The Ashes: A Decade of Disappointment for England? The 2025/26 series has kicked off with a brutal wake-up call, and the question on everyone’s mind is: Can England finally break their losing streak, or are they doomed to another Ashes humiliation? After a crushing two-day defeat in the first Test in Perth, the pressure is on.
It’s been a long ten years since England last tasted Ashes victory, and their drought in Australia stretches back even further to 2010/11. Hope was flickering, fueled by the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach championed by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. The promise of a new era ignited excitement among fans, who dared to dream of a turnaround Down Under.
Adding fuel to the fire, former England star Stuart Broad, now a commentator for Australia’s Channel 7, boldly declared that this Australian team is the weakest he’s seen in 15 years – since England’s last Ashes triumph. But here’s where it gets controversial… Is Broad’s assessment accurate, or is it just pre-series banter designed to put pressure on the Aussies?
Despite a promising first day inspired by Ben Stokes’ bowling, England’s batting lineup crumbled on day two. Their vulnerability allowed Travis Head to unleash a blistering 69-ball century, paving the way for Australia’s dominant eight-wicket victory in a mere two days. They chased down their 205-run target in just 28.2 overs, leaving England reeling.
Now, with England nursing their wounds, the series moves to The Gabba in Brisbane for the second Test, a day-night affair starting on December 4th. This is a crucial moment for England. The pink ball under the lights presents a different challenge, and Australia, with the likes of Mitchell Starc, are formidable in these conditions. Most likely Australia will be favourites going into the match in Brisbane.
The third Test shifts to the Adelaide Oval, commencing on December 17th, followed by the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where a staggering 100,000 fans are expected. Imagine the atmosphere! And this is the part most people miss… the Boxing Day Test isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural event, steeped in tradition and national pride for both nations.
The fifth and final Test will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), beginning on January 4th.
For English fans, following the series from home will require some serious dedication, with much of the action unfolding overnight. The second Test in Brisbane, starting at 4.30am GMT each morning, offers the most accessible viewing time. So prepare your coffee and get ready for some early mornings!
Here’s the full schedule:
- Second Test, Gabba in Brisbane: 4-8 December (4.30am GMT)
- Third Test, Adelaide Oval in Adelaide: 17-21 December (12am GMT)
- Fourth Test, MCG in Melbourne: 26-30 December (11.30pm GMT, 25 December)
- Fifth Test, SCG in Sydney: 4-8 January (11.30pm GMT, 3 January)
Australia Squad:
Pat Cummins, Steve Smith (vc), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
England Squad:
Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope (wk), Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.
So, what are your predictions for the rest of the series? Can England bounce back from this initial defeat, or will Australia continue their dominance? Is ‘Bazball’ a viable strategy in Australian conditions, or will England need to adapt their approach? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!