Match starts 21–25 November 2025 at Optus Stadium, Perth.
Prediction: Australia win.
Match Details:
• Date: 21–25 November 2025
• Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Teams Overview
Australia
Australia enter the Ashes with a slight setback after Pat Cummins was ruled out of the opening Test due to a back issue. In his absence, Steve Smith will lead the side, adding stability and experience. The batting order features Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Smith himself, forming a reliable top four. Cameron Green and Alex Carey strengthen the lower-middle order, while the selectors have added Jake Weatherald, who could make his Test debut.
Australia’s bowling attack remains strong even without Cummins. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Sean Abbott, and Brendan Doggett offer ample pace options. Nathan Lyon will lead the spin department, giving Australia plenty of variety. Optus Stadium’s pace-friendly nature suits their attack perfectly.
England
England have named a powerful 16-man squad led by Ben Stokes, with Harry Brook serving as vice-captain. Their biggest weapon is pace: Jofra Archer and Mark Wood return to the side, supported by Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Matthew Potts. This is perhaps England’s fastest attack ever assembled for an Ashes tour.
With the bat, England will rely heavily on Joe Root, who is still searching for his first century in an away Ashes campaign. Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook provide the core of the batting, while Jamie Smith adds fresh energy as wicketkeeper. England, however, have a lighter spin department, with Shoaib Bashir and Will Jacks being their main slow-bowling options.
Head-to-Head (Recent Five Tests)
27/07/23 – England won by 49 runs
19/07/23 – Match Drawn
06/07/23 – England won by 3 wickets
28/06/23 – Australia won by 43 runs
16/06/23 – Australia won by 2 wickets
These results show a balanced contest, but England have historically struggled in Australia, with no Test win there since 2011.
Pitch Report — Optus Stadium, Perth
The pitch at Perth is known for its steep bounce, sharp carry, and assistance for fast bowlers. Early in the match, seam and swing movement are common, especially for bowlers above 140 km/h. As the game progresses into day four and five, the pitch can develop cracks that aid both fast bowlers and spinners. Batting becomes easier only once the ball gets older, but inconsistent bounce can appear late in the match.
Probable Playing XIs
Australia
Usman Khawaja
Jake Weatherald
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith (c)
Travis Head
Cameron Green
Alex Carey (wk)
Mitchell Starc
Scott Boland
Sean Abbott
Nathan Lyon
England
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Ben Stokes (c)
Jamie Smith (wk)
Will Jacks
Jofra Archer
Mark Wood
Gus Atkinson
Live Streaming (Region-Wise — No Links)
• Australia: Foxtel, Kayo Sports
• England: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Go App
• India & South Asia: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV
• USA: Willow TV
• Middle East: Etisalat, STARZPLAY
• Pakistan: Ten Sports, Sony LIV (via subscription)
Probable Match Scenarios
Australia’s fast bowlers could dominate early using the bounce and movement.
England’s success depends heavily on the fitness and impact of Archer and Wood.
Joe Root will be under pressure to anchor England’s innings.
Australia’s middle-order strength and home conditions may give them a decisive edge.
Match Prediction
Australia are clear favourites due to home advantage, better experience in these conditions, and a more stable batting lineup. England’s pace attack can be dangerous but remains uncertain because of injury risk. Australia are likely to take a 1–0 lead.
