2025-26 Ashes Series

Australia vs England Ashes 2025-26 series preview: Squads and how to watch and stream

Jeremy Darke

Editor

Last updated: Wed 12 Nov 2025 13:19

Jeremy Darke 12 Nov 2025

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Fast bowlers set to define the 2025–26 Ashes battle
Australia’s stability faces England’s fearless, attacking approach
Five-Test blockbuster across Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney
Watch every match live on Foxtel and Kayo

Steve Smith to lead Australia in the first Ashes Test. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Australia vs England Ashes 2025-26 series preview: Squads and how to watch and stream

The countdown to the 2025–26 Ashes is on, and anticipation couldn’t be higher as Australia and England prepare to renew cricket’s fiercest rivalry on Australian soil. The hosts enter the series as slight favourites, boasting a world-class pace attack and a side built around continuity and confidence, while England arrive desperate to end a near decade-long wait for an Ashes triumph Down Under.

This series is shaping up as a battle of the quicks. Australia’s arsenal of Pat Cummins (once fit), Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood has the experience and adaptability to exploit home conditions, while tearaway Bea Webster looms as an x-factor selection. England’s own fast-bowling stocks are deep, with Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson supporting the evergreen express pace of Jofra Archer, whose fitness could play a decisive role.

England’s biggest challenge will be mastering Australian conditions, particularly the pace and bounce. Ben Stokes’ leadership has transformed their style into a fearless, attacking brand of cricket, but whether that approach can withstand the Gabba’s cauldron and the heat of Adelaide remains to be seen.

For Australia, stability is their greatest weapon. The top order of Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith will again be difficult to dislodge, while Travis Head’s counter-attacking flair at No.5 has become pivotal.

Both sides possess the firepower to dominate sessions, but consistency will decide the urn. Expect fireworks from ball one and momentum to swing wildly across five gripping Tests. With both teams embracing aggression and pace, the 2025–26 Ashes could be one of the fastest and fiercest series ever played.

Australia and England Ashes 2025-26 Squads

Australia Ashes 2025-26 Squad

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

England Ashes 2025-26 Squad

Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood