The Ashes 2025: Preview, Prediction & Analysis
5626Tyler Smith
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Published Date: November 17, 2025 5:02 PM
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The Ashes 2025 arrives with a level of anticipation rarely seen in modern cricket. England and Australia, the sport’s oldest rivals, are set to renew their historic battle in a series that promises drama, tension, and unforgettable moments. As the cricketing calendar turns toward this iconic contest, fans on both sides of the globe are already dissecting squads, conditions, and the psychological warfare that makes the Ashes unlike any other rivalry in world sport.
This year’s series carries added weight, with both nations undergoing significant transitions since their previous encounter. England, under new leadership and a renewed focus on aggressive, fearless cricket, will be determined to reclaim the urn after recent inconsistencies. Their blend of emerging talent and experienced match-winners brings intrigue to every selection debate and adds a layer of unpredictability to their campaign.
Australia, meanwhile, enter the 2025 battle with the confidence of a side that has rebuilt its core and strengthened its depth across all formats. Playing on home soil gives them a decisive advantage, particularly with conditions that favour their fast-bowling artillery. The visitors will need to adapt quickly to the bounce and pace of wickets in cities such as Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne if they want to mount a serious challenge.
Beyond the tactical storylines lies the emotional heart of the Ashes. It is more than a cricket series—it is a cultural event steeped in tradition, history, and national identity. Every session, every spell, every innings has the potential to shift momentum, spark controversy, or etch a new chapter into the sport’s folklore. The 2025 edition is no different, with both sides craving not only victory but legacy.
As the opening test approaches, the build-up intensifies. Questions loom large over selection choices, player form, and the psychological edge that so often determines the Ashes outcome. One thing is certain: when England and Australia walk onto the field for the first ball of the 2025 series, the eyes of the cricketing world will be fixed on them, ready for another epic showdown in a rivalry that refuses to lose its fire.
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Australia enter the 2025/26 Ashes with a combination of home advantage, superior bowling depth, and proven big-match temperament—a trio that historically separates the sides when the Ashes are played on Australian soil. Their fast-bowling group, even as it evolves, remains the most complete attack in world Test cricket at home: pace, bounce, accuracy, and variety, backed by a world-class spinner in Nathan Lyon. In Australian conditions, bowlers win series, and Australia possess a far more reliable and experienced unit than England.
What Is The Ashes and How the Series Works
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The Ashes is a Test cricket series played between England and Australia, one of the most storied rivalries in sport.
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The 2025–26 Ashes is part of the ICC World Test Championship, meaning each Test contributes points toward the championship.
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It is a five-match Test series.
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In Test cricket, each match can last up to five days, and the series winner is the team that wins more individual Tests. Draws are possible in individual matches.
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If the series ends in a draw (each team wins the same number of Tests), the current holder of the Ashes retains the urn.
Venues & Format for the 2025–26 Ashes
The 2025–26 Ashes series will be hosted by Australia, spread across five iconic venues:
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Optus Stadium, Perth — First Test
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The Gabba, Brisbane — Second Test (day-night)
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Adelaide Oval, Adelaide — Third Test
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Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) — Fourth Test (the traditional Boxing Day Test)
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Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) — Fifth Test (New Year’s Test)
Dates for Each Test
Here are the confirmed dates for each of the five Ashes Tests in 2025–26:
| Test | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Optus Stadium, Perth | 21–25 November 2025 |
| 2nd Test | The Gabba, Brisbane (day-night) | 4–8 December 2025 |
| 3rd Test | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 17–21 December 2025 |
| 4th Test | MCG, Melbourne (Boxing Day Test) | 26–30 December 2025 |
| 5th Test | SCG, Sydney | 4–8 January 2026 |
Additional Context & Significance
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The opening Test in Perth is notable because it breaks a long tradition: for more than 40 years, Ashes series in Australia have often started at the Gabba in Brisbane.
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The second Test in Brisbane will be a day-night match, using a pink ball — a big feature for the 2025–26 Ashes.
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The fourth Test is the traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG, one of the marquee matches in any Ashes series.
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The fifth and final Test is the New Year’s Test at the SCG, another hugely symbolic fixture in the Australian summer cricket calendar.
The 2023 Ashes series was one of the most dramatic and hotly debated in modern cricket history. Played in England, it featured two contrasting styles: Australia’s traditional, attritional Test approach against England’s aggressive “Bazball” philosophy. The clash of tactics created a compelling narrative that gripped global audiences from the first delivery to the final session of the fifth Test.
Australia started the series strongly, winning the first Test at Edgbaston in a tense finish that set the tone for the summer. A composed final-day chase and a decisive lower-order partnership secured a two-wicket victory. The second Test at Lord’s also went Australia’s way, with their bowlers capitalising on England’s attacking intent. The match became infamous for a controversial stumping incident that stirred worldwide debate and added extra fire to the rivalry.
