When England face Australia, the sporting world stops and pays attention. This historic rivalry has delivered some of the most memorable moments in international sport, and November 2025 has once again thrust these two nations into the spotlight. From the hallowed cricket grounds of Perth to the rugby pitches of Twickenham, England and Australia are serving up compelling drama that has UK sports fans glued to their screens.
The timing could not be more perfect. England’s cricketers are preparing for what captain Ben Stokes calls “the biggest series of all our lives” as the Ashes 2025-26 campaign kicks off in Perth on Friday. Meanwhile, Steve Borthwick’s rugby side has already sent a powerful statement by securing a convincing 25-7 victory over the Wallabies earlier this month, extending their winning streak to an impressive ten matches.
Cricket’s Greatest Rivalry Returns to Australian Soil
The Ashes represents cricket’s oldest and fiercest rivalry. England travel Down Under with genuine belief that they can achieve something special. They have not won a Test series in Australia since 2010-11, enduring a painful run of 13 defeats in 15 Tests on Australian soil since that triumph. But circumstances suggest this could be their best opportunity in over a decade.
Australia enter the first Test significantly weakened. Captain Pat Cummins remains sidelined with a back injury, whilst pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out with a hamstring strain. These absences represent a massive blow to the hosts. The absence of two-thirds of Australia’s fearsome pace trio has opened the door for England to strike early in the series.
England have named Mark Wood in their 12-man squad for the Perth opener, with the Durham paceman passing a late fitness test. Wood joins fellow speedsters Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse in a pace-heavy attack designed specifically for Australian conditions. Six of England’s seven seamers regularly clock speeds above 90mph, signalling their intent to fight fire with fire.
Ben Stokes has made no secret of his desperation to join the elite group of England captains who have tasted Ashes success in Australia. Speaking ahead of the series opener, Stokes emphasised the magnitude of the challenge. He urged his players not to be afraid of what lies ahead, rejecting the notion that England should downplay the significance of the series.
The captain’s words carried weight. He acknowledged that pretending the Ashes is just another series would be lying to themselves. This honesty reflects a maturity in England’s approach. They know what is at stake and they are embracing it rather than shying away from the pressure.
Coach Brendon McCullum has been equally forthright. In September, he declared this Ashes as “the biggest series of all our lives”. Critics might view such statements as adding unnecessary pressure, but England believe their attacking philosophy, dubbed “Bazball” by the media, was designed precisely for these conditions and this moment.
The Bazball Blueprint for Australian Success
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has offered a fascinating perspective on England’s aggressive approach. Ponting suggested that Bazball was conceived specifically to win in Australia, not as a general transformation of English cricket. He pointed out that everything England have done over the past two years has been building towards this series.
England’s record under Stokes and McCullum speaks volumes. They have won 25 of 41 Tests since the pair took charge, implementing a fearless brand of cricket that has revitalised English Test cricket. The strategy centres on scoring quickly, declaring early and putting opposition sides under relentless pressure.
Ponting believes England cannot suddenly abandon this approach now. Having talked about their attacking philosophy for two years, they must continue with it or risk appearing uncertain. The opening partnership of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley will be crucial. Both play with the freedom and aggression that epitomises England’s new identity.
Joe Root remains the cornerstone of England’s batting. The former captain enters the series ranked as the world’s number one Test batsman. However, one statistic stands out starkly. Root has never scored a Test century in Australia despite playing 14 Tests across three tours. His best knock came in Brisbane during the 2021-22 series when he made 89.
Australian media have seized upon this vulnerability. The West Australian newspaper ran a provocative front-page headline branding Root as “Average Joe” and describing him as “a hero in the homeland and a pretender in Australia”. Root averages just 35.68 in Australia compared to his career average of 51.29.
Root himself has refused to be drawn into the mind games. He insists he feels ready for the challenge and that his recent form gives him confidence. Over the past 18 months, Root has been in exceptional touch, scoring three centuries in the drawn series against India earlier this year.
England’s spin option comes in the form of Shoaib Bashir, who has been included in the 12-man squad. The 22-year-old off-spinner has not played competitive cricket since July but offers a different dimension if the pitch shows signs of assisting turn. Nathan Lyon has taken 29 wickets at Perth Stadium, suggesting spin could play a role.
Australia’s Injury Crisis Creates Opportunity
Australia face the Ashes opener in unfamiliar circumstances. The absence of Cummins and Hazlewood forces them to field an inexperienced attack by their standards. Mitchell Starc becomes the leader of the pace unit at 35 years old. He will be joined by Scott Boland, with uncapped Brendan Doggett likely to make his debut.
Doggett’s potential selection represents a fairy tale story. The 31-year-old qualified carpenter spent years carving out a name for himself in Australian domestic cricket whilst working on building sites. Injuries have opened the door for him to make his Test debut in the most pressurised series in cricket.
Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has warned that “alarm bells are ringing” for the hosts. Johnson highlighted the ageing profile of Australia’s bowling attack and suggested that losing two of the “big three” pace bowlers rewrites the entire Ashes script. The injuries narrow Australia’s margin for error considerably.
