feels is proof the vaunted Australia batter is remorseful about the ball-tampering saga.
Monty Panesar fires back at Steve Smith after Mastermind jibe
Cameron Green returns to No 6
14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleOne has to feel for Beau Webster, the all-rounder doing little wrong over the last year yet finding himself outside of the Australia XI for this first Test. The suspicion is that we will see the big Tasmanian at some stage over the next few weeks but Australia’s faith in Cameron Green coming good is understandable given the sheer ability he possesses. The 26-year-old is yet to fully crack Test cricket but his first-class numbers with the bat are outstanding and there is a lot to like with his height, pace and ability to move the ball as a fourth seamer.
This feels a pivotal series, mind, with Webster waiting in the wings - Green had a better time with the bat at No 3 than the numbers suggest on some very tricky pitches in the Caribbean in Australia’s last Test outings and could be a key figure if he finds form.
Another opening partner for Usman Khawaja
14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is not yet two years since the retirement of David Warner but already Usman Khawaja has a sixth new opening partner as Australia seek a solution to their problem at the top of the order. While Travis Head was a conditions-specific selection in Sri Lanka, all of Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas and Marnus Labuschagne have been tried alongside Khawaja to no avail. Could Jake Weatherald be the answer? He differs from the rest, teenager Konstas aside, in being an actual opening batter who has forced his way in on the back of excellent Sheffield Shield form, and his proactive approach should complement Khawaja well.
A tricky toss decision?
13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat will either captain do at the toss tomorrow? England under Ben Stokes have typically bowled first given their predilection for “chasing” in the fourth innings, but might be encouraged to stray from that strategy in Perth - in all five Tests at the Optus Stadium, the match has been won by the team batting first, including last year when India fought back from being bowled for 150 to secure a convincing victory.In
Is this England's fastest attack ever?
13:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is certainly something exciting about the prospect of England unleashing Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes together in Perth, as seems a distinct possibility. All are capable of approaching, or going beyond, 90mph and it’s set to be a pacey pitch at Optus Stadium. England have fielded a few proper quicks over the years but perhaps never as many all at once - those of a certain vintage may recall John Snow and Ken Shuttleworth in 1970/71 as an example of how pure pace has worked to England’s advantage Down Under.
Jofra Archer signs contract extension on eve of Ashes
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleGood news for Sussex supporters - the county have announced that Jofra Archer has signed a one-year contract extension at Hove and will feature when he can next summer. Archer has been given a two-year central contract by England after returning to the Test team during the home summer.
Sussex's Head Coach, Paul Farbrace, said: "We are delighted that Jofra [Archer] is extending his time with us at Hove, he is a fantastic guy to have around the club, and obviously a great example to all of our players because of the hard work he puts in to maintain his status of one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket.
We would of course love him to play more matches for us, but his schedule makes that pretty tough. The role he does play though as a fantastic ambassador not only for Sussex Cricket, but for the game as a whole makes us a very fortunate club. We are all excited to watch the impact that Jofra will have on the upcoming Ashes series, and we are all very proud to watch him play and obviously enjoy playing the game the way he does."
On signing his contract extension, Archer said: "I'm delighted to continue my journey with Sussex. Since my debut in 2016, I have always felt at home here and it was another easy decision to stay here for a further year."
TNT Sports’ Rob Hatch: Of course I can commentate on the Ashes from afar – I called Mark Cavendish’s 35th win from my house!
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleTNT Sports are the broadcast partner in the United Kingdom for this Ashes series, with their plans for coverage attracting some criticism after it was confirmed that they would not be sending a full commentary team for the entire series. While those plans have shifted somewhat, with more of a presence in Australia, their staff have defended the decision - Lawrence Ostlere caught up with Rob Hatch, a familiar voice to viewers of cycling now ready to step in to cricket commentary, to find out more.
TNT Sports’ voice of cycling Rob Hatch defends Ashes commentary role
England hoping to finally start strongly
12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is a long time since England last won the first Test in Australia. Even in series victory 2010/11, Andrew Strauss’s men could only secure a draw at the Gabba in a rain and bad light-impacted encounter. You have to go back all the way to 1986/86 and Ian Botham’s brilliant ton in Brisbane to find a winning English start Down Under.
Might a move to Perth give England hope? This will be the first Ashes series in Australia not to commence at the Gabba since the 1982–83 series.
Ollie Pope confident he can deliver under pressure for England
11:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleOllie Pope believes he is more prepared than ever for the hostility of an Ashes series after fighting hard for his England place for the past year.
The surprise emergence of Jacob Bethell on the last winter’s New Zealand tour turned up the heat on Pope and he has faced near constant scrutiny ever since.
Centuries against Zimbabwe and India in his first two innings of the summer looked to shore up his spot, but diminishing returns in the subsequent months and the decision to remove Pope as vice-captain in September kept the debate very much alive.
Pope finally settled the matter by reeling off confident knocks of 100 and 90 in the three-day warm-up against England Lions and will face down the Australians at Perth’s Optus Stadium this week.
The intensity of the occasion cannot be underestimated, but he feels the constant speculation he has been subjected to will stand him in good stead.
Ollie Pope confident he can deliver under pressure for England
Why the Ashes’ first ball could be the most important of all
11:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is always pressure when facing or bowling the opening ball of any Test, but the first ball of the Ashes has taken on a mythology of its own over the long history of the series. Ahead of the first Test in 2023, before Zak Crawley’s clap through the covers entered into the folklore, Lawrence Ostlere chronicled the history.
Why the Ashes’ first ball could be the most important of all
Ben Stokes sends message to England fans and 'Barmy Army' ahead of first Test
11:00 , Press AssociationThe final England XI will not be alone when they walk out at Perth Stadium, with huge interest among English fans. Cricket Australia is understood to have sold around 9,000 tickets to UK-based fans, with a strong expat following swelling the number considerably.
Four years ago England's 4-0 defeat played out to small, socially-distanced crowds with Covid restrictions preventing away supporters from making the journey.
"As players, there's no doubt we know how excited everyone is for this series. We know we've got quite a few English fans coming over," Ben Stokes said.
"Last time we were out here, obviously there were a few things that were out of our hands in terms of people not being able to come out and support us like they normally would. But I'm really looking forward to seeing what the atmosphere is like.
"We know that we're obviously going to be outnumbered in terms of people rooting for England and people rooting for Australia, but it's going to be good fun.
"The Barmy Army go everywhere we go. Over the last couple of days, when we have time off and we try and get out and about, there's a lot of English people here."
Russell Crowe: 'It’s not going to be England, sunshine!'
10:42 , Luke BakerActor and director Russell Crowe has taken to social media to opine on the Ashes.
After a tweet expressing his excitement at the series getting underway, New Zealand-born, Australia-raised Crowe was asked by a user who he would be supporting.
And it’s fair to say Crowe had little hesitation in his response, writing; “As much as I love the place, it’s not going to be England Sunshine! Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport.”
So... um... not Ben Stokes and co, then Russell...?
As much as I love the place, it’s not going to be England Sunshine!
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) November 20, 2025
Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport.
The “ ashes “ between Australia and England , called such since 1882, actually began in 1877.
Australia’s ‘old blokes’ rally together for the Ashes chasing one last demolition of England
10:25 , Richard JollyThere was a simplicity to the statement. Australian cricket has a capacity for straight talking and Dan Christian, the all-rounder who came out of retirement last winter to figure in the Big Bash in his forties, tended to justify the presence of veterans in four words: “Old blokes win stuff”. It was his philosophy in Twenty20 tournaments and he won them in four different countries, often in his late thirties.
Since then, it is an attitude that seems to have spread across Australian cricket. Young blokes are conspicuous by their absence. When Australia last played a Test at home, it was without anyone in their twenties: the teenager Sam Konstas was accompanied by 10 thirtysomethings. When they named their squad for the first Ashes Test in Perth, Konstas was dropped, the 31-year-old Jake Weatherald selected and the 26-year-old Cameron Green was the only man below 30, joined by 14 of his elders. The Cameron Green generation consists of only Cameron Green.
Australia’s ‘old blokes’ rally for the Ashes chasing one last demolition of England
Gus Atkinson happy to fly under the radar ahead of first Ashes experience
10:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland bowler Gus Atkinson is happy to fly under the radar as he prepares for his first taste of Ashes cricket.
The Surrey seamer has enjoyed a superb start to his Test career, taking 63 wickets at 22.07 in just 13 appearances, but has attracted little attention in the build-up to Friday’s first Test.
With a lively surface expected at Perth Stadium, the possibility of England pairing up express quicks Jofra Archer and Mark Wood for just the second time in red-ball cricket has dominated the build-up.
And the softly-spoken Atkinson – who took 12 scalps on debut, bagged a hat-trick against New Zealand last winter and claimed eight in his previous outing against India – is content to stay out of the firing line.
Gus Atkinson happy to fly under the radar ahead of first Ashes experience
‘I’m praying for them’: Why England’s Ashes may hinge on Perth opener
09:55 , Richard EdwardsChris Tremlett has experienced both sides of the Ashes.
There was unbridled joy in 2010/11, when Andrew Strauss’s England cricket side became the first English team to win a series down under in 24 years.
And then unrivalled misery four years later when Mitchell Johnson subjected England to an examination they had no answer to.
There was only one common thread across both series.
‘I’m praying for them’: Why England’s Ashes may hinge on Perth opener
Ashes 2025/26 schedule: Date, venue and start time for every Test match between England and Australia
09:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleNot yet added the dates and times of every Test to your diary? Our handy guide to the Ashes can be your helping hand.
Ashes 2025/26 schedule: Date, venue and start time for every Test match
Michael Vaughan issues England warning ahead of ‘glaring opportunity’ in first Ashes Test
09:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland’s Ashes aspirations hinge entirely on the outcome of the opening Test in Perth, according to former captain Michael Vaughan, who believes Ben Stokes’ side will face an insurmountable challenge if they fall behind early.
The stark warning comes as England prepare to confront a formidable Australian record on home soil, having failed to secure a single victory in their last three tours Down Under.
Vaughan, who famously led England to a 2-1 series triumph in 2005, sees the upcoming match as a "glaring opportunity" that the tourists "have to take this week," particularly given Australia’s injury woes.
Vaughan issues England warning ahead of ‘glaring opportunity’ in first Ashes Test
England’s two options to seize huge Ashes opportunity against vulnerable Australia
09:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere can be no disputing that this first Test is a major opportunity for England, with Australia shorn of their two best seamers. Cameron Ponsonby sets the scene and the stakes from Perth:
England’s two options to seize huge Ashes opportunity against vulnerable Australia
Australia v England: Player-by-player guide to Ashes squads — and our combined XI
09:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleWant to know a little bit more about the players on show over the next couple of months Down Under? Our player-by-player guide to the Ashes has you covered.
Australia v England: Player-by-player guide to Ashes squads — and our combined XI
Ben Stokes calls upcoming Ashes ‘biggest series’ of his England captaincy
08:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland captain Ben Stokes believes the next two months of Ashes cricket will be the most important series of his career.
The latest instalment in one of sport’s most enduring rivalries begins in Perth on Friday in front of a sell-out 60,000 crowd.
It has been billed as a battle that will define the legacy of the entire ‘Bazball’ era and Stokes accepts the hype is justified.
Ben Stokes calls upcoming Ashes ‘biggest series’ of his England captaincy
Steve Smith launches into bizarre Monty Panesar ‘Mastermind’ rant on eve of Ashes
08:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleSteve Smith marked his temporary return as Australia’s Ashes captain with a bizarre attack on former England spinner Monty Panesar.
Panesar recently called on travelling fans and media to barrack Smith over his role in the ‘Sandpapergate’ ball-tampering scandal seven years ago, saying he should be made to feel “guilty” about standing in as Pat Cummins’ replacement skipper.
Rather than let those comments pass, Smith took a curious tangent at his press conference on the eve of the first Test in Perth.
In what appeared to be a well-rehearsed response, Smith moved to discredit Panesar’s opinion with a detailed reference to a gaffe-ridden appearance on Celebrity Mastermind in 2019.
Steve Smith launches into bizarre Monty Panesar ‘Mastermind’ rant on eve of Ashes
Australia name two debutants in team for first Test
08:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleYes, as expected it is two debutants in the Australia team to take on England in the first Test. Jake Weatherald will open alongside Usman Khawaja with Marnus Labuschange re-installed at No 3 and Cameron Green sliding down to No 6 - leaving Beau Webster rather unfortunate to find himself out of the side.
Brendan Doggett is the other first-Tester - he joins Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc as the specialist seamers.
