Cricket Australia Announces 2025-26 Ashes Schedule Amid Key Moments That Decided Series Outcomes
Cricket Australia announced the 2025-26 Ashes schedule on 15 October 2024, with Perth set to host the first Test and Brisbane the second, featuring a day-night advantage at the Gabba.
Ahead of the series, England used a two-day intrasquad warmup at Lilac Hill.
During the Perth Test, England's second innings collapsed dramatically; from 116-2, they lost three wickets in six deliveries—Pope, Brook, and Root falling in a single over—which ended England's control of the match.
Travis Head contributed a significant innings at Perth, where an earlier dismissal might have shifted momentum.
In Brisbane, Alex Carey took over wicket-keeping duties, effectively constraining batters and later caught Ben Stokes in the second innings.
Josh Inglis ran out Ben Stokes at Brisbane when England were 210-4, with England finishing on 334.
Jamie Smith's dropped catch of Head at Brisbane influenced the momentum, as Australia surged with 100 runs in 12.4 overs.
At Adelaide, Usman Khawaja survived an early let-off by Brook on day one before making 82 runs; Head also added 71 after being dropped on 99 in the second innings.
Carey was reprieved on day one at Adelaide by Snicko and subsequently added 34 runs to his 72 as Australia reached 371.
Pat Cummins dismissed Joe Root at Adelaide, extending his dominance, with Root's head-to-head average against Cummins standing at 22.6.
