The fiercest rivalry in Test cricket returned with fire, pace, and raw intensity as The Ashes 2025 26 unfolded across Australian soil. Spanning from November 2025 to January 2026, the five-match series delivered fast bowling dominance, fearless stroke play, and a reminder of just how ruthless Australia can be at home. Despite England arriving with confidence and their aggressive ‘Bazball’ mindset, the conditions and the relentless Australian pace attack proved overwhelming.
By the end of the journey, Australia had reclaimed the famous urn in emphatic fashion with a 4-0 series victory, underlining their authority in home conditions once again. What was expected to be a tight contest turned into a lesson in discipline, adaptability, and depth.
Below is a complete match-by-match breakdown of the series, highlighting the turning points, standout performers, and defining moments of The Ashes 2025 26.
Match-by-Match Breakdown of The Ashes 2025 26
While the final scoreline reads 4-0, each Test had its own story—ranging from lightning-fast finishes to grinding battles of patience and survival.
1st Test: Perth – A Two-Day Shockwave
Match No: 1 of 5
Series Name: The Ashes 2025 26
Team 1: Australia
Team 2: England
Scores & Result:
AUS: 132 & 205/2 (28.2 overs)
ENG: 172 & 164
Result: Australia won by 8 wickets
Man of the Match: Travis Head (AUS)
Dates: Nov 21–22, 2025
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Winner: Australia
Result Summary: Australia won by 8 wickets
The opening Test delivered one of the most astonishing starts in Ashes history. On a pitch offering searing pace and steep bounce, England’s decision to bat first quickly unraveled. Mitchell Starc tore through the visitors with a career-best spell of 7 for 58, flattening England for a modest total despite a lively half-century from Harry Brook.
Australia’s reply was controlled but cautious, setting up a tense fourth innings chase of 205. What followed was pure dominance. Travis Head lit up Perth with a breathtaking 123 off just 83 balls, producing one of the fastest Ashes hundreds ever seen. The match ended inside two days, sending an early warning shot across the entire series.
Quote:
“To close out a Test inside two days takes ruthless intent. Head’s innings set the tone for everything that followed.” — Steve Smith
2nd Test: Brisbane – Starc Leads from the Front
Match No: 2 of 5
Series Name: The Ashes 2025 26
Team 1: Australia
Team 2: England
Scores & Result:
AUS: 511 & 69/2
ENG: 334 & 241
Result: Australia won by 8 wickets
Man of the Match: Mitchell Starc (AUS)
Dates: Dec 4–7, 2025
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N)
Winner: Australia
Result Summary: Australia won by 8 wickets
England fought back with spirit under the pink ball, highlighted by a superb 138 not out from Joe Root, his first Ashes century on Australian soil. However, Australia’s response was relentless. Every batter contributed, with Steve Smith, Jake Weatherald, and Alex Carey all producing vital half-centuries.
Starc didn’t just dominate with the bat—his six-wicket haul in England’s second innings shattered any hopes of a comeback. With a tiny target to chase, Australia cruised to a 2-0 lead in commanding fashion.
3rd Test: Adelaide – The Series Slips Away
Match No: 3 of 5
Series Name: The Ashes 2025 26
Team 1: Australia
Team 2: England
Scores & Result:
AUS: 485 & 250/5d
ENG: 290 & 195
Result: Australia won by 250 runs
Man of the Match: Marnus Labuschagne (AUS)
Dates: Dec 17–20, 2025
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Winner: Australia
Result Summary: Australia won by 250 runs
With Pat Cummins back at the helm, Australia delivered a crushing display in Adelaide. Marnus Labuschagne’s majestic 155 anchored a massive first-innings total, placing England immediately under pressure.
Though Ben Stokes fought bravely with a determined 78, England were never truly in control. The Australian quicks struck relentlessly in the final innings, sealing the series with two matches still to play and retaining The Ashes 2025 26 in dominant fashion.
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4th Test: Melbourne – Boxing Day Brilliance
Match No: 4 of 5
Series Name: The Ashes 2025 26
Team 1: Australia
Team 2: England
Scores & Result:
ENG: 215 & 200
AUS: 410
Result: Australia won by an innings and 5 runs
Man of the Match: Scott Boland (AUS)
Dates: Dec 26–29, 2025
Venue: MCG, Melbourne
Winner: Australia
Result Summary: Australia won by an innings and 5 runs
The Boxing Day Test turned into another nightmare for England. After struggling with the bat in both innings, the tourists were undone by a sensational performance from Scott Boland, who claimed 6 for 40 in the second innings.
Earlier, Jake Weatherald’s memorable 142 ensured Australia built an imposing lead. By the end of the match, Australia had surged to a 4-0 advantage, making the series outcome unquestionable.
Quote:
“Boland under pressure is something special. He thrives when the moment demands greatness.” — Pat Cummins
5th Test: Sydney – England Salvage Pride
Match No: 5 of 5
Series Name: The Ashes 2025 26
Team 1: Australia
Team 2: England
Scores & Result:
AUS: 450/8d
ENG: 350 & 280/8
Result: Match Drawn
Man of the Match: Joe Root (ENG)
Dates: Jan 4–8, 2026
Venue: SCG, Sydney
Result Summary: Match drawn
At long last, England delivered the resilience that had been missing. Joe Root played two masterful innings, including a fighting century in the first dig, followed by a calm, match-saving knock in the second. England batted out the final day with composure to deny Australia a clean sweep.
Final Series Overview – The Ashes 2025 26
Series Winner: Australia (4–0)
| Team | P | W | L | D | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 14 |
| England | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 4 |
Man of the Series – The Ultimate Difference Maker
The Man of the Series for The Ashes 2025 26 was deservedly awarded to Mitchell Starc.
| Award | Player (Team) | Performance Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Man of the Series | Mitchell Starc (Australia) | 30 wickets at an average of 18.50, including two five-wicket hauls and over 150 vital lower-order runs |
Quote:
“Whenever the game needed a turning point, Starc delivered it. This was an Ashes performance to be remembered.” — Ricky Ponting
FAQ
Who won The Ashes 2025 26?
Australia won the series 4-0.
Where were the matches played?
All five Tests were played in Australia—Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Who was the Man of the Series?
Mitchell Starc earned the award for his outstanding bowling and all-round impact.
How long did the first Test last?
The Perth Test concluded in just two days.
Who captained Australia in Cummins’ absence?
Steve Smith led the side in the opening two Tests.