The widely acclaimed 2025 Ashes series is just around the corner! This five-match Test cricket tussle between Australia and England, the Ashes, gets underway on November 21 in Perth. This famous rivalry is actually played every two years. The two cricketing nations take turns with hosting duties through their respective summer seasons. The history of the series is dense, having started back in 1882-1883. At the time, it was a huge upset for England to win a three-Test series in Australia.
This will mark the 73rd Ashes series. Australia have won 34 of those, with England having won 32. Only seven of the series have ended in draws, and remarkably, Australia has successfully clung on to the Ashes in six of those occasions. At the time of writing, Australia are in possession of the Ashes, after retaining them courtesy of a 2-2 draw with England in the most recent contest, played in 2023.
The upcoming series will be the first for Australia at home in six years. Residents are, for the first time since the 1982-83 season, about to start a home Ashes series. This time, it won’t be at the Gabba in Brisbane. It means the first Test will be at the WACA Ground in Perth – but not as we know it – from November 21-25. The series schedule will see a historic first day-night Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval.
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins will lead his team for the third time in an Ashes series, while England’s Ben Stokes will face Australia for the second time as captain. Still, both squads understand the stakes of this series, perhaps more about national pride but definitely about their own legacy.
Recent histories make for difficult reading when it comes to England’s record in this tournament. In their last three tours to Australia, they experienced heavy defeats: a 5-0 loss, followed by two consecutive 4-0 losses. The last time an away team took the series was the scene of England’s cannonball run to victory during the 2010-11 season. In this century, the tourists have won the Ashes outright just twice. Australia completed this trick in 2001, and England matched it in 2010-11.
With all of that historical context in mind, players and fans too are excited to see what’s next. With an experienced English bowler like Stuart Broad giving his own insight on the 2023 series to come, excitement is building.
“It’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won, and it’s the best English team since 2010.” – Stuart Broad
This comment seems to highlight the contentious nature of the contest, with respect to the trajectory or capability represented by either team. As players prepare for one of cricket’s most celebrated competitions, both sides are aware that past victories do not guarantee future success.
It’s been one heck of a series, five dramatic, gripping and heart stopping Tests splayed across the nation. The championship’s climax will be held in Sydney from January 3–7, 2026. The Ashes has a storied aura amongst all cricketing rivalries with 345 Tests played. Australia is leading the all-time record with 142 wins, compared to 110 wins for England and 93 matches resulting in draws.
As anticipation builds for this iconic event, cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly watching as these two nations battle not just for the Ashes but for pride and prestige in the world of cricket.
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