A Rivalry Rooted in History
The Ashes is more than just a cricket series—it’s a storied rivalry that dates back to 1882. With The Ashes 2025 fast approaching, anticipation is building again for this historic contest. Following England’s unexpected defeat to Australia at The Oval, a mock obituary in The Sporting Times declared the death of English cricket, stating that “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” Thus, the legend of The Ashes was born. Since then, England and Australia have battled for the symbolic urn in one of sport’s most enduring contests.
Recapping the Last Series
The 2023 Ashes, held in England, was a thrilling affair. England clinched a dramatic victory in the final Test at The Oval, winning by 49 runs and levelling the series 2–2. Standout performances included Chris Woakes and Zak Crawley, with the latter scoring a remarkable 189 at Old Trafford. Despite Australia retaining the urn due to their previous series win, England’s resurgence set the stage for a fiery rematch.
The Ashes 2025: Fixtures and Venues
This year, the series returns to Australia, promising sun-soaked stadiums and fierce competition. The five-Test series will span iconic venues:
- 1st Test – Perth Stadium, Perth (21–25 November 2025)
- 2nd Test – The Gabba, Brisbane (4–8 December 2025)
- 3rd Test – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (17–21 December 2025)
- 4th Test – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (26–30 December 2025)
- 5th Test – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (4–8 January 2026)
Each venue offers a unique challenge, from the bounce of the Gabba to the spin-friendly SCG, making team selection and strategy crucial.
England’s Squad: Youth and Experience
England enters the series with a dynamic squad blending seasoned campaigners and rising stars. Led by Ben Stokes, the team features:
Batters: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope
All-rounders: Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Jamie Overton, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (WK)
Bowlers: Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir, Sam Cook, Gus Atkinson
Their recent series against India showcased resilience and flair, with thrilling matches including a narrow 6-run loss and a 22-run win. Stokes, in particular, was instrumental with both bat and ball, reaffirming his status as a talismanic leader.
Australia’s Form and Firepower
Australia remains a formidable force, currently ranked No. 1 in Test cricket. Under Pat Cummins’ leadership, they’ve enjoyed a dominant run, including a clean sweep against the West Indies and a strong showing against South Africa in the Test World Championship. Key players include:
Batters: Steve Smith, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja
All-rounders: Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK)
Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c) Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
Their depth and experience, especially in home conditions, make them tough opponents. However, England’s recent form suggests they won’t be overawed
Who Will Win The Ashes 2025?
Predicting the winner is no easy task. Australia’s home advantage and consistency give them the edge, but England’s aggressive style and fresh talent could turn the tide. Much will depend on key battles—Root vs Lyon, Cummins vs Stokes—and how each side adapts to the conditions. Whatever the result, the banter has already started, with Stuart Broad commentating on a local radio station.
Final Thoughts
The Ashes 2025 promises to be a captivating series, rich in tradition and brimming with talent. Whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan or new to the sport, this is a spectacle not to be missed.
If you’re considering attending one of the Tests or planning a cricket-themed experience, discreet support from industry experts like Experience First can help make it unforgettable.
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Image amended with watermark and owned by Mugley, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
