Ashes 2025-26 series schedule and dates revealed with new Perth venue confirmed

It marks the first time in four decades that the opening Test will not be played in Brisbane

Jessica Coates
Wednesday 16 October 2024 08:00 BST
Comments
England’s Stuart Broad celebrates taking the wicket of Australia’s Todd Murphy during day five of the fifth LV= Insurance Ashes Series test match at The Kia Oval, London. Picture date: Monday July 31, 2023.
England’s Stuart Broad celebrates taking the wicket of Australia’s Todd Murphy during day five of the fifth LV= Insurance Ashes Series test match at The Kia Oval, London. Picture date: Monday July 31, 2023. (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Perth will host the opening Test match of an Ashes series for the first time next year, Cricket Australia has announced.

The 2025-26 series opener will be held at Optus Stadium from November 21.

The first Test will be followed by a day-night Brisbane Test from December 4 and the Christmas Test at Adelaide Oval from December 17, with Melbourne’s Boxing Day Test from December 26 and Sydney’s New Year’s Test from January 4 in their traditional timeslots.

It marks a significant shake-up in scheduling for Cricket Australia.

South Australia, which has long been home to the day-night Test, has been upgraded to a primetime holiday slot.

It also marks the first time in four decades that the opening Test will not be played in Brisbane.

Cricket Australia executive general manager Joel Morrison said there was already “enormous excitement” in the lead-up to the series.

“We are pleased to announce the dates for the five Men’s Tests to enable fans across the world to lock in their travel plans,” he said.

“The history and excitement of the Ashes make it one of the world’s most iconic sporting events and we are delighted this fierce and electrifying rivalry will extend over two summers in 2025 – commencing with CommBank Women’s Ashes this summer, which includes the historic MCG day-night Test and culminates in the Men’s Ashes next summer.”

Dates have been released earlier than usual to accommodate visitors from overseas or interstate.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in