Cricket fans, mark your calendars! The highly anticipated men’s Ashes Test series for summer 2025-26 is set to kick off on November 21 in Perth, as confirmed by Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday, October 16. This marks an exciting moment in cricket history, as the opening match of the Ashes will take place at Optus Stadium, breaking a 43-year tradition of kicking off at Brisbane’s Gabba.
Image Source: GETTY
The home Ashes series for Australia is set to kick off on November 21 in Perth.
Optus Stadium will make its debut as an Ashes Test venue, becoming the eighth Australian location to host this famous series. While it has seen four Test matches so far—against teams like India and New Zealand—this will be a new chapter as it welcomes cricket’s fiercest rivalry.
Australia remains undefeated at the Optus Stadium, which is bound to add to the excitement in the air as they prepare for back-to-back home Test series against India this year before the Ashes. Cricket enthusiasts can expect an electrifying atmosphere as the home team competes at a venue where they have yet to taste defeat.
After the opener, cricket action moves to Brisbane for the second Test, set for December 4. The Gabba will host its first-ever day-night Test match in Ashes history, a thrilling development for fans. This venue has a storied history, and just earlier this year, Australia faced a surprising defeat in a day-night Test against the West Indies, making the upcoming match all the more intriguing.
In another first, the Adelaide Oval will feature a traditional day Test for the first time since 2013, commencing on December 17. As the holiday season approaches, cricket fans can look forward to the festive atmospheres at iconic venues—Melbourne Cricket Ground will host its famous Boxing Day Test, while the Sydney Cricket Ground will wrap up the series with the New Year’s Test from January 4-8 in 2026.
Here’s a look at the complete schedule for the Ashes series:
| Fixtures | Dates | Venue |
|————–|———————-|———————————|
| 1st Test | November 21-25 | Optus Stadium, Perth |
| 2nd Test | December 4-8 | Gabba, Brisbane |
| 3rd Test | December 17-21 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| 4th Test | December 26-30 | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| 5th Test | January 4-8 (2026) | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
Joel Morrison, CA’s Executive General Manager of Events and Operations, expressed gratitude for the support from state and territory governments, which is essential for enhancing and promoting major events like this. The 2025-26 Ashes series is not just a standalone event; it’s a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle between 2025 and 2027, promising intense competition and high stakes.
This Ashes series will be particularly significant as it follows a successful year for the women’s teams, featuring their own Ashes series, including a historic day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground later this year. The synergy between the men’s and women’s competitions reaffirms cricket’s growing popularity across Australia and beyond, setting the stage for an unforgettable few months in the sport.
As fans gear up for this monumental series, excitement is palpable. The stage is set for fierce rivalries, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments. The Ashes is not just a series of matches; it’s a celebration of cricketing history and national pride. Mark your calendars, rally your friends, and get ready to witness one of the greatest rivalries in sports.
The Ashes series has a knack for producing memorable performances and nail-biting finishes. With each team boasting top-tier talent, fans are sure to be treated to some outstanding exhibits of cricketing skill and strategy. Both players and spectators understand the immense pressure and passion that come with this series, making it a must-watch event for cricket enthusiasts around the globe.
In conclusion, the upcoming 2025-26 Ashes series promises a season filled with excitement, history, and stellar performances. From the opening match in Perth to the final showdown in Sydney, cricket lovers have a lot to look forward to. This summer will not only solidify the stars of today but also pave the way for future legends of the game. Get ready, cricket world; the Ashes are about to set the stage on fire!