Australia XI to take on England in Perth: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (capt.), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
The Ashes live
08:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleHappy Ashes eve to all those who celebrate. The start of the first Test is just hours away as an eagerly-anticipated series gets set to begin at a packed house in Perth. And we’ve got news of an Australian XI to start the morning with...
Ex-England star offers advice to Ben Stokes and Joe Root on handling Ashes hostility
Wednesday 19 November 2025 22:00 , Mike JonesPhil Tufnell, the former England slow left-armer, has offered a unique perspective on the notorious hostility of Australian crowds during the Ashes, urging the current England squad to embrace the unforgiving environment.
His advice comes as anticipation for the series, which begins this Friday with the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium, reaches fever pitch, with figures like Ben Stokes and Joe Root already facing media baiting.
Ex-England star offers advice to Ben Stokes and Joe Root on handling Ashes hostility
Josh Hazlewood ruled out for first Ashes Test in huge blow for Australia
Wednesday 19 November 2025 21:30 , Mike JonesAustralia cricket have suffered another major injury blow ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Josh Hazlewood following captain Pat Cummins in being ruled out.
Hazlewood suffered a hamstring injury playing for New South Wales this week but was hastily cleared by Cricket Australia (CA) just hours after the issue first arose.
Josh Hazlewood ruled out for first Ashes Test as England given Mark Wood boost
England’s two options to seize huge Ashes opportunity against vulnerable Australia
Wednesday 19 November 2025 21:00 , Mike JonesAre you ready to be hurt again? Another four-year cycle, another chance for England fans everywhere to get their hopes up ahead of what will – likely – be another 4-0 away Ashes defeat.
Why should this series be different? Why should England supporters, both avid and casual, bother tuning in when history is so certain that another failure beckons? As a reminder of the stats, England haven’t won a match, let alone a series, in Australia since 2011. Played 15, won zero, drawn two and lost 13 is their record in the last 15 years.
England’s two options to seize huge Ashes opportunity against vulnerable Australia
Scott Boland names Australia’s most prized England scalp before Ashes
Wednesday 19 November 2025 20:30 , Mike JonesAustralia’s Scott Boland admits Joe Root remains the most prized wicket in England’s Ashes line-up, regardless of his ongoing search for a first century Down Under.
Despite boasting more than 13,000 Test runs – more than any other active cricketer and second only to Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list – Perth’s West Australian newspaper welcomed Root’s arrival in the country with a front page splash dubbing him “Average Joe”.
Scott Boland names Australia’s most prized England scalp before Ashes
‘I’m praying for them’: Why England’s Ashes may hinge on Perth opener
Wednesday 19 November 2025 20:00 , Mike JonesChris Tremlett has experienced both sides of the Ashes.
There was unbridled joy in 2010/11, when Andrew Strauss’s England cricket side became the first English team to win a series down under in 24 years.
And then unrivalled misery four years later when Mitchell Johnson subjected England to an examination they had no answer to.
‘I’m praying for them’: Why England’s Ashes may hinge on Perth opener
England take Mark Wood gamble in Ashes first Test squad
Wednesday 19 November 2025 19:30 , Mike JonesMark Wood looks set to start the opening Ashes Test for England against Australia as part of a five-man pace attack after being named in the 12-man squad.
X-factor bowler Wood has faced a race against time to prove his fitness after undergoing surgery earlier this year. He recovered enough to travel Down Under but only completed eight overs of the warm-up match against England Lions at Lilac Hill before tweaking his hamstring.
Gus Atkinson happy to fly under the radar ahead of first Ashes experience
Wednesday 19 November 2025 19:00 , Mike JonesEngland bowler Gus Atkinson is happy to fly under the radar as he prepares for his first taste of Ashes cricket.
The Surrey seamer has enjoyed a superb start to his Test career, taking 63 wickets at 22.07 in just 13 appearances, but has attracted little attention in the build-up to Friday’s first Test.
With a lively surface expected at Perth Stadium, the possibility of England pairing up express quicks Jofra Archer and Mark Wood for just the second time in red-ball cricket has dominated the build-up.
Gus Atkinson happy to fly under the radar ahead of first Ashes experience
Australia legend axed from Ashes TV coverage
Wednesday 19 November 2025 18:30 , Mike JonesAustralian cricket legend Glenn McGrath has been dropped from his role as a television commentator with broadcaster ABC just two days before the start of the 2025/26 Ashes series.
The test match series sees the rivalry between England and Australia renewed when the two sides meet for the first test match on Friday 21 November but McGrath will not be part of the commentary team reporting from the ground.
Ben Stokes calls on his England side to ‘create our own history’ by regaining the Ashes
Wednesday 19 November 2025 18:00 , Mike JonesBen Stokes has articulated his fervent ambition to join the exclusive group of England captains who have successfully brought home the Ashes from Australian soil.
The formidable all-rounder is set to lead his country in Perth this Friday, tasked with the monumental challenge of reclaiming the urn and reversing a protracted losing streak Down Under.
Ben Stokes calls on his England side to ‘create our own history’
It's not just the cricket but the country's against you
Wednesday 19 November 2025 17:45 , Mike JonesSteven Finn says that playing an Ashes series in Australia isn’t just about the cricket but overcoming the ‘vast majority’ of the country as well.
Finn revealed: “From the moment you step off the plane, you realise it is not just you versus the Australia cricket team, but you against a vast majority of the country.
“Customs officials don't smile and insist on seeing your cricket spikes to make sure you are not bringing in any unwanted soil. You have to unpack your cricket bag on your hands and knees in the arrivals hall, digging around for your comfy bowling spikes you used in the English summer. If there's any dirt on them at all, you have to clean them.
“Welcome to Australia.”
Alarm bells ringing for Australia
Wednesday 19 November 2025 17:30 , Mike JonesFormer Australian quick bowler, Mitchell Johnson says there are some alarm bells ringing for the hosts due to the injuires to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
"When your leaders are all in their mid-to-late 30s and have heavy workloads banked, the odds eventually turn on you," Johnson wrote in the West Australian newspaper.
"While losing Pat Cummins to injury was already a blow, one injury to a frontline quick is manageable. Losing two out of the big three starts to rewrite the whole script for the Ashes.
"It narrows Australia's margin for error and it forces selectors into decisions they'd hoped they wouldn't have to make this early. It's the sort of scenario that exposes the age profile of the squad.
