Ashes 2025-26: Australia vs England Test Injury Updates, Recent Forms, Debut
By Arjit - Nov 20, 2025 02:30 PMLast updated on Nov 20, 2025 02:31 PM
Blog Highlights
Ashes 2025-26: The first Test of the highly anticipated 2025-26 Ashes series begins at Perth Stadium, which England coach Brendon McCullum has described as "the biggest series of our lives." This time, England, who haven't won a Test in Australia since 2011, will employ their aggressive "Bazball" approach. England's hopes are also strong because Australia is without its key fast bowlers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, while England will benefit from the pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, who are returning from injury. Led by stand-in captain Steven Smith, Australia is fielding two new players: opener Jake Weatherald and fast bowler Brendan Doggett. The Perth pitch is expected to favor fast bowlers, making this contest a fierce clash between pace and aggressive tactics.
The much-anticipated Ashes begin: The real test of 'Bazball'
- Excitement: After months of speculation, the first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series is underway at the Perth multi-purpose stadium. Brendon McCullum has described it as "the biggest series of our lives."
- England's expectations: This is the biggest test for Test cricket's most aggressive team (Bazball), built over the past three and a half years under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. England is hoping to improve on their previous three overseas Ashes series.
- Challenge: England must win three of the five Tests to win the Ashes. They have lost 13 of their last 15 matches in Australia and haven't won since 2011.
Australia vs England Test Injury Updates
- Setback for Australia: Australia will be without regular captains Pat Cummins (back) and Josh Hazlewood (hamstring). Steven Smith will assume the acting captaincy.
- England's strengths: Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, returning from injury, will play a Test together for the second time. Archer's return has increased England's pace, with Ben Stokes planning to utilize him for "shorter, faster balls."
- Starc's dominance: In Cummins' absence, Mitchell Starc will be the undisputed leader of Australia's attack. Starc's first over could evoke memories of Rory Burns (2021-22), the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 Ashes.
- Record alert: Mitchell Starc needs 13 wickets in the series to surpass Wasim Akram to become the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test history.
Team changes and debutants for Australia vs England Test
- Australia debut: Following David Warner's retirement, Jake Weatherald will open his innings alongside Usman Khawaja. Fast bowler Brendan Doggett is also making his debut, becoming the first fast bowler to play for Australia in four years. Doggett will become the third indigenous person to play a Test for Australia.
- England squad: England have decided to field five fast bowlers, with Mark Wood included, while spinner Shoaib Bashir is likely to be left out.
Perth pitch and stats for Ashes
- Venue change: This is the first time since 1982-83 that an Ashes series in Australia is starting in Perth instead of the Gabba.
- Pitch report: According to curator Isaac McDonald, the pitch will offer pace and bounce to the fast bowlers.
- Home advantage: In the last five men's Test matches played at Perth Stadium, the team batting first has won every time.
Form guide (last 5 Tests):
Team results (most recent first)
- Australia: Win, Win, Win, Loss, Win
- England: Loss, Draw, Win, Loss, Win
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