The much-anticipated Ashes Test series 2025-26 is all set to commence this week as two cricketing giants, Australia and England, lock horns in a high-octane series.
England has never won an Ashes away from home since 2012 and would be keen to turn the tide, while Australia will look to continue their dominance at home.
Add AllSportsPeople as a preferred news source
The Aussies suffered a double blow ahead of the marquee series as they lost two key pacers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood, to injury ahead of the first match in Perth.
In this article, AllSportsPeople takes you through all the details related to how and where to watch the first Ashes Test between Australia and England.
Australia vs. England live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this the first 2025/26 Ashes Test match in India:
TV channel: Sony Sports Network
Live stream: Sony Liv App and Website
This match is available for live TV broadcast on Sony Sports Network in India. Fans can also watch the live stream on Sony Liv App and website.
What time does Australia vs. England kick off?
The first 2025/26 Ashes Test match takes place at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia and kicks off on Friday, November 21 at 10:20 a.m. Local time. This translates to 7:50 a.m. Indian time.
MORE: Ashes 2025/26: Top 5 run scorers in AUS vs ENG Test series
Australia vs. England lineups, team news
Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out after picking up a hamstring injury, joining captain Pat Cummins on the sidelines.
The uncapped Brendan Doggett now appears the front-runner to step into the XI, while Scott Boland is likely to replace Cummins. Boland's has a stellar record at home, with 49 wickets at an average of 12.63 from just nine Tests, including that unforgettable 6 for 7 against England at the MCG in 2021. Alongside him, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon will round out Australia’s four-man attack.
Steve Smith will captain the side in Cummins' absence.
Australia predicted XI: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (Wk), Mitchell Starc, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon.
Reserve: Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, Jake Weatherald
England have been handed a major lift ahead of the Ashes opener, with Mark Wood cleared of the hamstring issue that had threatened his involvement.
Given the Durham speedster's ability to consistently crank it up past 90mph, he is a huge asset for Ben Stokes' side.
England may unleash an all-out pace assault in Perth, potentially lining up with Wood, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson as their frontline seamers.
Shoaib Bashir remains the squad's specialist spinner, beating competition from Will Jacks despite the latter's superior batting. Should England go with a full-speed battery, Joe Root would shoulder the part-time spin duties.
England predicted XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (Wk), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer
Reserve: Shoaib Bashir
2025/26 Ashes schedule
| Date | Venue | City | Time (IST) | |
| 1st Test | Nov. 21-25, 2025 | Optus Stadium | Perth | 7:50 a.m. |
| 2nd Test | Dec. 4-8, 2025 | The Gabba | Brisbane | 9:30 a.m. |
| 3rd Test | Dec. 17-21, 2025 | Adelaide Oval | Adelaide | 5:00 a.m. |
| 4th Test | Dec. 26-30, 2025 | MCG | Melbourne | 5:00 a.m. |
| 5th Test | Jan. 4-8, 2026 | SCG | Sydney | 5:00 a.m. |
Related Links:
- Virat Kohli IPL 2026 team, salary: Will the former India captain retire or look for a transfer?
- Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 schedule, fixtures, match times, latest results and points table: Full list of matches
- All the latest cricket news
- All IPL-related news