Despite these setbacks, Australia remain formidable opponents. Their batting line-up features world-class talent including Steve Smith, who will captain the side in Cummins’ absence. Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja all possess the quality to dominate in home conditions. Cameron Green provides a genuine all-rounder option if his fitness holds.
Mitchell Starc has vowed to push himself to his physical limits despite the injury crisis around him. He dismissed suggestions that he should be wrapped in cotton wool and insisted he wants to play all five Tests whilst bowling at full intensity. His experience will be vital in guiding the younger bowlers through the series.
Nathan Lyon remains a key weapon for Australia. The veteran off-spinner has been remarkably consistent throughout his career and thrives at Perth Stadium. His 29 wickets at the venue make him the leading wicket-taker there. Lyon’s ability to control the middle overs and take crucial wickets makes him indispensable.
The Perth Stadium pitch is expected to offer pace and bounce, which traditionally suits Australia. Curator Isaac McDonald confirmed there were no directives about preparing a particular type of surface. He emphasised that Perth Tests are synonymous with pace and bounce, and that tradition will continue.
Rugby Redemption After Last Year’s Heartbreak
Whilst cricket takes centre stage this week, England’s rugby side have already struck an important psychological blow. Their 25-7 victory over Australia at Twickenham on 1 November provided sweet revenge for last year’s devastating 42-37 defeat at the same venue.
That loss 12 months ago still stings for English rugby fans. Australia snatched victory with the final play of the match when Max Jorgensen crossed in the 84th minute. England had led as the clock ticked past 80 minutes, only to see Marcus Smith’s heroics undone by Jorgensen’s late intervention.
The defeat continued a troubling pattern for Steve Borthwick’s side. England had repeatedly lost matches from winning positions, raising serious questions about their ability to close out tight contests. The November 2024 loss to Australia marked their fourth consecutive defeat and left them searching desperately for answers.
Fast forward 12 months and the transformation is remarkable. England entered their autumn series opener against Australia on a winning streak and they extended it with a professional performance. George Ford kicked an early penalty before Ben Earl burst clear for the opening try. Henry Pollock then came off the bench to score a crucial try before Alex Mitchell and Luke Cowan-Dickie sealed the victory.
The win was significant for several reasons. It demonstrated England’s improved squad depth, with Pollock making an immediate impact as a replacement. It showed tactical discipline, as England controlled the game after taking the lead. Most importantly, it banished the demons of that agonising defeat 12 months earlier.
Steve Borthwick’s decision to unleash five forwards simultaneously from the bench has become a defining feature of England’s autumn campaign. The tactic, reminiscent of South Africa’s “bomb squad” approach, provides fresh legs and power at crucial moments. Against Australia, it worked perfectly as England pulled away in the final quarter.
England have since defeated Fiji and New Zealand to extend their winning run to ten matches. The victory over the All Blacks was particularly impressive, ending a 13-year wait for a Twickenham triumph over New Zealand. George Ford produced a masterclass, scoring two drop goals and marshalling the attack brilliantly.
The resurgence under Borthwick has silenced many critics. Just months ago, questions swirled about his future as head coach. England had lost seven of nine matches at one point, with the manner of defeats proving as concerning as the results themselves. The turnaround represents one of the most impressive rehabilitation stories in recent English rugby history.
Looking ahead to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which Australia will host, England are building genuine momentum. Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has tipped England to reach the final, suggesting their current form and squad depth make them serious contenders. Whether that prediction proves accurate remains to be seen, but England’s confidence is soaring.
The Deeper Meaning of This Rivalry
The England-Australia sporting rivalry transcends individual matches or series. It represents a clash of cultures, histories and sporting philosophies that has captivated audiences for over 150 years. The rivalry began in 1868 and has grown into one of sport’s defining feuds.
Both nations view themselves as among the world’s premier sporting countries. They regularly compete for recognition as the second greatest sporting nation after the United States. This competition plays out across cricket, rugby, swimming, athletics and numerous other sports. The Commonwealth Games provides another arena where the two nations battle for supremacy.
Cricket’s Ashes remains the jewel in the crown of this rivalry. The urn itself, contested since 1882, symbolises more than just a cricket series. It represents pride, tradition and the fierce desire to prove superiority over a old enemy. The intensity of Ashes contests rarely diminishes, regardless of the relative strengths of the two teams.
Rugby union’s history between the nations is equally compelling. England and Australia first met on the rugby field in 1909, with the Wallabies winning that inaugural encounter. Since then, the fixture has produced countless memorable moments. England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory over Australia in Sydney remains one of English sport’s greatest achievements.
The rivalry extends to women’s sport as well. Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket has been absolute in recent years. The Australian women’s team whitewashed England 16-0 in the 2024-25 Women’s Ashes, winning every Test, ODI and T20I match. This comprehensive victory demonstrated the gulf between the two sides in the women’s game.
Media coverage of England-Australia contests often features colourful pre-match verbals and psychological warfare. Australian newspapers regularly run provocative headlines designed to unsettle English opponents. English media respond in kind, creating a compelling narrative that extends beyond the playing field.