England began to turn the tide in the third Test at Headingley, producing a spirited response to keep the series alive. Their bowlers applied pressure throughout, and a determined batting display ensured a three-wicket win. The momentum continued in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, where England dominated with both bat and ball. However, persistent rain prevented a likely England victory, resulting in a draw that ultimately proved decisive in the final outcome of the series.
The fifth Test at The Oval delivered another enthralling contest. England, determined to finish the series on their terms, produced a strong all-round performance to claim a memorable win and level the series 2–2. Despite England’s resurgence, the drawn series meant that Australia retained the Ashes, having been the holders entering the contest.
While England’s aggressive reinvention of Test cricket captured global attention, Australia’s early wins and resilience in key sessions ensured they held onto the urn. The 2023 Ashes will be remembered for its tactical contrasts, controversies, fluctuating momentum, and the sense that both teams left everything on the field. It set the stage perfectly for the next chapter in 2025.
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Here’s the 15-player squad that Australia named for the first Test in Perth: Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, and Beau Webster.
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Note: Pat Cummins, the regular captain and pace spearhead, is ruled out of the first Test due to a back injury.
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There are a few surprises in selection — for example, Jake Weatherald, uncapped at Test level, gets a call-up.
Key Players to Watch
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Steve Smith (Captain / Batsman)
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Smith is leading the side in Cummins’ absence, bringing his immense experience and calm under pressure.
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He remains one of Australia’s most reliable middle-order batters; his ability to anchor innings will be crucial, especially in high-pressure Ashes moments.
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Cameron Green (All-rounder)
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Green is one of the most dynamic pieces in this squad — he bats aggressively, but also gives bowling options.
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According to selectors, he’s being managed carefully after some fitness issues, but his dual role could provide Australia with great balance.
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Meanwhile, Beau Webster provides another all-round option, contributing with both bat and occasional spin.
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Marnus Labuschagne (Batsman)
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Labuschagne makes his return to the Test squad.
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His form in first-class cricket has been strong, and he offers technical solidity in the middle order.
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Travis Head (Batting / Part-time Spin)
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Head is a key aggressive bat in Australia’s line-up.
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His ability to change the game quickly, especially if conditions favour seam or spin, makes him a dangerous player.
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Mitchell Starc (Pace Bowling)
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As one of Australia’s most potent strike bowlers, Starc remains a big threat.
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His left-arm angle, ability to swing the new ball, and experience in big matches make him a potentially decisive factor.
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Scott Boland & Brendan Doggett (Pace Depth)
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With Cummins unavailable for at least the first Test, Boland and Doggett provide important seam options.
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Sean Abbott is also in the squad, giving variety and flexibility in the pace department.
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Nathan Lyon (Spin)
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Lyon remains Australia’s leading spinner in Test cricket. His experience and guile will be vital in exploiting any turn or for holding one end up.
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His role is likely to be central, especially in the later Test matches where pitch wear could come into play.
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Jake Weatherald (New Opening Option)
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Weatherald’s inclusion is one of the biggest talking points; he’s been selected despite being uncapped.
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He opens the batting and offers an aggressive left-handed option, which could complement Usman Khawaja nicely.
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Usman Khawaja (Senior Opener)
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Khawaja brings stability and experience at the top of the order.
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Given Weatherald’s aggressive style, Khawaja’s calm head could be vital in anchoring long innings and building partnerships.
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Alex Carey & Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeping / Batting)
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Alex Carey is the primary wicketkeeper
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Josh Inglis provides backup and can also contribute as a lower-order bat, giving Australia flexibility.
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Strengths & Challenges for this Squad
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Strengths:
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Balance & Depth: With all-rounders like Green and Webster, plus a settled batting core (Smith, Head, Labuschagne), Australia has good balance.
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Experience: Veteran players like Smith, Lyon, and Starc bring Ashes experience and know-how.
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Pace Options: Even with Cummins out, bolstering the attack with Boland, Doggett, Abbott, and Starc gives depth.
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Challenges:
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Cummins’ Injury: Losing their captain and leading quick bowler is a big blow, especially early in the series.
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Uncapped Risk: Jake Weatherald’s lack of Test experience is a risk, especially opening in a high-stakes Ashes Test.
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All-round Workload: Green’s bowling might be managed carefully; the team may not get as much from his seam bowling as they would ideally want.
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England have named a 16-man squad for the Ashes series.
The squad is:
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Batters: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook.
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All-rounders: Captain Ben Stokes, Will Jacks.
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Spinners: Shoaib Bashir (specialist).
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Fast bowlers: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue.
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Wicketkeeper: Jamie Smith.
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Leadership: Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook named vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope.
Key Players to Watch
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Ben Stokes
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As the captain, Stokes brings experience, leadership, and all-round ability.
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His form and fitness will be critical. He’s recovering from a shoulder injury.
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With his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, he could be a decisive factor in close games.
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Harry Brook (Vice-Captain)
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Elevated to vice-captaincy, showing how much faith the selectors have in his leadership.
