Historic Ashes Rivalry Renews in Perth
The legendary cricket rivalry between Australia and England is set to ignite once again as the 2025-26 Ashes series begins with a high-stakes opening Test at Perth's Optus Stadium. Both teams are determined to establish early dominance in the five-match contest that represents one of cricket's most storied competitions.
Team News: Key Absences and Exciting Debuts
Australia enters the series facing significant challenges with their pace attack, as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will miss the opening Test due to injuries. This setback creates opportunities for newcomers, with batter Jake Weatherald and pacer Brendan Doggett set to make their international debuts. Doggett's selection marks a notable milestone as he becomes the first fast bowler to earn an Australian cap in four years.
Leadership responsibilities fall to Steve Smith, who takes over as stand-in captain while bringing his formidable batting form to the forefront. The Australian lineup features experienced campaigners including Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Nathan Lyon, providing a balanced mix of youth and experience.
England, captained by the dynamic Ben Stokes, receives a significant boost with the return of speedsters Mark Wood and Jofra Archer. Their comeback strengthens England's bowling arsenal considerably, giving them potent weapons to exploit the Perth conditions. The visitors have named a strong twelve-man squad featuring established stars like Joe Root alongside emerging talents.
Match Schedule and Viewing Information for Indian Fans
The opening Ashes Test will be played from November 21 to November 25, 2025, with each day's play scheduled to begin at 10:20 AM local time in Perth (7:50 AM IST). Cricket enthusiasts across India can follow every moment of this thrilling contest through comprehensive broadcast coverage.
Star Sports Network will provide live telecast of the match, while digital viewers can access live streaming through the JioHotstar app and website. This ensures fans won't miss any of the action from this highly anticipated cricketing spectacle.
Playing Elevens and Strategic Implications
Australia has confirmed their playing eleven, which includes:
- Usman Khawaja
- Jake Weatherald
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith (captain)
- Travis Head
- Cameron Green
- Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Brendan Doggett
- Scott Boland
England has announced their twelve-man squad for the first Test:
- Ben Stokes (captain)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
- Mark Wood
The stage is perfectly set for an enthralling contest as both teams look to gain early advantage in what promises to be another memorable chapter in Ashes history. With new faces, returning stars, and the unique challenges of Perth conditions, cricket fans worldwide are in for a treat when these two arch-rivals take the field.
