The wait is finally over. Australia and England are about to lock horns in what’s arguably cricket’s greatest rivalry—the Ashes. And guess what? It all kicks off on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, and if you know anything about Perth, you know this is going to be fast, furious, and absolutely unmissable.
Five matches. Two proud nations. One trophy. Let’s dive into who’s got the edge in this opening Test.
When and Where is the Match?
Here’s everything you need to know before settling in:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | 1st Ashes Test 2025-26 |
| Date | November 21, 2025 |
| Time | 7:50 AM IST / 2:20 AM GMT / 10:20 AM Local |
| Venue | Optus Stadium, Perth |
Perth in November? That’s peak summer, blazing heat, and a pitch that’s going to have pace written all over it.
Australia’s Squad: Fresh Faces, Familiar Firepower
Steve Smith is leading the Aussies this time around, and honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are both sidelined with injuries, which is a massive blow. These two have been Australia’s bowling pillars for years.
But here’s the silver lining—Australia are giving chances to some new blood.
Key Players to Watch
Debutants:
- Jake Weatherald – Making his Test debut
- Australia have also handed a debut to fast bowler Brendan Doggett — read his full profile here- Brendan Doggett debut details
The Batting Core:
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Travis Head
- Steve Smith (Captain)
This batting order has runs in their veins. They’ve been doing it for years on Australian soil, and they know how to handle the bounce and pace at Perth.
Also Read: Ashes 2025 Commentary Panel: Full List of Fox Sports and Seven Sport Commentators
The Bowling Attack:
- Mitchell Starc – The left-arm speedster will lead the charge
- Nathan Lyon – The veteran off-spinner who’s been a thorn in England’s side forever
Even without Cummins and Hazlewood, Australia have enough firepower to trouble any batting lineup. Starc at Perth is a nightmare for most batters.
England’s Squad: Pace, Power, and Plenty of Hope
England are coming in hot with one of their most exciting pace attacks in recent memory. After years of struggling Down Under, they’re hoping this is finally their moment.
Key Players to Watch
The Fast Bowling Quartet:
- Jofra Archer – Back after injury, and when he’s firing, he’s unplayable
- Mark Wood – Pure pace. Can clock 150+ km/h regularly
- Brydon Carse – Adding depth and aggression
- Gus Atkinson – Another genuine quick
This is England’s best weapon. If these four click, Australia’s batting could be in serious trouble.
The Batting Lineup:
- Joe Root
- Ben Stokes (Captain)
- Ollie Pope
- Harry Brook
- Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper)
Joe Root is the rock. Ben Stokes brings the fight. Harry Brook has been in ridiculous form lately. If England’s top order fires, they can post big totals.
But here’s the thing—England have historically struggled in Australia. The bounce, the pace, the conditions… it’s just different. And breaking that mental barrier won’t be easy.
Head-to-Head: History Favors Australia
Let’s look at the numbers because, well, they tell a story.
| Stat | Count |
|---|---|
| Total Ashes Tests | 361 |
| Australia Wins | 152 |
| England Wins | 112 |
| Draws/No Result | 97 |
Australia lead the all-time count, and when you play them at home? That gap gets even wider. England’s last Test series win in Australia was way back in 2010-11. That’s over a decade of hurt.
What to Expect from the Perth Pitch
Alright, let’s talk about the Optus Stadium pitch because it’s going to play a huge role in this match.
Day 1: Absolute Chaos
The Perth wicket on Day 1 is brutal. The new ball swings, it seams, and it bounces—sharply. Batters look like they’re playing a completely different sport. Last year, both teams got bowled out for under 150 on the opening day here. Yeah, it’s that tough.
Fast bowlers absolutely love it. Expect Starc, Archer, and Wood to be licking their lips.
Day 2 Onwards: Batting Gets Easier
Once the initial madness settles, the pitch becomes much better for batting. The bounce stays true, the ball comes onto the bat nicely, and if you survive the new ball, runs are there for the taking.
So the toss? Massive. Whoever wins it will have a big decision to make—bat first and try to weather the storm, or bowl first and exploit those early conditions?
Read: AUS vs ENG 1st Test Pitch Report Summary Here
AUS vs ENG 1st Test: Who Will Win?
Okay, let’s get to the fun part—the prediction.
Why Australia Are Favorites
- Home Advantage: They know these conditions inside out.
- Stronger Batting Depth: Labuschagne, Smith, Head, Khawaja—all proven at home.
- Experience at Perth: They’ve played here countless times and understand how to handle the bounce.
- Mitchell Starc: On his day at Perth, he’s unplayable.
Australia just look more settled. Even with Cummins and Hazlewood missing, they have the balance and experience to dominate.
Why England Could Pull Off an Upset
- Pace Attack: Archer, Wood, Carse, and Atkinson form a lethal combo. If they click early, Australia could crumble.
- Aggressive Mindset: Under Ben Stokes, England play fearless cricket. They won’t be intimidated.
- Joe Root’s Class: He’s been England’s best batter for years. If he gets going, he can change the game.
- Hungry to Break the Drought: England haven’t won a Test in Australia in ages. That hunger might just push them over the line.
The Verdict
Prediction: Australia to win the 1st Test.
Look, Australia are the safer bet here. They’re at home, their batting lineup is more consistent, and they know how to win in Perth. England’s pace attack is scary, no doubt—but I think Australia’s experience and home comfort will make the difference.
However…
If England’s fast bowlers can strike early on Day 1 and get Australia 3 or 4 down quickly, this match could swing dramatically. Cricket in Perth is unpredictable like that. One inspired spell can change everything.
Final Thoughts
This is going to be an absolute cracker of a Test match. Fast bowling, intense rivalries, iconic players—everything you want from an Ashes opener.
Will Australia stamp their authority early? Or will England finally break their Australian curse and shock the world?
Either way, grab your popcorn (or your morning coffee if you’re waking up at 2 AM GMT), because November 21 can’t come soon enough.
Who do you think will win? Drop your predictions below!