The legendary Ashes rivalry reignites this week as England's cricket team embarks on their quest to reclaim the urn on Australian soil for the first time in nearly 15 years. The five-Test series commences in Perth on Wednesday, November 21, with England desperate to overturn years of away-day disappointment.
The Stakes and The Storylines
England's last Ashes series victory in Australia dates all the way back to 2011, with their most recent overall triumph occurring in 2015. Since 2017, the iconic urn has resided with Australia, who retained it with a 2-2 draw on English soil two years ago. The upcoming battle across three months will be a true test of character and skill.
Captain Ben Stokes leads an England side hoping he has moved past his injury concerns to inspire his team. In a significant blow for the hosts, Australian skipper Pat Cummins will miss the crucial First Test in Perth due to a lower back injury. Veteran batter Steve Smith will step up to lead the defending champions in his absence.
Ashes 2025 Schedule and Venues
The series will be played across five iconic Australian cricket grounds, offering a mix of conditions that will challenge both teams. The full fixture list, with UK start times, is as follows:
- First Test: November 21-25, 2:30am UK time - Perth
- Second Test: December 4-8, 4:30am UK time - Brisbane
- Third Test: December 17-21, 12am UK time - Adelaide
- Fourth Test: December 25-29, 11:30pm UK time - Melbourne
- Fifth Test: January 3-7, 11:30pm UK time - Sydney
Betting Odds and Expert Predictions
According to the bookmakers, Australia are the clear favourites to retain the Ashes, reflecting their formidable home record. The average odds for an England series win are 23/10, positioning them as the underdogs. A home victory for Australia is priced at 8/13, while a drawn series is available at 9/1.
The debate over who will emerge victorious has divided cricket legends. Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook is backing his nation for a 3-1 series win, telling TNT Sports he believes the team has the "fire and capability" to cause serious damage.
In a predictable but confident forecast, Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath has predicted a 5-0 whitewash for the hosts, citing their potent bowling attack and home advantage as key factors.
Not all pundits are backing their homeland, however. Ex-England star Michael Vaughan has broken ranks, predicting a 3-1 victory for Australia. Meanwhile, former England bowler Steven Finn foresees a nail-biting contest, predicting a 3-2 England win that goes down to the final Test in what would be a spectacular finale for fans.
The stage is set for an epic confrontation. With pride, history, and the famous Ashes urn on the line, all eyes will be on Australia as this storied sporting contest unfolds over the coming months.
