LONDON — For cricket fans around the world, the rhythm of the international calendar is punctuated by one event above all others: the Ashes. The historic Test series between England and Australia is more than just a contest for a small terracotta urn; it is a biennial pilgrimage, a narrative of national pride, and a sporting spectacle steeped in over 140 years of rivalry. With the dust long settled on the thrilling 2023 series in England, the question on every supporter's lips is a simple one: When is the next Ashes series?
Our Ask Me Anything team has delved into the future schedules, venue announcements, and the subtle hints from cricket's governing bodies to provide a comprehensive guide. The wait, while agonizing for some, follows a traditional pattern. The Ashes alternates between England and Australia, and after the drama of Stuart Broad's fairytale ending at The Oval last summer, the baton—or rather, the ball—passes back to Australia.
The Next Chapter: Australia 2025/26
Mark your calendars. The next Ashes series is scheduled to be held in Australia during the 2025/26 southern hemisphere summer. While the exact dates are yet to be formally locked in by Cricket Australia and the ECB, the series is expected to follow the traditional late-November to early-January window. This places the first Test likely in late November 2025, with the series concluding with the traditional New Year's Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in early January 2026.
The 2025/26 series carries immense significance for both sides. For Australia, it will be an opportunity to reclaim the urn on home soil after a drawn series in 2023 meant England retained it. Pat Cummins's side will be desperate to reassert their dominance in their own conditions. For England, it will be the ultimate test of the 'Bazball' philosophy away from home, a challenge they narrowly failed in during the 2021/22 tour.
Confirmed Venues: The Fortresses Await
In a significant announcement in late 2023, Cricket Australia confirmed the five host venues for the 2025/26 Ashes. In a nod to tradition and modern commercial realities, the lineup features the five classic, large-capacity stadiums that have become synonymous with Australian Test cricket. The confirmed venues, in chronological order, are:
- The Gabba, Brisbane: The traditional series opener, known for its pace, bounce, and intimidating atmosphere for touring teams. England's horror start here in 2021/22 set the tone for their series defeat.
- Adelaide Oval, Adelaide: A day-night Test under the iconic floodlights, offering a unique challenge with the pink ball. A venue where strategy and adaptability are paramount.
- Perth Stadium, Perth: The modern colossum, replacing the WACA. Its fast, bouncy wicket and searing heat provide one of the most physically demanding tests in world cricket.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne: The Boxing Day Test. A spectacle like no other, with crowds exceeding 80,000, it is the heartbeat of Australian summer sport.
- Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney: The New Year's Test. Often offering turn later in the game, it provides a different challenge and a picturesque setting to conclude the series.
The selection of these venues underscores Cricket Australia's intent to maximize home advantage. As former Australian captain Ricky Ponting noted in a commentary segment, "You look at that itinerary—Brisbane first up, then a pink-ball Test in Adelaide, the pace of Perth, the pressure of the MCG... it's the perfect Australian schedule. It's designed to test every facet of a touring team's character and skill."
Looking Further Ahead: England 2027
For those already dreaming of the next home series, the Ashes is due to return to England in the summer of 2027. While formal planning is in its very early stages, the ECB will be keen to build on the incredible commercial and popular success of the 2023 series. The venues are yet to be announced, but the traditional heartlands of English Test cricket will be fiercely vying for a spot. Lord's, The Oval, Edgbaston, Old Trafford, and Trent Bridge or Headingley will likely be the frontrunners to host.
The Broader Context: The WTC Cycle
It's important to view the Ashes within the framework of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Each Ashes series represents a significant chunk of points in the two-year WTC cycle. The 2025/26 series will be a pivotal part of the 2025-2027 championship. Both England and Australia will be targeting not only the symbolic urn but also crucial points to secure a place in the WTC Final, likely at Lord's in 2027. This adds an extra layer of stakes to an already high-pressure contest.
The scheduling also reflects the delicate balance cricket administrators must strike. As ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould recently stated in an interview, "Protecting the primacy and rhythm of the Ashes is non-negotiable. It is the series that defines careers and captivates nations. Every decision we make regarding the future schedule has the Ashes at its core."
Anticipation and Unanswered Questions
While we know the 'when' and 'where,' several tantalizing questions will fuel speculation until the first ball is bowled in Brisbane. Who will lead the teams? Will Pat Cummins and Ben Stokes still be at the helm? What will the makeup of the teams be, with legends like James Anderson potentially retired and new stars emerging? The narrative will evolve dramatically over the next 18 months through other series and domestic performances.
Furthermore, the style of play promises to be a central theme. England's aggressive approach under Brendon McCullum and Stokes has changed Test cricket's landscape. Australia, under Cummins, has shown a more pragmatic but equally effective brand. The clash of these philosophies in Australian conditions—where the Kookaburra ball and true pitches offer a different challenge to the Dukes ball in England—will be a fascinating tactical battle. As Australian coach Andrew McDonald hinted, "We saw how they played at home. Over here, it's a different game. The conditions dictate a lot. It will be about which team can best execute their plan in the environment presented."
In conclusion, the next Ashes series is firmly on the horizon for the 2025/26 Australian summer, with the iconic venues of Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney ready to host. It represents the next epic chapter in cricket's greatest rivalry, a contest that will not only decide the holder of the famous urn but also significantly shape the World Test Championship. The countdown has well and truly begun. For fans, the wait is part of the tradition, building anticipation for what promises to be another unforgettable collision of sporting history, national pride, and world-class cricket.