"The alarm bells are now ringing loud and clear regarding the future. That attack of Lyon, Boland, Starc and Hazlewood are all older than I was when I retired from international cricket."
Stokes unafraid of Ashes challenge
Wednesday 19 November 2025 17:15 , Mike Jones"I do understand how big a series this is," Ben Stokes stated ahead of the first test in Perth. "I’ve come here absolutely desperate to get home on that plane in January as one of the lucky few captains from England who have come here and been successful.
"(If we were) playing it down and not really accepting this moment for what it is, I think we would not really understand what the moment is. A lot has been spoken of about the history and how it has gone for England.
“This is our chance to create our own history and it is up to us how that looks. So, yeah, we’re putting it all out there; looking it in the eyes; taking it on; not being afraid of the challenge that we have ahead of us."
England’s two options to seize huge Ashes opportunity against vulnerable Australia
Wednesday 19 November 2025 17:00 , Cameron PonsonbyAre you ready to be hurt again? Another four-year cycle, another chance for England fans everywhere to get their hopes up ahead of what will – likely – be another 4-0 away Ashes defeat.
Why should this series be different? Why should England supporters, both avid and casual, bother tuning in when history is so certain that another failure beckons? As a reminder of the stats, England haven’t won a match, let alone a series, in Australia since 2011. Played 15, won zero, drawn two and lost 13 is their record in the last 15 years.
England’s two options to seize huge Ashes opportunity against vulnerable Australia
Prospect of first Ashes experience is 'exciting' says Atkinson
Wednesday 19 November 2025 16:45 , Mike JonesEngland pace bowler Gus Atkinson is set to get his first experience of an Ashes series when the action gets going later this week.
The 27-year-old has made a fine start to his test career before injury kept him off the pitch.
He’s fully fit and firing ahead of the series though and is looking forward to what should be an ‘exciting’ affair.
"It means a lot,” Atkinson told BBC Sport when asked how it felt ot play in the Ashes.
“Growing up the 2005 Ashes was the main thing for me. Ever since it’s been a dream to play in an Ashes series.
“To get the opportunity is very exciting."
Gus Atkinson happy to fly under the radar
Wednesday 19 November 2025 16:30 , Mike JonesThe prospect of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer teaming up for just the second time in Test cricket has everyone excited but Gus Atkinson will also be a crucial part of the seam attack.
And Atkinson, who has taken 63 wickets at 22.07 in 13 appearances – including a hat-trick against New Zealand last winter and eight in his most recent outing against India – is content to stay out of the firing line.
“I’m not sure it's a mistake...it's been like that a bit so far in my career, in the background and I don't mind that at all,” he said.
Mitchell Starc confident Australia can overcome injuries
Wednesday 19 November 2025 16:15 , Mike JonesAll the noise coming out of the Australian camp surrounds injured duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, severely depleting the home bowling stocks.
Scott Boland and uncapped Brendan Doggett are expected to replace the injured duo who boast 604 Test wickets between them.
And Mitchell Starc is confident the team can cope without their talismen.
“Sadly, injuries and fast bowling happen,” the 35-year-old Starc said of Cummins and Hazlewood.
“But (it’s) good to see the depth in the squad. We know what Scottie Boland can do. Doggie’s (Doggett) coming off a hot streak at the moment as well.”
Ashes 2025/26 schedule
Wednesday 19 November 2025 16:00 , Mike JonesThe first Test gets underway this Friday and here’s how the schedule for the whole series looks this year
Ashes 2025-26 schedule:
First Test, Optus Stadium in Perth: 21-25 November (UK start time: 2.20am GMT)
Second Test, Gabba in Brisbane: 4-8 December (4.30am)
Third Test, Adelaide Oval in Adelaide: 17-21 December (12am)
Fourth Test, MCG in Melbourne: 26-30 December (11.30pm, 25 December)
Fifth Test, SCG in Sydney: 4-8 January (11.30pm, 3 January)
Mark Wood in England squad for first Ashes Test
Wednesday 19 November 2025 15:45 , Mike JonesThe 12-man England squad for the first Ashes Test has been released and the big news is that Mark Wood makes it.
Providing he proves his fitness over the next 48 hours, that means he will likely start as part of a five-man pace attack alongside Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes.
Shoaib Bashir is also in the squad but surely slated for 12th man duties, given the seam-friendly nature of the Perth pitch and his struggles in recent times.
England’s 12-player squad:
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
Ex-England star offers advice to Ben Stokes and Joe Root on handling Ashes hostility
Wednesday 19 November 2025 15:30 , Mike JonesPhil Tufnell, the former England slow left-armer, has offered a unique perspective on the notorious hostility of Australian crowds during the Ashes, urging the current England squad to embrace the unforgiving environment.
His advice comes as anticipation for the series, which begins this Friday with the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium, reaches fever pitch, with figures like Ben Stokes and Joe Root already facing media baiting.
His message to the current England team is clear: "Embrace it, love it. All the hard work comes down to this, so don’t let a bit of chat put you off your stroke, embrace it and let it bring the best out of you."
James Anderson drops Ashes verdict as he pinpoints Australia ‘cracks’ for England to ‘expose’
Wednesday 19 November 2025 15:15 , Mike Jones"Australia have been so strong and so consistent in their team selection over the last 10 years, that this probably is their weakest team (in the last 15 years)," Anderson told TNT Sports.
"There are doubts around who’s going to bat in the top three, Pat Cummins missing is huge. There are question marks there, definitely, and there are cracks that England could potentially expose. There’s a great chance for England to get on top early.
"I don’t think England are quite favourites, I’d say Australia are still favourites, in Australia. There’s still a lot of quality in their batting line-up, there’s still a lot of quality with their bowlers as well, even if Cummins is missing."
"So I think they probably just edge out England in terms of being favourites, but I don’t think there’s much in it. It’s a tough one to call, so I’d say Australia, just."
Ollie Pope confident he can deliver under pressure for England
Wednesday 19 November 2025 15:00 , Mike JonesOllie Pope believes he is more prepared than ever for the hostility of an Ashes series after fighting hard for his England place for the past year.
The surprise emergence of Jacob Bethell on the last winter’s New Zealand tour turned up the heat on Pope and he has faced near constant scrutiny ever since.
Centuries against Zimbabwe and India in his first two innings of the summer looked to shore up his spot, but diminishing returns in the subsequent months and the decision to remove Pope as vice-captain in September kept the debate very much alive.
