The wait is over. Cricket Australia has officially locked in the fixtures for the 2025–26 Men’s Ashes series, setting the stage for what promises to be a brutal five-Test battle down under. The tour kicks off on November 21, 2025, at Perth Stadium, with the iconic Boxing Day Test returning to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26 to 30.
Here’s the thing about this schedule: it’s relentless. Five Tests across five cities, including a day-night thriller at The Gabba and a New Year’s showdown in Sydney. But the story doesn’t end there. The England and Wales Cricket Board has also confirmed a massive follow-up tour in 2026–27, featuring ODIs, T20Is, and a historic one-off Test to mark the 150th anniversary of the format.
The Road to Perth: A Western Start
Gone are the days when the Ashes always began in Brisbane or Adelaide. This time, the pressure cooker starts in the West. The first Test at Perth Stadium runs from November 21–25, 2025. Why does this matter? Because Perth’s fast, bouncy pitch and searing summer heat have become notorious favorites for home teams. For England men’s cricket team, arriving early in the season means facing peak Australian conditions without the luxury of acclimatization time.
"Starting in Perth sets a high bar," noted one analyst close to the tour planning. "It’s not just about the pitch; it’s about the mindset."
After Perth, the action moves north to Brisbane for the second Test at The Gabba from December 4–8, 2025. Crucially, this will be a day-night match. That green ball under the lights changes everything—swing behaves differently, and dew can play havoc with spinners late in the game. It’s a tactical wildcard that neither side can ignore.
Traditional Venues, Modern Twists
The third Test lands in Adelaide from December 17–21, 2025. Known for its flat decks and batting-friendly conditions, Adelaide Oval often sees high scores. But remember, it’s also a day-night fixture here too, adding another layer of complexity to an already grueling schedule.
Then comes the big one: the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. From December 26–30, 2025, the world’s most famous cricket ground will host the fourth Test. This isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural institution. Families gather, flags wave, and the atmosphere is electric. For England, this venue holds particular weight. After enduring 18 consecutive winless Tests in Australia spanning 5,468 days, any chance to break that curse on such a grand stage would be monumental.
The series concludes in Sydney from January 4–8, 2026, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Often called the “New Year’s Test,” it’s traditionally a sub-series within the series, where momentum shifts dramatically. If the Ashes are tied going into this final clash, expect fireworks.
Beyond the Ashes: The 2026–27 Tour
But wait—the cricket calendar doesn’t pause after the Ashes. England returns to Australia for a comprehensive tour from November 2026 to March 2027. This isn’t just filler content; it’s a strategic deep dive into limited-overs formats.
The tour opens with three One Day Internationals (ODIs) starting November 13, 2026. These matches will take place in Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart, offering fans across different states a chance to see white-ball action. Then comes a five-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series running from November 21 to December 2, 2026. All T20Is are scheduled as night games, kicking off at 7:15 pm local time—a nod to the growing popularity of evening entertainment in cricket.
The crown jewel of this tour? A one-off day-night Test match at the MCG from March 11–15, 2027. This isn’t just any Test; it’s the 150th Anniversary Test of Test cricket. To commemorate the milestone, the match will feature special protocols, potentially including retro kits or unique trophy presentations. England plans to play warm-up matches against local teams ahead of this event, though specific opponents haven’t been confirmed yet.
Why This Schedule Matters
Let’s talk impact. For players, this back-to-back touring structure is physically demanding. Traveling from Perth to Sydney, then resting briefly before launching into another international window, tests endurance like no other sport. Coaches will need to manage workloads carefully to avoid burnout.
For fans, the variety is refreshing. You get the traditional grit of Test cricket, the strategic depth of ODIs, and the explosive energy of T20Is—all within two years. And for broadcasters, the day-night fixtures mean prime-time slots in multiple time zones, boosting global viewership.
Historically, England’s struggle in Australia has been well-documented. That 5,468-day winless streak wasn’t just bad luck; it reflected systemic issues in preparation and adaptation. With the 2025–26 Ashes starting so soon, questions linger: Has England learned enough? Can they handle the pace of Perth and the bounce of the Gabba?
Experts suggest that the inclusion of more limited-overs games in the 2026–27 tour might help bridge the gap between formats. Players who excel in T20s often bring aggressive intent to Tests, which could disrupt Australia’s defensive strategies.
What’s Next for Fans?
Ticket sales for the 2025–26 Ashes are expected to open soon, with early-bird discounts likely for members. Given the popularity of the MCG Boxing Day Test, those tickets will sell out fast. For the 2026–27 tour, keep an eye on official announcements from Cricket Australia regarding ticketing windows for the ODI and T20I series.
If you’re planning a trip, consider booking accommodations early. Cities like Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney see spikes in tourism during major sporting events. Plus, experiencing the Ashes live is unlike anything else—the chants, the tension, the sheer scale of it all—it’s unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2025–26 Ashes series start?
The 2025–26 Men’s Ashes series begins on November 21, 2025, with the first Test at Perth Stadium. The series runs through January 8, 2026, concluding with the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Which venues will host the Ashes Tests?
The five Tests will be played at Perth Stadium (Nov 21–25), The Gabba in Brisbane (Dec 4–8), Adelaide Oval (Dec 17–21), the Melbourne Cricket Ground (Dec 26–30), and the Sydney Cricket Ground (Jan 4–8).
Are there any day-night Tests in the 2025–26 Ashes?
Yes, two Tests will be played as day-night matches: the second Test at The Gabba in Brisbane and the third Test at Adelaide Oval. Both use pink balls to enhance visibility under floodlights.
What happens in the 2026–27 England tour of Australia?
The 2026–27 tour includes three ODIs, five T20Is, and a one-off day-night Test match at the MCG from March 11–15, 2027. The Test match commemorates the 150th anniversary of Test cricket.
How long was England’s winless streak in Australia?
England went 18 consecutive Tests without a win in Australia, spanning 5,468 days, before breaking the streak in the fourth Test of the 2025–26 Ashes series at the MCG.
Will England play warm-up matches before the 150th Anniversary Test?
Yes, England intends to play warm-up matches against local teams ahead of the March 2027 Test at the MCG. However, specific opponents and dates have not yet been confirmed by Cricket Australia.