Key dates for the 2025-26 Ashes

The Ashes might be one of the smallest prizes in world sport, but it means a heck of a lot to England and Australia.

For almost 150 years now, this historic rivalry has been packed with drama, controversy and iconic moments. And while the urn itself may be tiny, the bragging rights couldn’t be bigger.

England haven’t won the Ashes since 2015. Since then, Australia have twice retained the urn on home soil and held onto it in back-to-back away draws in 2019 and 2023.

Their dominance has been total—but for England fans hoping for a change in fortunes, the 2025-26 series brings fresh hope.

Brendon McCullum’s all-action ‘Bazball’ revolution has transformed England’s approach to Test cricket, and while he was in charge for that thrilling drawn series in 2023, this will be his first taste of Ashes cricket in Australia.

Australia, though, remain odds-on favourites. Home advantage, recent history and a settled squad all swing the odds in their favour. But with no deposit free bets available across major UK sportsbooks in the build-up to the series, some punters might be tempted to take a chance on England finally turning the tide.

Here’s everything you need to know about the key dates for the 2025-26 Ashes.

First Test – Optus Stadium, Perth (21–25 November)

The series kicks off in Perth, where England have a dismal recent record. Their last win in Western Australia came back in 1978. The extra pace and bounce at Optus Stadium will suit Australia’s fast bowlers—particularly if the wicket has anything like the carry we saw in the 2021-22 series.

Expect England’s batters to be tested early. Facing the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc—who will all likely be playing their last Ashes—with a brand-new Kookaburra ball in Western Australia is a trial by fire. But this new England team doesn’t back down.

Second Test – The Gabba, Brisbane (4–8 December)

The Gabba is an Australian fortress. England’s last win here was in 1986, and the ground famously hosted Australia’s 33-match unbeaten streak in Tests, which was only broken by India in 2021. For touring teams, it’s often where dreams of Ashes glory start to unravel.

However, it also offers opportunity. Brisbane’s pitch has become a little less lively in recent years, and England will be hoping for some swing from the pink ball under lights if conditions are right. It’s also the site where they were bowled out for 147 on the first morning of the 2021 series—so there’s plenty of motivation to put that right.

Third Test – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (17–21 December)

A beautiful setting and a historic venue, the Adelaide Oval will host the third Test just days before Christmas. Adelaide is one of the more batter-friendly grounds in Australia, especially early on, but it can offer something for spin and reverse swing as the match progresses. England will need to be tactically sharp and patient.

It has been one of the better grounds for England in recent years, even in defeat. Their narrow loss in 2017 and some strong performances in the early 2000s suggest it’s a place they can compete. A result here, for either side, could swing the momentum massively heading into the festive period.

Fourth Test – MCG, Melbourne (26–30 December)

The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a bucket-list fixture for any cricketer, and this could be the crown jewel of the 2025-26 series. With over 100,000 fans expected, the atmosphere will be electric—especially if the series is still alive.

England’s last win at the MCG came in 2010, part of their historic 3-1 series win. Since then, they’ve managed a draw and suffered a couple of humbling defeats. It’s a ground that rewards discipline and patience—both key attributes if England are to grind out a result in front of a hostile crowd.

Fifth Test – SCG, Sydney (4–8 January)

The series finale heads to Sydney, where England’s record is slightly better than elsewhere in Australia—but still patchy. The SCG is traditionally a spinner’s ground, and conditions in early January could bring slow turn and variable bounce into play.

This could work in England’s favour, and Jack Leach may prove vital if the series is still on the line. The final Test could produce all the drama you’d expect from a potential Ashes decider.