Ollie Pope confident he can deliver under pressure for England
Can England compete in Australia?
Wednesday 19 November 2025 14:48 , Mike JonesMore from Andy Zaltzman who explained just how big a task England have ahead of them: “Ben Stokes is the only one who’s scored a Test century in Australia.
“There’s a lot made of the fact Joe Root’s not made a hundred, but he’s had a lot of fifties and not many failures.
“Harry Brook’s numbers are incredible but it will be a really interesting challenge having never played Test cricket in Australia before, and not had a great deal of success in white-ball cricket there (averaging 9.85 in T20 internationals and 6.29 in the Big Bash).”
Record against England
Wednesday 19 November 2025 14:36 , Mike Jones“It’s quite hard to predict. I veer between quite confident optimism and the innate pessimism of someone who grew up watching English cricket,” said TMS stats guru Andy Zaltzman.
“What no one in this squad has ever done is win a Test in Australia. Between them they’ve had zero wins and 28 match losses – and that sounds ominous.
“But the Andrew Strauss team in 2010-11 had an almost identical record and they had a superb 3-1 victory. I don’t really believe in statistical precedent meaning a great deal but it’s nice to cling to these things.
“I think everyone’s just thirsting for a competitive series where we don’t know that Australia are keeping the Ashes with two entire Test matches to go.”
Pope on losing vice-captaincy
Wednesday 19 November 2025 14:26 , Mike JonesOllie Pope will be one of the England players under pressure during this series especially after he lost the test match vice-captaincy to Harry Brook.
Pope revealed: “If they think that’s the right thing for the team going forward, with Brooky captaining the one-day stuff and the T20 stuff as well, then that’s absolutely fine by me and I respect the decision they’ve made.
“I’ve played 61 Tests now, I’ve got that in the bank. There are guys coming in and experiencing places like Australia for the first time and my senior spot in the team is about leaning on those guys and helping them out because I have experienced this and I know what an Ashes tour can be like.”
Australia v England: Player-by-player guide to Ashes squads
Wednesday 19 November 2025 14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAn eagerly-anticipated Ashes series is almost upon us as England cricket attempt to win back the urn from Australia cricket.
It is 15 years since England last triumphed Down Under, with the tourists failing to win a single Tests on three trips back to Australia since that 3-1 series success.
The tourists’ improved fortunes under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes has swelled hope, though, of a more competitive series after a thrilling 2023 affair on English soil.
Who are the players set to do battle across five Tests and five cities over the next couple of months?
Australia v England: Player-by-player guide to Ashes squads — and our combined XI
England - Joe Root
Shorn of the burden of captaincy that seemed to weigh him down on the last tour, Joe Root is a better batter than ever as he looks to conquer the final frontier.
The lack of a Test hundred in Australia will continue to be talked about until he shakes the monkey from his back – yet Root has played magnificently for so long now that it would be a great shock if he does not correct that curious record to further accentuate his legacy.
Australia vs England key players to watch out for
Wednesday 19 November 2025 13:54 , Mike JonesAustralia - Travis Head
King of the counter-punch, Travis Head has cast aside early frailties to become a vital middle-order figure for Australia.
His magnificent 152 at the Gabba set the tone for the series four years ago and he’s since continued to be a man for the big stage, playing match-winning hands in the 2023 World Cup and World Test Championship finals.
Sometimes utilised as an opener in spinning conditions, No 5 is his home at home.
Australia vs England key players to watch out for
Wednesday 19 November 2025 13:46 , Mike JonesEngland - Mark Wood
Maybe the fastest bowler England have ever produced, this could prove Mark Wood’s swansong in Test cricket after a frustrating year spent in the recovery room rather than on the pitch.
His injection alongside Chris Woakes into the 2023 Ashes transformed the series and there are few finer sights than the 35-year-old at full tilt.
Skiddy and always smiling, the popular Wood differs from most in the squad in being both teetotal and not liking golf.
Australia vs England key players to watch out for
Wednesday 19 November 2025 13:35 , Mike JonesAustralia - Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon limping out of the last Ashes at Lord’s perhaps prevented Australia converting a 2-0 lead into a series success.
The veteran off-spinner provides both control and real threat, even on Australian pitches that have been inhospitable for all bar the best visiting spinners during his time in the side.
Staggeringly, now only one Test wicket behind Glenn McGrath – with only Shane Warne ahead among Australians.
Australia vs England key players to watch out for
Wednesday 19 November 2025 13:26 , Mike JonesEngland - Ben Stokes (captain)
Nearly 12 years on from announcing his arrival in Test cricket with a rearguard ton at Perth, Ben Stokes returns as captain for a series that may prove a referendum on a captaincy stint that has transformed the side’s attitude and fortunes.
There can be no doubting that the all-rounder, in conjunction with coach Brendon McCullum, has empowered his squad to new heights, but this really is a defining test.
Stokes looked back to his best as a bowler during the English summer – can his body last five matches shouldering a bowling burden? His side may need it to.
Australia vs England key players to watch out for
Wednesday 19 November 2025 13:17 , Mike JonesAustralia - Steve Smith (captain)
Stand-in skipper for the injured Pat Cummins, this could be the last series against England for Ashes great Smith.
Shunted up to open a couple of years ago after the retirement of David Warner, the unorthodox right-hander has been back to his best in the last 12 months in a more familiar spot at No 4.
One more hundred would take him past Jack Hobbs for the second most in the Ashes – behind only a certain DG Bradman.
All to play for
Wednesday 19 November 2025 13:07 , Mike JonesAustralia have retained or won the Ashes in each of the last four series with England last winning the urn in 2015.
In that time both series played in England have been drawn 2-2, including the last one in 2023, while the Aussies have blown England away in Australia.
The 2017/18 and 2021/22 series were both won 4-0 by the hosts. Will they repeat that feat this time around too?
Scott Boland names Australia’s most prized England scalp before Ashes
Wednesday 19 November 2025 12:55 , Mike JonesAustralia’s Scott Boland admits Joe Root remains the most prized wicket in England’s Ashes line-up, regardless of his ongoing search for a first century Down Under.
Despite boasting more than 13,000 Test runs – more than any other active cricketer and second only to Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list – Perth’s West Australian newspaper welcomed Root’s arrival in the country with a front page splash dubbing him “Average Joe”.
