Perth gears up for Ashes 2025-26 opener as Cricket Australia announces cricket-loaded summer

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

10/16/2024

Cricket Australia has revealed their Ashes schedule for next year, with Perth set to host the opening match for the first time in 43 years. Typically, Brisbane hosts the series opener, but this time it will hold the second Test as Australia is geared up for an action-filled summer next year.

‌Cricket Australia (CA) has released the schedule for the 2025-26 Ashes series with a few notable changes. The series opener will take place at Perth's Optus Stadium from November 21-25, followed by a Day-Night Test at Brisbane’s Gabba from December 4-8. The third Test, held in Adelaide from December 17-21, will revert to a day game instead of the day-night format.

The Boxing Day Test is set for the MCG from December 26-30, while the final match will be at the SCG in early January.

There is uncertainty surrounding the Gabba due to renovation plans for the 2032 Olympics, with no Test matches scheduled there from 2026-27 onward. The upcoming Ashes Test might be the last one at the iconic venue.

CA executive general manager of events and operations, Joel Morrison said, “ The history and excitement of the Ashes make it one of the world's most iconic sporting events and we are delighted this fierce and electrifying rivalry will extend over two summers in 2025 – commencing with CommBank women's Ashes this summer, which includes the historic MCG day-night Test and culminates in the men's Ashes next summer.”

Ashes 2025-26 schedule:

November 21-25, 2025: Perth Test (Series Opener)

December 4-8, 2025: Brisbane Test (Day-Night Test)

December 17-21, 2025: Adelaide Test (Christmas Test)

December 26-30, 2025: Melbourne Test (Boxing Day Test)

January 4-8, 2026: Sydney Test (New Year’s Test)