What the Experts Are Saying
Cricket legends have offered their verdicts ahead of the Ashes. James Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, believes Australia are at their “weakest in 15 years”. Anderson pointed to doubts around the top-order batting and the absence of key bowlers as cracks England can exploit.
Michael Vaughan, another former England captain, has backed England to cause problems for what he terms Australia’s “Dad’s Army” side. Vaughan highlighted the pace and aggression in England’s bowling attack as potential match-winners. He emphasised the importance of winning the first Test to set the tone for the series.
Ian Botham has sounded a note of caution. The 1981 Ashes hero warned that England’s preparation has been far from ideal. Their solitary warm-up match against the Lions provided limited preparation compared to the Sheffield Shield cricket most Australian players have contested. Botham fears England may struggle to adapt to the bounce and pace of Australian pitches.
Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes the series will be decided by which batting line-up handles pressure best. Swann pointed out that both sides possess quality bowling attacks capable of taking 20 wickets. The difference, he argues, will be whether England’s batsmen can post competitive totals consistently.
Australian great Ricky Ponting remains confident despite the injury setbacks. Ponting backed Australia’s depth and experience to carry them through. He suggested that England’s aggressive approach could backfire if they lose early wickets and that Australia’s bowlers will target England’s openers to disrupt their rhythm.
The Broader Context of UK Sport
England’s sporting fortunes have improved markedly across multiple disciplines in recent months. The rugby team’s winning streak has captured the nation’s attention. The cricket team enters the Ashes with genuine optimism. Even England’s football team has shown improvement under interim management.
This upturn comes after a challenging period for English sport. Early 2025 saw disappointing results across cricket, rugby and football. Questions were raised about coaching appointments, player development and overall strategy. The turnaround demonstrates the cyclical nature of sport and the importance of persistence.
UK sports fans are desperate for positive news. The country has endured economic challenges, political uncertainty and social divisions in recent years. Sporting success provides welcome distraction and unity. An Ashes series victory would rank among England’s greatest sporting achievements and lift the national mood considerably.
The BBC and other UK broadcasters have devoted extensive coverage to the Ashes build-up. Analysis programmes, documentaries and interviews have saturated the airwaves. The level of interest demonstrates the enduring appeal of Test cricket and the Ashes specifically. Viewing figures for the Perth Test are expected to be substantial despite the early morning start time for UK audiences.
Social media has amplified the rivalry. Players from both teams have engaged in playful banter online. Fans have shared memories of classic Ashes moments. The digital conversation has created a sense of anticipation that extends far beyond traditional cricket audiences.
Looking Ahead: What Victory Would Mean
For England, winning the Ashes in Australia would represent the culmination of years of planning and preparation. It would validate the Bazball approach and cement Stokes and McCullum’s legacy. It would also provide redemption for the painful defeats of recent tours.
Individual milestones add extra intrigue. Joe Root scoring his first Ashes century in Australia would silence critics and enhance his already stellar reputation. Ben Stokes playing a captain’s innings under pressure would inspire the nation. Mark Wood terrorising Australian batsmen with raw pace would fulfil the plan England have pursued since Anderson’s retirement.
For Australia, retaining the Ashes despite injury setbacks would demonstrate their resilience and depth. It would show that their cricket system continues to produce quality players capable of stepping up when required. It would also maintain their formidable home record and psychological edge over England.
The series promises drama, controversy and unforgettable moments. Ashes contests rarely disappoint. Whether England can finally break their Australian hoodoo or whether the hosts overcome adversity to prevail, one certainty exists. The England-Australia rivalry will continue to captivate and enthral sports fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the first Ashes Test between England and Australia start?
The first Ashes Test begins on Friday, 21 November 2025 at Perth Stadium. Play starts at 10:30am local time, which is 2:30am GMT for UK viewers. The Test is scheduled for five days, running until 25 November if required.
Why are Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood missing from Australia’s team?
Captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out with a back injury that requires ongoing management. Josh Hazlewood sustained a hamstring strain during a Sheffield Shield match and subsequent scans confirmed the injury would prevent him playing in the Perth Test.
What is Bazball and how has it changed England’s cricket?
Bazball refers to the aggressive, positive style of play England adopted after Ben Stokes became captain and Brendon McCullum became coach in May 2022. The approach emphasises fast scoring, early declarations and attacking cricket designed to force results rather than settling for draws.
How did England beat Australia 25-7 in rugby?
England secured a comfortable victory at Twickenham on 1 November 2025 through tries from Ben Earl, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell and Luke Cowan-Dickie. George Ford added a conversion and penalty. The win extended England’s winning streak and provided revenge for last year’s agonising 42-37 defeat.
Has Joe Root ever scored a century in Australia?
No, Joe Root has never scored a Test century in Australia despite playing 14 Tests there across three tours. His highest score in Australia is 89, made in Brisbane during the 2021-22 Ashes series. Root averages 35.68 in Australia compared to his career average of 51.29.
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