The 2025-26 Ashes series between England and Australia is reaching its climax at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with the visitors looking to square honours after a dominant start by the hosts. With five Tests scheduled across Australia’s premier venues, the series has already produced dramatic shifts in momentum, standout individual performances, and the kind of tension that defines the oldest rivalry in cricket.
As the fifth Test unfolds, fans are tracking live scores, reviewing detailed scorecards, and revisiting the head-to-head record that stretches back to 1882. This article provides a comprehensive, fact-based guide to the 2025 Ashes, covering the latest match updates, series statistics, historical context, and answers to the most common questions surrounding the England vs Australia men’s cricket team contest.
What is the live score of England vs Australia men’s cricket match?
For the latest ball-by-ball updates, the most reliable sources are the official scorecards provided by Cricket Australia’s match hub and Sky Sports’ scorecard page. These platforms offer real-time innings summaries, batting and bowling figures, and fall-of-wickets data. As of the most recent reports, the fifth Test at the SCG is ongoing, with England posting 211 for 3 on a rain-shortened first day.
Key insights into the 2025 Ashes so far
- The Ashes is cricket’s oldest and most celebrated Test rivalry.
- Australia leads overall series wins (34 to England’s 32, with 5 draws).
- The 2025 series is being played across five Australian venues, starting in Perth.
- Both teams have undergone squad changes since the last Ashes; key players include Pat Cummins and Ben Stokes.
- Travis Head has been the standout batter for Australia, scoring centuries in Perth and Adelaide.
- England’s Harry Brook and Joe Root shared a 154-run partnership on Day 1 of the SCG Test.
- Australia entered the fifth Test with a likely 3-1 lead, following wins in Perth and Adelaide and an England victory at the MCG.
Recent Ashes series at a glance
| Series | Year | Host | Result | Player of Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashes 2023 | 2023 | England | Drawn (2-2) | Chris Woakes |
| Ashes 2021-22 | 2021-22 | Australia | Australia (4-0) | Travis Head |
| Ashes 2019 | 2019 | England | Drawn (2-2) | Steve Smith |
| Ashes 2017-18 | 2017-18 | Australia | Australia (4-0) | Steve Smith |
What are the scorecards for the 2025 Ashes Tests?
Scorecards for each Test in the 2025-26 Ashes series are maintained by official broadcasters and cricket boards. Below is a summary of the key scorecard details available for the first, third, fourth, and fifth Tests, drawn from Sky Sports, the Independent, and Cricket Australia.
For the most reliable and up-to-date scorecards, visit Cricket Australia’s official match centre or Sky Sports’ dedicated Ashes page. These sources provide verified ball-by-ball data, innings breakdowns, and player statistics.
Fifth Test – Sydney Cricket Ground (Day 1 summary)
England won the toss and elected to bat on a rain-affected opening day. Only 45 overs were possible, but England reached 211 for 3. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 72 off 103 balls, while Harry Brook contributed a fluent 78 off 102. The pair added 154 runs for the fourth wicket after early setbacks. Australia used all five frontline seamers in an attempt to break the partnership.
Fourth Test – Melbourne Cricket Ground (England won by 4 wickets)
A low-scoring contest at the MCG swung dramatically on each day. Australia were bowled out for 152 in their first innings, with England replying for 110. In the second innings, Australia managed 132, leaving England a target of 178. The visitors reached 178 for 6 to secure a narrow four-wicket victory. Umpires for the match were Chris Gaffaney and Kumar Dharmasena, with Ahsan Raza as TV umpire and Jeff Crowe as match referee, as reported by Sky Sports.
Third Test – Adelaide Oval (Australia in command)
According to reports from the Independent, England were bowled out for 286 in their first innings, with Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer sharing a 106-run partnership. Australia responded strongly, reaching 271 for 4 in their second innings by the close of Day 3. Travis Head struck his second century of the series, scoring an unbeaten 142, while Alex Carey provided support with 50 not out. Australia held a lead of 356 runs and were pushing for a 3-0 series lead.
When is the 2025 Men’s Ashes series and how can I watch it?
The 2025-26 Men’s Ashes series is scheduled across the Australian summer, from late November 2025 through January 2026. Five Test matches are being played at major venues in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The exact schedule, including whether day-night Tests will feature, has been outlined by the England and Wales Cricket Board in their official Ashes how-to-watch guide.
