Record-Breaking Barmy Army Heads Down Under
One of sport's greatest rivalries reignites as The Ashes 2025 gets underway in Australia, with England's travelling supporters set to create history. A staggering 35,000 fans from the UK are making the journey to form the largest-ever Barmy Army, with total England supporters expected to exceed 40,000 when including ex-pat communities.
Chris Millard, managing director of the Barmy Army, confirmed the unprecedented numbers. "Everything reflects that it's going to be the biggest away Ashes of all time," he said. The massive turnout comes after England fans were barred from the 2021-22 tour due to COVID-19 restrictions, making this the first proper away Ashes tour in eight years.
Full Test Schedule and UK Viewing Details
The action begins with the first Test at Perth's Optus Stadium, marking the first Ashes Test at this ground after 13 previous Perth Tests were held at the Waca. Play starts at 2.20am GMT on Thursday, November 20.
The full five-match series schedule is:
- First Test: Perth, November 20-24
- Second Test: Brisbane (Gabba), December 4-8 (day-night match)
- Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 16-20
- Fourth Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground, December 25-29
- Fifth Test: Sydney Cricket Ground, January 3-7
For UK and Irish viewers, TNT Sports will broadcast live coverage with commentary from Alastair Eykyn and Rob Hatch, plus analysis from former England stars James Anderson and Alastair Cook. The BBC offers daily highlights on iPlayer, live ball-by-ball radio coverage on BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Sports Extra, and multiple podcasts including Test Match Special.
The Spirit of The Ashes Legacy
The legendary contest dates back to 1882, when a spoof obituary in the Sporting Times declared English cricket had died after Australia's first victory on English soil at The Oval. The notice stated that the body would be cremated and 'the ashes' taken to Australia, creating one of sport's most enduring rivalries.
England heroes Ben Stokes and Joe Root lead the charge against the current holders Australia. If the series ends drawn, Australia will retain the coveted urn. Among the travelling WAGs are Stokes's wife Clare, Root's wife Carrie, and other partners including Lucy Lyles (engaged to Harry Brook) and model Paige Duckett (partner of Ben Duckett).
Businessman Dom Dickens, 35, among the thousands making the trip, highlighted the value: "The MCG tickets are £30, which is amazing. We got three days' worth for a hundred quid. I went to some of the Tests this summer [in England] and they're £130 for a day."
