The Stage is Set: Smith and Stokes to Lead Rival Teams in Perth
The 2025-26 Ashes series will commence with a highly anticipated first Test at Perth on 21 November, featuring significant leadership changes for both teams. With regular captain Pat Cummins sidelined, Steve Smith will step in as Australia's captain, while Ben Stokes will continue to lead England in what promises to be a compelling contest between cricket's oldest rivals.
Why Australia Remain Favourites Despite Injury Concerns
As the ICC's top-ranked Test team, Australia enter the series as clear favourites, particularly given their formidable home record. The hosts have emerged victorious in their last three Ashes series on home soil and haven't lost a Test series in Australia to any opponent except India in over a decade.
However, Australia's preparations have been hampered by significant injury setbacks. Captain Pat Cummins is ruled out of at least the first Test, while fellow pace bowler Josh Hazlewood joins him on the sidelines with an early-season fitness issue. This strips Australia of potentially having the four leading bowlers in the series all available.
The hosts will rely on Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland to shoulder the bowling load in Perth, with Nathan Lyon remaining as the key spin difference between the two teams. Boland, who could make Indigenous history in the opener, has proved himself a reliable replacement in previous matches.
Australia's batting lineup shows both stability and concern. While Steve Smith is displaying glimpses of his imperious best form and a rejuvenated Marnus Labuschagne returns at first drop, questions remain at the top of the order. Jake Weatherald is in line to debut as Usman Khawaja's seventh opening partner in less than two years.
England's Path to Victory: A Mountain to Climb
England face a daunting challenge, having failed to win any of their last 15 Tests across three previous visits to Australia. Their last series victory down under in 2010-11 appears increasingly like a memorable outlier in recent Ashes history.
The tourists' preparations have raised eyebrows, with only a subdued hitout against their second-tier Lions to familiarise themselves with local conditions. England's much-hyped 'Bazball' approach will face its ultimate test in Australian conditions.
England's bowling attack represents a significant gamble. The team relies heavily on the injury-prone Jofra Archer and Mark Wood to lead the pace attack. Archer has played just two Tests in four years, while Wood has only half a competitive fixture under his belt since February.
There are positive signs in the batting department, however. Joe Root remains the world's best Test batter despite never scoring a century in Australia, while Harry Brook arrives with an incredible record and impressive chemistry with Root. The England batting lineup that will play in Perth actually surpasses the celebrated 2010-11 team in terms of combined Test centuries.
Ben Stokes' return to all-rounder status provides additional balance, though his fitness remains crucial to England's chances. The tourists will need their top order to perform consistently if Root and Brook are to shine in the middle order.
The Verdict: Can England Overcome History?
While Australia can take comfort in knowing that performances nearing their best tend to be sufficient on home soil, England possess a genuine path to the urn despite numerous caveats. The absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, particularly for the first Test, represents a significant loss of aura for the hosts.
England's chances hinge on several factors going their way: Stokes' body must hold together, the top order needs to provide platforms for Root and Brook, and their pace attack must remain fit throughout the seven-week contest. Avoiding defeat in Perth appears crucial before facing Mitchell Starc with a pink ball in Brisbane.
This series shapes as the most competitive men's Ashes in Australia since England's triumphant 2010-11 tour. While Australia remain favourites, England have the talent to challenge if key components fall into place. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in cricket's greatest rivalry.
