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Cricket Australia on Wednesday, October 16 announced the dates for the 2025-26 Ashes series. The announcement saw CA make some significant changes to its traditional schedule, with the first Test of the five-match series against England being played at the Perth Stadium, followed by a day-night Test at The Gabba.
While the first Test is schedule to be played from November 21 to 25 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, followed by the second Test, which will be a day-night Test in Brisbane from December 4 to 8. The series will then move to Adelaide for the third Test, set to be played from December 17 to 21. Unlike the previous years, the Adelaide Test will be a day game, rather than a usual day-night match.
MCG to host Boxing Day Test of Ashes series
As the series progresses, the Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the Boxing Day Test from December 26 to 30, while the fifth and final Test will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4 to 8, 2026.
Speaking of the changes, Brisbane, which usually hosted the series opener, will not be opening the Ashes series next year, making it the first time in four decades. Moreover, Adelaide, which has hosted the day-night Test, will hold the pre-Christmas Test.
Ashes 2025-26: Schedule, Venue, and More
Test | Venue | Date |
First Test | Perth Stadium | November 21-15, 2025 |
Second Test | The Gabba (D/N) | December 4-8, 2025 |
Third Test | Adelaide Oval | December 17-21, 2025 |
Fourth Test | Melbourne Cricket Ground | December 26-30, 2025 |
Fifth Test | Sydney Cricket Ground | January 4-8, 2026 |
Why is the Ashes series called the Ashes?
The Ashes is a Test match series played between England and Australia, the oldest rivals in cricket. They play for a small urn which stayed at the Marylebone Cricket Club at the Lord's Cricket Ground and then shifted to the museum. The term 'Ashes' was born in 1882, when Australia defeated England's cricket team for the first time on their home soil. After England's defeat, the Sporting Times declared the death of English Cricket in a mock obituary. It read, "In Affectionate Remembrance of English cricket, which died at The Oval on 29 August 1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances, RIP. NB – the body will be cremated, and the ashes taken to Australia." Later, the English media called England's next tour to Australia the quest to regain the ashes.