Scott Boland names Australia’s most prized England scalp before Ashes
If Stokes is fit England can win
Wednesday 19 November 2025 12:41 , Mike JonesFormer England cricketer Mark Ramprakash says that England’s hopes of winning down under revolve around Ben stokes.
“He knows how difficult it is to be an international cricketer,” Ramprakash said of the England captain.
“He gives them his full backing and has great empathy to understand the ups and downs.
“If he is not in the middle to make those decisions, to know when to back his bowlers, when to attack, that is a massive vacuum.
“If Ben Stokes plays these five Tests then I think England win and win quite comfortably.”
Opportunity for England
Wednesday 19 November 2025 12:29 , Mike JonesMichael Vaughan says that the first test match in Perth is an opportunity for England to start the series well.
“There is no captain Pat Cummins, who doesn’t know how to lose. He has that incredible mentality. When they have needed a wicket it is generally him who gets the wicket,” Vaughan told BBC 5 Live.
“Josh Hazelwood in white-ball cricket has been Australia’s stand-out bowler. It is a big opportunity for England.
“Scott Boland has a record here - up there with the greats. Mitchell Starc is one of these modern greats. Brendan Doggett is at the start in domestic cricket.
“Australia have enough to cause a bit of damage but England have a great chance. They have got to play great disciplined cricket and win the moments.”
Playing test cricket is 'just a bonus'
Wednesday 19 November 2025 12:17 , Mike Jones"I don't know how ready you can be for test cricket," Brendan Doggett told reporters in Perth on Monday.
"But the last 18 months to two years has easily been the most successful... in terms of numbers (of wickets), but also just confidence in my body, confidence in my game.
"I was playing country cricket and working as a carpenter, and that was the dream for me. I (would) go back to Toowoomba... put the nail bag on and keep building houses. I loved that life.
"This is all just a bonus."
Ex-carpenter set for shock Australia debut against England in first Ashes Test
Wednesday 19 November 2025 12:07 , Mike JonesAfter spending years carving out a name for himself in Australian domestic cricket, qualified carpenter Brendan Doggett is now eyeing a second life as a test bowler and a dream debut in the Ashes.
Doggett chipped away on building sites and on the fringes of the test squad in relative obscurity but injuries have opened the door for the 31-year-old paceman to make a name for himself in the series-opener against England in Perth on Friday.
He is expected to join Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in an Australia pace attack that no-one saw coming, not least the South Australia quick.
Ex-carpenter set for shock Australia debut against England in first Ashes Test
It's not just the cricket but the country's against you
Wednesday 19 November 2025 11:56 , Mike JonesSteven Finn says that playing an Ashes series in Australia isn’t just about the cricket but overcoming the ‘vast majority’ of the country as well.
Finn revealed: “From the moment you step off the plane, you realise it is not just you versus the Australia cricket team, but you against a vast majority of the country.
“Customs officials don't smile and insist on seeing your cricket spikes to make sure you are not bringing in any unwanted soil. You have to unpack your cricket bag on your hands and knees in the arrivals hall, digging around for your comfy bowling spikes you used in the English summer. If there's any dirt on them at all, you have to clean them.
“Welcome to Australia.”
England ready for Perth
Wednesday 19 November 2025 11:45 , Mike JonesEngland have been preparing for the opening test match at the Optus Stadium.
How will the first test go?
Ashes 2025/26 schedule
Wednesday 19 November 2025 11:35 , Mike JonesFirst Test, Optus Stadium in Perth: 21-25 November (UK start time: 2.30am GMT)
Second Test, Gabba in Brisbane: 4-8 December (4.30am)
Third Test, Adelaide Oval in Adelaide: 17-21 December (12am)
Fourth Test, MCG in Melbourne: 26-30 December (11.30pm, 25 December)
Fifth Test, SCG in Sydney: 4-8 January (11.30pm, 3 January)
Alarm bells ringing for Australia
Wednesday 19 November 2025 11:25 , Mike JonesFormer Australian quick bowler, Mitchell Johnson says there are some alarm bells ringing for the hosts due to the injuires to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
"When your leaders are all in their mid-to-late 30s and have heavy workloads banked, the odds eventually turn on you," Johnson wrote in the West Australian newspaper.
"While losing Pat Cummins to injury was already a blow, one injury to a frontline quick is manageable. Losing two out of the big three starts to rewrite the whole script for the Ashes.
"It narrows Australia's margin for error and it forces selectors into decisions they'd hoped they wouldn't have to make this early. It's the sort of scenario that exposes the age profile of the squad.
"The alarm bells are now ringing loud and clear regarding the future. That attack of Lyon, Boland, Starc and Hazlewood are all older than I was when I retired from international cricket."
Australia legend axed from Ashes tv coverage
Wednesday 19 November 2025 11:22 , Mike JonesAustralian cricket legend Glenn McGrath has been dropped from his role as a television commentator with broadcaster ABC just two days before the start of the 2025/26 Ashes series.
The test match series sees the rivalry between England and Australia renewed when the two sides meet for the first test match on Friday 21 November but McGrath will not be part of the commentary team reporting from the ground.
England take Mark Wood gamble in Ashes first Test squad
Wednesday 19 November 2025 11:15 , Luke BakerMark Wood looks set to start the opening Ashes Test for England against Australia as part of a five-man pace attack after being named in the 12-man squad.
X-factor bowler Wood has faced a race against time to prove his fitness after undergoing surgery earlier this year. He recovered enough to travel Down Under but only completed eight overs of the warm-up match against England Lions at Lilac Hill before tweaking his hamstring.
However, a scan on the issue came back all clear earlier this week and that has set him up to be part of an all-seam attack, providing he can properly prove his fitness in the nets over the next 48 hours.
How to watch the Ashes on tv and online
Wednesday 19 November 2025 11:04 , Mike JonesThe games will not be easy to follow for English fans at home, with much of the action taking place overnight. The second Test in Brisbane will be the easiest to watch from afar, as the day-night game will start at 4.30am GMT each morning.
All the action will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports. The broadcaster drew some criticism for its plans for the series, which will be helmed by cycling and rugby commentators from a studio in the UK, working alongside a team of on-pitch analysts in Australia, who include Ashes winners Sir Alastair Cook and Graeme Swann.
Ben Stokes is pivotal for England
Wednesday 19 November 2025 10:53 , Mike Jones2005 Ashes winner Matthew Hoggard says England’s chances of winning the Urn down under hang on Ben Stokes.
