The Ashes cricket series kicks off with Australia facing England in Perth on November 21-25, 2025. This marks the first Test at the new Perth Stadium venue. Australia‘s team features two debutants: Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett. England captain Ben Stokes leads a squad seeking their first series win since 2015.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Test dates: November 21-25, 2025 at Perth Stadium
- Historical context: England won only once in 14 prior Perth visits
- Debutants: Australia includes Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett
- Australia’s record: 3-0 unbeaten in World Test Championship standings
- Series significance: First time Perth Stadium hosts an Ashes Test
What Happened on Day One
The 2025-26 Ashes series commenced Friday at the modern Perth Stadium venue. Australia confirmed its lineup with notable debuts ahead. Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett received their Test caps for Australia. Beau Webster was dropped for the opener.
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Australia’s batting order included Weatherald and Usman Khawaja opening. Marnus Labuschagne earned a recall to the lineup. Steve Smith leads as captain, with Travis Head and Cameron Green in middle order. Alex Carey keeps wicket for the home side.
England sent Ben Stokes as captain with Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ollie Pope in the batting lineup. The decision on Mark Wood and Shoaib Bashir was delayed. Jofra Archer leads the pace attack, supported by Gus Atkinson and other bowlers.
Why This Matters for Cricket
The Ashes represents cricket’s oldest international rivalry. Australia has won 34 of all 73 Ashes series played. England last won their series in 2015 on home soil. American cricket fans appreciate this 150-year-old clash.
Perth presents unique challenges for visiting England teams historically. England won only once in 14 Perth visits against a weakened squad in 1978. Ben Stokes brings a fresh approach under coach Brendon McCullum. The captain seeks to elevate England’s Test cricket on foreign soil immediately.
Australia arrives as clear favorites domestically. Australia holds an unbeaten 3-0 record in the World Test Championship. Despite losing key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to injuries, replacements like Brendan Doggett step in confidently.
The Playing Lineups and Key Details
Understanding both teams illuminates this contest’s competitive balance:
| AUSTRALIA XI | KEY DETAILS |
| 1. Jake Weatherald (debutant) | Opening batter, cap #473 |
| 2. Usman Khawaja | Experienced opener |
| 3. Marnus Labuschagne | Recalled to lineup |
| 4. Steven Smith (c) | Captain, star batter |
| 5. Travis Head | Middle order dangerous hitter |
| 6. Cameron Green | Batting allrounder |
| 7. Alex Carey (wk) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Bowling Attack | Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Brendan Doggett |
England’s lineup pairs experienced performers with emerging talent. Ben Stokes leads from the front at No. 5 position. Joe Root faces immense pressure to deliver runs on Australian soil, where he’s never won. Harry Brook provides young batting stability.
| ENGLAND XI | KEY DETAILS |
| 1. Zak Crawley | Opening batter |
| 2. Ben Duckett | Opening partner |
| 3. Ollie Pope | Middle order batter, beat Jacob Bethell |
| 4. Joe Root | Senior batter, never won in Australia |
| 5. Ben Stokes (c) | Captain, all-rounder |
| 6. Harry Brook (vc) | Vice-captain, young talent |
| Bowling Options | Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir, Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse |
Both teams face selection dilemmas. Australia manages injuries while integrating fresh talent. England‘s coaching team debated replacing Jacob Bethell with Ollie Pope. Final bowling decisions await pitch assessment.
What To Watch For Next
- How Jake Weatherald‘s debut impacts Australia’s opening partnership stability.
- Whether Joe Root finally wins a Test match on Australian soil after years of tries.
- If Steve Smith maintains his dominant form against England’s threatening pace attack.
- England’s pace-heavy strategy with Archer, Atkinson, and Wood execution.
- Perth‘s distinctive pitch conditions affecting the brand-new Perth Stadium surface.
Can England End Their 10-Year Drought?
England’s last Ashes victory came in 2015—a decade without series success. Ben Stokes transformed England’s Test culture since 2022. Yet Perth historically dominates English touring teams brutally.
Brendon McCullum and Stokes champion aggressive cricket that excites fans. Former captain Michael Vaughan stated England “have the tools” to compete. However, conquering Perth early proves essential for any realistic series hopes.
The 5-Test series continues to Brisbane (Dec 4-8), Adelaide (Dec 17-21), Melbourne (Dec 26-30) and concludes in Sydney. Success in Perth sets momentum. Failure could derail England’s Ashes dreams immediately. Can Stokes inspire historic performance, or will Australia’s unbeaten run continue?
Sources
- ESPN Cricinfo – Match scorecard, lineups, and detailed coverage
- Cricket Australia – Official announcements and team selections
- BBC Sport – Historical context and analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.