Cricket Australia (CA), on Wednesday, announced the complete schedule for the much-awaited Ashes series in 2025-26. For the first time in over four decades, the Ashes will begin at a venue other than Brisbane’s iconic Gabba, with the inaugural match scheduled to take place at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 21, 2025. This change marks a significant moment, as the Ashes opener moves to a new location, making Perth the eighth Australian city to host the legendary cricket rivalry since its inception in 1877.
Perth reclaims its moment after COVID-19 disruption
The Perth Stadium was initially chosen to host the final Test of the 2021 Ashes series. However, due to strict quarantine rules enforced by Western Australia amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the match was relocated to Hobart’s Bellerive Oval, which was also making its debut as an Ashes venue. The last instance of an Ashes series in Australia starting outside of Brisbane was during the 1982-83 edition, which began at the WACA Ground in Perth.
Day-Night match returns to Brisbane, Day Test resumes in Adelaide
The second Test of the 2025-26 Ashes will feature a day-night clash at Brisbane’s Gabba, ensuring the continuation of the Pink-Ball tradition within the series. Meanwhile, this shift means the Adelaide Oval will host a classic daytime Test match, its first for the Ashes since 2013, reviving the traditional format loved by cricket fans.
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Australia’s commanding record in Perth
Notably, Australia have enjoyed a dominant streak in Perth, securing victories in each of the last eight Ashes Tests held there. These wins have included two victories by an innings, with the closest contest being a 150-run triumph in the 2013-14 series, which was pivotal as Australia reclaimed the Ashes urn from England.
Men’s Ashes series 2025-26 schedule:
| Test | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| First Test | Perth Stadium | November 21-25, 2025 |
| Second Test (D/N) | The Gabba | December 4-8, 2025 |
| Third Test | Adelaide Oval | December 17-21, 2025 |
| Fourth Test | MCG | December 26-30, 2025 |
| Fifth Test | SCG | January 4-8, 2026 |