“I think we have that chance. Ben Stokes, when he is fit and firing, is a massive player for us,” Hoggard said.
“Not only is he three players in one with his batting, bowling and fielding but his captaincy and positivity. He gets the best out of all his players with his leadership.
“It’s pivotal for England for Ben Stokes to stay fit for five games.”
England look focused says Vaughan
Wednesday 19 November 2025 10:42 , Mike JonesFormer England captain Michael Vaughan says that England look focused ahead of the first test but that they must win in Perth.
“I have watched them train over the past couple of days and they look a focused team. They look fit. Jofra Archer was just doing lengths running across the ground. You can see a focus from both teams,” Vaughan told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“How both teams start is going to be very important, particularly England. Australia went 1-0 down to India here last year and came back.
“England have to win in Perth. You look at 86-87 when they won here, they got off to a good start. 2010-11 they got off to a decent start in Brisbane.
“I think it will be very difficult to come back from going 1-0 down here.”
England squad for Perth test
Wednesday 19 November 2025 10:31 , Mike JonesBen Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood.
Australia squad
Wednesday 19 November 2025 10:21 , Mike JonesPat Cummins, Steve Smith (vc), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
England warned about 'brutal' Aussie crowds during Ashes
Wednesday 19 November 2025 10:05 , Jack RathbornI used to hide away at slip, or at least be inside the circle so I didn't get the worst of it, It's brutal!” Mark Butcher tells Boyle Sports on the impact of the crowds in an away Ashes series.
“You’ve got two contrasting sets of supporters - the Barmy Army will be out there and they will drink, sing songs and have a great time, whether they win or lose. That’s the ironic thing, back in the day when we couldn't win a Test, let alone win a series down there.
“It’s based around humour and having the best time no matter what happens on the field and getting behind the England team. Where the Australian crowds are not - it’s just personal abuse and swearing! The amount of humour involved is very, very much limited and it's basically calling everybody a c***, every day until the whole thing's over.
“It’s part of what makes it great - that’s what makes being involved in these series just unlike anything else, it’s a battle from start to finish. But it’s also the best fun you’ll have as a cricketer and I’m sure the Australian players feel the same when they come over here.”
The Ashes opener
Wednesday 19 November 2025 10:00 , Mike JonesThe 2025/26 Ashes series begins in Perth on 21 November, as England aim to regain the urn from Australian hands.
England have not won an Ashes series for a decade and they have not win a single Test match in Australia since 2010/11. But there is optimism that this time might be different, as Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum take their exciting brand of ‘Bazball’ into contest.
The series will begin Perth rather than Brisbane, where The Gabba has hosted every opening Ashes Test for more than 40 years, and England may be relieved – their record at The Gabba is poor, without a win there since 1986.
Instead the Ashes will start in a new venue as Perth’s 60,000-seater Optus Stadium takes over from the much smaller, older Waca ground that has traditionally played host.
Pope confirmed at No.3
Wednesday 19 November 2025 09:48 , Mike JonesAlong with the fitness of Mark Wood one of the questions over England’s team selection was who would bat at three?
The two choices where Ollie Pope or Jacob Bethell with the former vice-captain getting the nod.
Pope scored 100 and 90 in England’s only warm-up match heading into the series and was selected in the squad while Bethell misses out in Perth.
Pope averages 35.36 in Test cricket with nine centuries but needs more consistency. A recent trend has seen him score big at the start of series before falling away as the series goes on.
His average rises to a 41.60 batting at three, where he has registered eight of those nine tons so there is potential there and it is easy to see why England have kept faith with him.
England to rotate Archer and Wood?
Wednesday 19 November 2025 09:37 , Mike JonesJimmy Anderson believes that the first test match in Perth may be the only game in which Jofra Archer and Mark Wood play together with England resting and rotating the pair throughout the series.
He explained: “I think if you're going to play them together, potentially the first Test at Perth, where it's fast and bouncy, you want to get off to a good start in the series so hit them straight away with proper pace.
“After that I imagine they'll try and play one of them, and rest and recover the other.”
Anderson added that Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse will need to bowl consistently throughout the series if England stand a chance of winning.
“That leaves space for Brydon Carse or Gus Atkinson. They're still quick enough, but they've got skill as well, and probably a bit more control than the others,” Anderson continued.
“They're going to have a big part. If England are going to win this series, or have a chance, then the bowling attack has got to be relentlessly good.”
England need 'accuracy as well as pace'
Wednesday 19 November 2025 09:30 , Mike JonesEngland electing to go with an all seam attack is all well and good but there pace will be ineffective if they do not also have the accuracy to exploit it.
England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, James Anderson, played in six tours of Australia and knows a thing or two about taking wickets there.
“The pitches will have a little bit of movement in them, they have done in the last two tours we've been there. So you do need accuracy, as well as pace,” Anderson told the Tailenders Podcast ahead of the series.
“I think one of the question marks for England will potentially be Ben Stokes - out of that group of bowlers, he is the one bowler that could churn out those spells of accuracy and skill.
“But he's also got that injury record hanging over him, so that could be a big part of the series as well.”
Will England select five seamers?
Wednesday 19 November 2025 09:22 , Mike JonesPerth is known for its pace and bounce and for being a friendly pitch for seam bowlers.
England’s squad features five seamers including captain Ben Stokes with Shoaib Bashir as the spin option.
Will Stokes and Brendan McCullum punt for an all seam attack in the first test?
"[The possibility is] very exciting,” explained Gus Atkinson.
“We hear about these pitches in Australia with pace and bounce, so to come out here is really nice knowing as a fast bowler you can make major contributions.
"We’re all very excited. There is a lot a of pace in our attack. I’m probably a bit slower than a few of the others.
"It’s to hold that control, look to take wickets and keep the batters under pressure."
Playing in the Ashes is 'exciting' says Atkinson
Wednesday 19 November 2025 09:13 , Mike JonesEngland pace bowler Gus Atkinson is set to get his first experience of an Ashes series when the action gets going later this week.
The 27-year-old has made a fine start to his test career before injury kept him off the pitch.
He’s fully fit and firing ahead of the series though and is looking forward to what should be an ‘exciting’ affair.
"It means a lot,” Atkinson told BBC Sport when asked how it felt ot play in the Ashes.
“Growing up the 2005 Ashes was the main thing for me. Ever since it’s been a dream to play in an Ashes series.
