Melbourne
Cricket Australia has announced the schedule for the 2025-26 Ashes series on Wednesday, with the first match set for Perth on November 21. The series, featuring five Tests, will see Australia and England battle it out over the Australian summer.
The second Test will be a pink-ball, day-night match at Brisbane’s Gabba from December 4. Adelaide Oval will host the third ‘pre-Christmas’ Test, known for its vibrant holiday atmosphere. The Boxing Day Test is scheduled at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26, followed by the New Year’s Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting January 4, which will conclude the series.
In a shift, Brisbane will not host the Ashes opener for the first time since 1982-83, when Perth last opened the series. Adelaide has been given the third Test to leverage its popularity as a holiday destination. The Gabba’s future as a Test venue remains uncertain due to redevelopment plans for the 2032 Olympics, possibly making this Ashes Test its last.
Cricket Australia’s Joel Morrison emphasized the global appeal of the Ashes and encouraged fans to secure tickets early. The history and excitement of the Ashes make it one of the world’s most iconic sporting events… We urge everyone to register with the Australian Cricket Family for priority access, he said. Australia currently holds the Ashes after a 2-2 draw in last year’s series in the UK, setting the stage for another fiercely competitive contest between the cricketing rivals.
