Archive · 22 Nov 2025
Injury-Hit Australia Faces England in Ashes Opener
The Ashes series between Australia and England is starting.
Australia is struggling with injuries to key players, giving England a chance to strike first.
Meanwhile, Australian players Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon have the opportunity to break records.
England's captain, Ben Stokes, is determined to lead his team to victory in Australia for the first time since 2010/11.
Australia missing key players Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood due to injuries
Steve Smith aims to break records, including becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history
Nathan Lyon close to becoming Australia's second-highest wicket-taker and joining the 600-wicket club
England eyes first Ashes Test win in Australia since 1982 and in Perth since 1978
Ben Stokes determined to lead England to their first Ashes series win in Australia since 2010/11
- Who
- England and Australia cricket teams
- What
- Competing in the Ashes series
- When
- First Test starting on December 6, 2025
- Where
- Optus Stadium, Perth
- Why
- To win the Ashes and gain a competitive advantage in the series
England's Perspective
Australia's Perspective
Injuries
England's Perspective
Sees an opportunity to strike first against a depleted Australian team
Australia's Perspective
Acknowledges the challenge posed by key players' injuries but is confident in the squad's depth
Records
England's Perspective
Aims to prevent Australian players from breaking records
Australia's Perspective
Hopes to see players like Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon achieve their milestones
History
England's Perspective
Looks to break the cycle of losing the first Test in Australia and Perth
Australia's Perspective
Seeks to maintain the home advantage and start the series strongly
- Injured Australian players
- Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood
- Smith's runs needed for 4000 in Tests
- 583
- Lyon's wickets needed for 403 in Tests
- 1
- Lyon's wickets needed for 600 in Tests
- 8
- Last time England won the first Ashes Test in Australia
- 1982
- Last time England won in Perth
- 1978
- Last time England won the Ashes in Australia
- 2010/11
Sources
List Of Records Australia Players Can Break Against England In Much-Anticipated Ashes
Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes sets sights on victory in Australia, says 'I want to be among the few'
England eye rare Ashes chance against depleted Australia
'Webster Out, Weatherald And Doggett In, Labuschagne To Bat At...': Report Reveals Aussie Shake-Up Ahead Of Ashes Opener
Weatherald, Doggett to debut for Australia in Ashes opener
Stokes Chases Ashes History Down Under
Australia name two debutants for Ashes opener in Perth, Smith confirms playing XI
'Chilled' Smith Ready For Ashes Heat
‘They have the tools to win in Australia’: Michael Vaughan reveals how England can win 2025-26 Ashes series
'Pretty Comical..': Steve Smith BRUTALLY ROASTS Monty Panesar For Sandpaper Sledge Ahead Of Ashes 1st Test; Video
Australia vs England, 1st Test: Venue, Playing XIs, Date, Live Streaming, All You Need To Know
Nick Knight interview: Joe Root will score big runs in Australia
England Desperate to End Ashes Drought in Australia
Ashes 2025: Perth pack with English fans as Stokes enters a series that will test every part of his leadership
Virat Kohli Overlooked As Ben Stokes Backs Joe Root & Steve Smith As Modern Greats
Ben Stokes Calls Steve Smith, Joe Root 'Greatest of Their Generation'
Smith's hilarious counter-punch at Panesar at Ashes presser
McCullum: Ashes Win in Australia Will Define England
Aus vs Eng, 1st Ashes Test, 2025-26: Live-streaming details and session timings in India
Ashes 2025-26 1st Test live streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs England series opener in India
Gladiator Is Excited About The Ashes!
Australia vs England, Ashes 2025 Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch AUS vs ENG 1st Test Match Live In India?