“To get the opportunity is very exciting."
Mitchell Starc confident Australia can overcome injuries
Wednesday 19 November 2025 09:04 , Luke BakerAll the noise coming out of the Australian camp surrounds injured duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, severely depleting the home bowling stocks.
Scott Boland and uncapped Brendan Doggett are expected to replace the injured duo who boast 604 Test wickets between them.
And Mitchell Starc is confident the team can cope without their talismen.
“Sadly, injuries and fast bowling happen,” the 35-year-old Starc said of Cummins and Hazlewood.
“But (it’s) good to see the depth in the squad. We know what Scottie Boland can do. Doggie’s (Doggett) coming off a hot streak at the moment as well.”
Gus Atkinson happy to fly under the radar
Wednesday 19 November 2025 08:45 , Luke BakerThe prospect of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer teaming up for just the second time in Test cricket has everyone excited but Gus Atkinson will also be a crucial part of the seam attack.
And Atkinson, who has taken 63 wickets at 22.07 in 13 appearances – including a hat-trick against New Zealand last winter and eight in his most recent outing against India – is content to stay out of the firing line.
“I’m not sure it's a mistake...it's been like that a bit so far in my career, in the background and I don't mind that at all,” he said.
“Jofra and Woody are amazing bowlers and they'll be huge for us this series.
“You hear about it (Tests in Australia) in the past and it’s all ‘pace, pace, pace; but we're hearing lately a bit more seam movement. For me personally, it’s nice to hear that. That’s something I'm looking forward to.”
Ashes 2025/26 schedule
Wednesday 19 November 2025 08:30 , Luke BakerThe first Test gets underway this Friday and here’s how the schedule for the whole series looks this year
Ashes 2025-26 schedule:
First Test, Optus Stadium in Perth: 21-25 November (UK start time: 2.20am GMT)
Second Test, Gabba in Brisbane: 4-8 December (4.30am)
Third Test, Adelaide Oval in Adelaide: 17-21 December (12am)
Fourth Test, MCG in Melbourne: 26-30 December (11.30pm, 25 December)
Fifth Test, SCG in Sydney: 4-8 January (11.30pm, 3 January)
England take Mark Wood gamble in Ashes first Test squad
Wednesday 19 November 2025 08:16 , Luke BakerMark Wood looks set to start the opening Ashes Test for England against Australia as part of a five-man pace attack after being named in the 12-man squad.
X-factor bowler Wood has faced a race against time to prove his fitness after undergoing surgery earlier this year. He recovered enough to travel Down Under but only completed eight overs of the warm-up match against England Lions at Lilac Hill before tweaking his hamstring.
However, a scan on the issue came back all clear earlier this week and that has set him up to be part of an all-seam attack, providing he can properly prove his fitness in the nets over the next 48 hours.
The seam-friendly nature of the pitch at Optus Stadium in Perth has made this a viable strategy and Wood is set to start as part of a bowling unit alongside fellow pacemen Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes. It would be the fastest bowling attack England have put out in recent memory, with the absolute fastest of those – Wood and Archer –having only ever played one Test together before.
Mark Wood in England squad for first Ashes Test
Wednesday 19 November 2025 08:00 , Luke BakerOk, the 12-man England squad for the first Ashes Test, starting on Friday, has been released and the big news is that MARK WOOD IS IN!
Providing he proves his fitness over the next 48 hours, that means he will likely start as part of a five-man pace attack alongside Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes.
Shoaib Bashir is also in the squad but surely slated for 12th man duties, given the seam-friendly nature of the Perth pitch and his struggles in recent times.
That means there’s no place for Will Jacks, so the mooted idea of him being selected to extend the batting line-up, and provide a part-time spin option, hasn’t come to fruition.
As expected, Ollie Pope has seen off Jacob Bethell, so will take the No 3 spot in the line-up.
England’s 12-player squad:
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’s ‘old blokes’ rally together for the Ashes chasing one last demolition of England
Wednesday 19 November 2025 07:55 , Jack RathbornThere was a simplicity to the statement. Australian cricket has a capacity for straight talking and Dan Christian, the all-rounder who came out of retirement last winter to figure in the Big Bash in his forties, tended to justify the presence of veterans in four words: “Old blokes win stuff”. It was his philosophy in Twenty20 tournaments and he won them in four different countries, often in his late thirties.
Since then, it is an attitude that seems to have spread across Australian cricket. Young blokes are conspicuous by their absence. When Australia last played a Test at home, it was without anyone in their twenties: the teenager Sam Konstas was accompanied by 10 thirtysomethings. When they named their squad for the first Ashes Test in Perth, Konstas was dropped, the 31-year-old Jake Weatherald selected and the 26-year-old Cameron Green was the only man below 30, joined by 14 of his elders. The Cameron Green generation consists of only Cameron Green.
Australia’s ‘old blokes’ rally for the Ashes chasing one last demolition of England
Ex-England star offers advice to Ben Stokes and Joe Root on handling Ashes hostility
Wednesday 19 November 2025 07:40 , Jack RathbornPhil Tufnell, the former England slow left-armer, has offered a unique perspective on the notorious hostility of Australian crowds during the Ashes, urging the current England squad to embrace the unforgiving environment.
His advice comes as anticipation for the series, which begins this Friday with the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium, reaches fever pitch, with figures like Ben Stokes and Joe Root already facing media baiting.
His message to the current England team is clear: "Embrace it, love it. All the hard work comes down to this, so don’t let a bit of chat put you off your stroke, embrace it and let it bring the best out of you."
James Anderson drops Ashes verdict as he pinpoints Australia ‘cracks’ for England to ‘expose’
Wednesday 19 November 2025 07:30 , Jack Rathborn"Australia have been so strong and so consistent in their team selection over the last 10 years, that this probably is their weakest team (in the last 15 years)," Anderson told TNT Sports.
"There are doubts around who’s going to bat in the top three, Pat Cummins missing is huge. There are question marks there, definitely, and there are cracks that England could potentially expose. There’s a great chance for England to get on top early.
"I don’t think England are quite favourites, I’d say Australia are still favourites, in Australia. There’s still a lot of quality in their batting line-up, there’s still a lot of quality with their bowlers as well, even if Cummins is missing."
"So I think they probably just edge out England in terms of being favourites, but I don’t think there’s much in it. It’s a tough one to call, so I’d say Australia, just."
