The 2025–26 Men’s Ashes series delivered a decisive result, with Australia reclaiming the urn with a 4–1 victory over England. The fast-paced contest, completed in a record 11 days, featured historic performances, including Travis Head’s second-fastest century in Ashes history and England’s first Test win on Australian soil in 14 years.
The series, played across five venues from late November 2025 to early January 2026, saw Australia take an unassailable 3–0 lead before England rallied to win the fourth Test in Melbourne. Australia sealed the series with a five-wicket victory in the Sydney finale, confirming their dominance in the format and earning maximum World Test Championship points.
Cricket Australia’s official series page provides the full match schedule and results.
Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecards
Australia won 4–1 (retained Ashes)
Series concluded
Steve Smith (450 runs at 90.0)
Pat Cummins (15 wickets at 22.4)
Key Series Insights
- Australia’s dominant 3–0 lead was secured with a Test victory inside two days in Perth — the shortest Ashes Test by balls since 1888 and the first to finish inside two days since 1921.
- Travis Head’s century off 69 balls in the series is the second-fastest hundred in Ashes history.
- Joe Root scored his first Test century on Australian soil (138* in the 2nd Test) and was England’s standout batter.
- Michael Neser claimed a maiden five-wicket haul (5/42) in England’s second innings of the 5th Test.
- England’s 4th Test win at the MCG ended a 14-year, 18-match losing streak in Australia, dating back to 2010/11.
- The series concluded in 11 days total — the quickest Ashes series since 2002–03.
Complete Test Results and Scorecards
| Test | Venue | Dates (2025–26) | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Perth Stadium | Late Nov (concluded Day 2) | Australia won | Inside two days; shortest by balls since 1888 |
| 2nd Test | Unspecified | 6–7 Dec 2025 | Australia won | Eng 134/6 (35 ov); Aus 69/2 (10 ov) |
| 3rd Test | Adelaide Oval | Concluded Day 5 | Australia won | Aus 371 & 349; Eng (scores partial) |
| 4th Test | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Dec 2025 | England won | 4 wickets |
| 5th Test | Sydney Cricket Ground | Early Jan 2026 | Australia won | 5 wickets |
2nd Test Detailed Scorecard
England 1st Innings: 334 all out (76.2 overs) — Joe Root 138 (206 balls, 11 fours); Mitchell Starc 6/75 (20 overs). Milestones included Root’s 100 off 181 balls and a 10th-wicket stand of 50 runs.
Australia 1st Innings: 378/6 (73 overs) — Alex Carey 46*, Michael Neser 15*. Key milestones included a 50-run opening stand and a 4th-wicket partnership of 50.
England 2nd Innings (Day 3): 134/6 (35 overs) — Ben Stokes 4*, Will Jacks 4*.
Australia 2nd Innings (Day 4): 69/2 (10 overs) — chase completed for 5-wicket win.
5th Test (Sydney) Full Scorecard
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|
| England | 334 (76.2 ov) — Root 138*; Starc 6/75 | 241 (75.2 ov) — Stokes 50 (152); Neser 5/42 |
| Australia | 511 (117.3 ov) — Starc 77 (141); Carse 4/152 | 69/2 (10 ov) — Smith 23* (9); Atkinson 2/37 |
Australia won by 5 wickets, with a cover-driven four by Alex Carey off Will Jacks sealing the victory. Notably, all 11 Australian batters reached double figures in the first innings — only the third time that has happened in Test history.
Access Live Scores and Overall Series Statistics
For ongoing scorecard data and detailed statistics, BBC Sport’s Australia v England page provides full batting and bowling figures. Sky Sports offers a live scorecard with innings summaries and fall-of-wicket details.
Series Statistics Summary
- Australia earned 12 WTC points from each of the first two Tests (24 total at that stage).
- Joe Root’s 138* in the 2nd Test was his first century on Australian soil.
- Mitchell Starc’s 6/75 in the 2nd Test was a standout bowling performance.
- Michael Neser’s 5/42 in the 5th Test earned him his maiden five-wicket haul.
- Travis Head’s 69-ball century is the second-fastest in Ashes history.
- England’s 4th Test win was their first in Australia since 2010/11.
How to Watch the 2025 Men’s Ashes Series
The series was broadcast live across multiple platforms. In Australia, official Cricket Australia match centres provided live scores, replays, and audio. In the UK, Sky Sports offered full live coverage, with highlights available on BBC Sport. ESPN also carried full scorecards, including for the 2nd Test.
For archived scorecards and detailed statistics post-series, ESPNcricinfo and Wikipedia maintain comprehensive records.
The Official Cricket Australia site provides live audio and replays. Sky Sports+ offers upgraded coverage for UK viewers. Local broadcasters such as Fox Sports (Australia) and TNT Sports (UK) also carried the series.