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He’s an aggressive batter, which could serve England’s Bazball-style mindset well.
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His role is not just as a top-order run-scorer but also as a key part of England’s new generation.
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Joe Root
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A stalwart of England’s Test batting.
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Given his experience, Root will likely be the anchor in the middle order, especially in Australian conditions.
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His ability to bat long innings under pressure will be tested heavily.
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Will Jacks
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His recall is one of the biggest surprises. He hasn’t played a Test since December 2022.
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He offers spin bowling in addition to batting, giving England flexibility.
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If he performs, he could be a real match-winner through his all-round contributions.
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Shoaib Bashir
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The primary spin option for England on this tour.
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His skill with the ball could be particularly valuable if pitches in later Tests offer some turn, or for breaking partnerships.
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As a young spinner, his performance under pressure on a big tour will be closely watched.
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Pace Attack (Archer, Wood, Potts, Carse, Atkinson, Tongue)
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Jofra Archer: Experienced strike bowler, can bring pace, bounce, and short-ball threat.
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Mark Wood: Returns from injury and brings raw speed.
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Matthew Potts: Has Test experience and can pick up wickets; recalled for his seam bowling.
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Along with Carse, Atkinson, and Tongue, England has a deep and varied pace battery for different conditions.
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Strengths of England’s Squad
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Pace Depth: With six seamers in the squad, England can rotate fast bowlers heavily — a big asset for Australian conditions.
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All-round Options: Stokes plus Jacks give England batting depth and bowling variation.
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Youth + Experience Mix: Players like Brook and Bethell bring youth, while veterans like Root and Stokes anchor the side.
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Leadership Structure: Stokes is an experienced leader, and Brook as vice gives a modern leadership dynamic.
Challenges & Risks
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Stokes’ Fitness: His recovery from injury is key. If he’s not full-throttle, it could hamper England’s all-round strength.
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Spin Reliance: With Bashir as the only specialist spinner, England may lack a second quality spin option if conditions demand it.
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Injury Risk: Some of the seamers (like Wood or Archer) have had fitness issues; heavy workload in Australia could be risky.
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Uncertainty in Middle Order: The Pope vs Bethell debate could affect stability, especially in big moments.
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Tour Experience: Many in the squad have limited or no previous Ashes experience in Australia, which could be a disadvantage.
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UK / Ireland
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TNT Sports has exclusive live rights for the Ashes.
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You can stream via discovery+, which includes TNT Sports.
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You can access TNT Sports via EE TV, Sky, and Virgin Media.
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For radio / audio, BBC Test Match Special will provide ball-by-ball commentary via BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport website / app.
🇦🇺 Australia
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Coverage will be on Channel Seven and streamed via 7plus.
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You can also watch on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
🌐 Other Countries / Regions
According to Cricket Australia’s TV guide for the Ashes:
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India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, etc.: Available via JioStar (formerly Disney Star)
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New Zealand: Via Sky NZ
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USA / Canada: On Willow
Australia to win the Ashes 3-1.
Australia enter the 2025/26 Ashes with a combination of home advantage, superior bowling depth, and proven big-match temperament—a trio that historically separates the sides when the Ashes are played on Australian soil. Their fast-bowling group, even as it evolves, remains the most complete attack in world Test cricket at home: pace, bounce, accuracy, and variety, backed by a world-class spinner in Nathan Lyon. In Australian conditions, bowlers win series, and Australia possess a far more reliable and experienced unit than England.
England will arrive with an exciting batting lineup and the potential for explosive sessions, but their biggest vulnerability is their bowling durability in Australian conditions. Five Tests across Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane again, and Sydney demand relentless pace, stamina, and the ability to generate movement and lift on harder, hotter pitches. England’s attack has talent—but not the same level of proven success in these environments. Over a long series, that gap typically widens, and this is where Australia are most likely to win the key moments.
A 3–1 prediction also respects England’s competitive ability. Under Stokes and McCullum, they are too dangerous, too aggressive, and too confident to be swept aside. They will almost certainly produce at least one Test where their batting fires, their bowlers find a rhythm, and their approach overwhelms Australia. But sustaining that level across a full Australian series is another matter—and that’s where the hosts hold the edge.
Australia, meanwhile, have the advantage of continuity. Their batting core—Smith, Labuschagne, Head, Khawaja/others—have all averaged strongly at home for years. Their bowlers know how to exploit conditions from ball one. Their fielding and tactical discipline rarely drop. Over five gruelling Tests, that consistency is what wins Ashes series in Australia.
Australia enter the 2025/26 Ashes with a combination of home advantage, superior bowling depth, and proven big-match temperament—a trio that historically separates the sides when the Ashes are played on Australian soil. Their fast-bowling group, even as it evolves, remains the most complete attack in world Test cricket at home: pace, bounce, accuracy, and variety, backed by a world-class spinner in Nathan Lyon. In Australian conditions, bowlers win series, and Australia possess a far more reliable and experienced unit than England.
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