Legacy-Defining Ashes Series Begins in Perth
The long-awaited 2025/26 Ashes series has finally arrived, with England and Australia locking horns at the impressive Perth Stadium. For England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, this tour represents a legacy-defining challenge: to become the first English side to win the Ashes on Australian soil since the triumphant 2010/11 campaign.
Team News: Key Absences and Selection Dilemmas
Australia's preparations have been dealt a significant blow, with captain and star fast bowler Pat Cummins ruled out of the first Test due to injury. He is joined on the sidelines by fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood, forcing a reshuffle in the home side's attack. Mitchell Starc will lead the bowling lineup, supported by Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett.
Australia also blood a new opener, with Jake Weatherald set to make his Test debut alongside Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.
For England, the major talking point before the toss revolves around their team composition. The leadership duo of Stokes and McCullum face a pivotal decision: opt for an all-out pace attack featuring the fearsome duo of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, or include the off-spin option of Shoaib Bashir to add variety to the bowling attack.
How to Follow the Action from the UK
For fans in the United Kingdom, following the series presents a familiar challenge with the time difference. The bulk of the play will occur overnight. However, the day-night second Test in Brisbane offers a slightly more viewer-friendly schedule, with play starting at 4.30am GMT each morning.
All the live action from the Ashes will be broadcast in the UK on TNT Sports. The coverage model has drawn some attention, as it will be led by cycling and rugby commentators based in a UK studio. They will be complemented by a team of on-pitch analysts in Australia, including Ashes-winning legends Sir Alastair Cook and Graeme Swann.
The first ball in Perth is scheduled for 2.30am GMT on Friday 21 November, marking the start of what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for the famous urn.