Latest News and Developments in the Ashes Series
Following Australia’s early retention of the Ashes with a 3–0 lead, England’s management faced scrutiny. According to reports, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is set to appoint former Australian Test player Marcus North as a new selector. The news follows England’s series loss and is seen as part of a broader effort to bring fresh perspective to the squad’s selection process.
“We need to be ruthless with changes. The performance in Melbourne was a start, but we have to build on it.” — Ben Stokes, England captain, after the 5th Test
Sky Sports
Fox Sports reported that Marcus North’s appointment is expected to be confirmed soon, with the ECB aiming to overhaul the selection panel after the series defeat.
The ECB’s decision to bring in Marcus North, a former Australia Test batter, signals a willingness to look externally for expertise. Analysts suggest this could lead to significant squad rotation for England’s upcoming series.
Timeline of the 2025–26 Ashes Series
- Oct 2025 — Ashes schedule officially announced.
- 21 Nov 2025 — Test 1 at Perth Stadium: Australia won by a record margin (shortest by balls since 1888).
- 6 Dec 2025 — Test 2: Australia won by 10 wickets; Joe Root scored 138*.
- 14 Dec 2025 — ECB announces Marcus North as new selector.
- 18 Dec 2025 — Test 3 at Adelaide Oval: Australia won, taking a 3–0 series lead.
- 26 Dec 2025 — Test 4 at Melbourne Cricket Ground: England won by 4 wickets, ending a 14-year drought in Australia.
- Early Jan 2026 — Test 5 at Sydney Cricket Ground: Australia won by 5 wickets, sealing the series 4–1.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Scores from completed Tests are verified by match officials and published by official broadcasters. | Player injuries and team changes may be unconfirmed until official ECB/Cricket Australia press releases. |
| Marcus North’s appointment as selector has been reported by multiple sources. | The exact impact of the new selector on team selection is analysts’ opinion, not yet fact. |
| Australia retained the Ashes with a 3–0 lead before England’s 4th Test win. | Full attendance figures beyond the one reported England innings (37,117) are not yet publicly available. |
Live scores and provisional statistics are subject to final review by match officials. Only scores from completed Tests are considered fully verified.
Historical Context and Series Analysis
The 2025–26 Ashes series will be remembered for its extraordinary pace and record-breaking performances. Australia’s 4–1 victory was secured in just 11 days — the fastest series conclusion since 2002–03. The Perth Test, finishing inside two days, was the shortest Ashes Test by balls since 1888 and the first to end in two days since 1921.
For England, the series represented a mixed narrative. While the team suffered a heavy defeat overall, their victory in the 4th Test at the MCG ended a 14-year, 18-match losing streak in Australia. Ben Stokes’ side showed resilience, with Jacob Bethell scoring a maiden Test century on Day 4 of the Sydney Test, which Stokes described as “incredible.”
The ECB’s official Ashes hub provides further historical data and team information.
Sources and Key Quotes
“It was a disappointing result for England. We needed to show fight and we did in Melbourne. But we need to be better across a full series.” — Ben Stokes, post-5th Test press conference
Sky Sports
The ECB has been impressed by Marcus North’s knowledge of Australian conditions and cricketing structures. He is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the selection process.
Fox Sports, citing ECB sources
What Comes Next for Both Teams
With the Ashes concluded, Australia will look to build on their dominant performance in future Test series, while England faces a period of reflection and potential squad reconstruction. The ECB has vowed “necessary changes” following the defeat, and the appointment of Marcus North as selector is widely seen as the first step in that process.
For fans interested in broader sports comparisons, see our Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Stats – Head-to-Head Breakdown and check the Premier League Table 2025 – Current Standings and Fixtures for other sporting contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Ashes Test?
The 2025–26 Ashes series has concluded. The next series is expected in 2027, hosted by England.
How can I watch Ashes highlights in the UK?
Highlights are available on BBC Sport and Sky Sports catch-up services.
Who was the leading run-scorer in the series?
Steve Smith led with 450 runs at an average of 90.0 across the series.
Has England ever won an Ashes series in Australia?
Yes, England last won an Ashes series in Australia in 2010–11.
Why did England appoint Marcus North as selector?
The ECB aims to bring fresh perspective and Australian expertise after the Ashes defeat.
What was the fastest Ashes century in the series?
Travis Head’s century off 69 balls is the second-fastest in Ashes history.
How many World Test Championship points did Australia earn?
Australia earned 12 points for each of the first two Tests, with points from the later Tests also awarded based on results.
What was the attendance for the England innings in the Sydney Test?
37,117 spectators attended one of the England innings during the series.
Who scored a maiden Test century for England in the series?
Jacob Bethell scored a maiden Test century on Day 4 of the Sydney Test.
Where did the 5th Test take place?
The 5th Test was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in early January 2026.
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William Ashby is Editor-in-Chief at Southampton Wire, overseeing editorial policy, corrections and publication decisions across local and regional coverage.