The oldest rivalry in cricket history is set to reignite as Australia and England are set to lock horns in the first Test of the Ashes 2025-26 on Friday 21 November at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
The two teams have engaged in some enthralling battles in their storied rivalry and the upcoming series promises to be nothing less than both sides having a plethora of match winners in their squad.
While Australia have held the coveted Ashes urn since 2017, England have come close to reclaiming it on home soil in 2019 and 2023, drawing the series on both occasions.
However, their record in Australia has not been memorable since their famous victory in 2010-11. Since then, the Three Lions have not tasted victory on Australian soil, losing the last three series 0:5, 0:4 and 0:4. Heading into the first Test, England have announced their 12-man squad, unlike in the past when they revealed the playing XI straight away.
Meantime, Australia have named their playing XI for the series openerwith opener Jake Weatherald and fast bowler Brendan Doggett set to make their Test debuts under stand-in captain Steve Smith.
Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (capt), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett.
England 12-man squad: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (goalkeeper), Mark Wood
Session Timing of the 1st Ashes Test
First session – 7:50 AM IST to 9:50 AM IST
Lunch – 40 minutes from 9:50 AM IST to 10:30 AM IST
Second session – 10:30 AM IST to 12:30 PM IST
Tea break – 20 minutes from 12:30 PM IST to 12:50 PM IST
Third session – 12:50 PM IST to 2:50 PM IST.
When to watch Australia vs England 1st Ashes Test in Perth?
The first Test between Australia and England starts at 10:20 am local time and 7:50 am IST.
Where to watch the first Ashes Test in Perth between Australia and England?
Live coverage of the first Ashes Test will be available on Star Sports Network.
Where to catch Ashes 1st Test live?
Live streaming of the Ashes series opener will be available on JioHotstar.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
November 20, 2025