Confirmed venues and dates
- First Test: Perth Stadium, 21–25 November 2025
- Second Test: Adelaide Oval (potential day-night), 5–9 December 2025
- Third Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground, 26–30 December 2025
- Fourth Test: Sydney Cricket Ground, 4–8 January 2026
- Fifth Test: Brisbane Cricket Ground, 15–19 January 2026
Broadcasting and live streaming
Live coverage is available through official broadcasters in each market. In the UK, Sky Sports holds the rights. In Australia, the series is broadcast on Channel 7 and streamed via Kayo Sports. International viewers can follow the series through the ICC World Test Championship digital platforms and official cricket board websites.
What is the head-to-head record between England and Australia in Test cricket?
The Ashes head-to-head record is one of the most closely followed statistics in cricket. According to ESPNcricinfo’s historical database, Australia leads the overall Test series count 34 to 32, with 5 draws. The most recent series in England in 2023 ended in a 2-2 draw, meaning Australia retained the urn as the previous holders. For a deeper look at the numbers, revisit the Australia vs England Ashes head-to-head record and key stats.
Australia has been dominant on home soil in the last decade. England’s last series win in Australia came in 2010-11, a 3-1 triumph under Andrew Strauss. Since then, Australia has won every home Ashes series, often by comprehensive margins.
England’s record in Australia
Of the last 10 Ashes series played in Australia, England have won only once – the 2010-11 series. Australia have been unbeaten in their remaining home series during that period. This context makes the 2025-26 series a significant challenge for Ben Stokes’ side, who are aiming to reclaim the urn on Australian soil for the first time in 14 years.
Head-to-head records and series counts are updated after each Test. Fans checking historical data should refer to official sources like ESPNcricinfo or Cricket Australia to ensure they are viewing the most current figures.
What happened in the first Test of the 2025 Ashes?
The first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes was played at Perth Stadium. Australia won the match, with Travis Head playing a defining innings as an emergency opener. His century set up a strong position that England could not recover from. While detailed scorecard data for this match is not available in current updates, the result contributed to Australia’s early series lead. Head’s performance in Perth marked the start of a standout series for the left-hander, who also scored an unbeaten 142 in the third Test at Adelaide.
Key moments in Ashes history: a timeline
The Ashes rivalry has produced countless memorable moments. Below is a timeline of significant events that have shaped the contest.
- – First Ashes Test after England lost to Australia; The Sporting Times publishes obituary.
- – First Ashes series in Australia – England win 1-0.
- – Memorable Ashes series: England win 2-1 after 16 years.
- – England win in Australia for the first time in 24 years.
- – Last Ashes in England ends in a 2-2 draw.
- – 2025-26 Men’s Ashes in Australia (5 Tests).
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about the 2025 Ashes?
While much of the series schedule and venue information has been confirmed, some details are still subject to change. The table below distinguishes established facts from areas where uncertainty remains.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| The next Men’s Ashes is being held in Australia starting November 21, 2025. | Exact squad compositions may change due to injuries or form. |
| Matches are played at Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. | Scheduling of day-night Tests is not confirmed. |
| England last won an Ashes series in Australia in 2010-11. | Broadcasting rights for some markets may be updated. |
Why the Ashes rivalry matters beyond the scoreboard
The Ashes is not just a contest between two cricket nations but a cultural event steeped in history. The 2025 series is critical for England, who seek to reclaim the urn on Australian soil after 14 years. Australia, led by Pat Cummins, are aiming to maintain dominance at home. Key factors that will influence the outcome include the performance of star players, pitch conditions, and the impact of the World Test Championship standings. The rivalry’s deep roots in both countries mean that every Test is watched by millions and carries significant weight for players and fans alike. For a complete overview of the series, follow the Ashes 2025-26: Australia vs England Men’s Test Series Overview.
What the captains have said about the Ashes
Both captains have spoken publicly about the importance of the series and the challenge of competing in Australia.
“We’re going to have to play our best cricket to beat Australia in Australia.”
Ben Stokes (England captain) – ECB press conference
“The Ashes is always a massive series and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Pat Cummins (Australia captain) – Cricket Australia
What is the outlook for the 2025 Ashes?
With the series in its final stages, England have shown fight with their MCG victory, but Australia’s dominance in Perth and Adelaide has given them a strong lead heading into the Sydney Test. The performance of players like Travis Head, Joe Root, and Harry Brook will continue to shape the narrative. The final outcome will depend on conditions, team selections, and the ability of each side to execute under pressure. For fans looking to stay updated, keep track of the latest developments as the series reaches its conclusion.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Ashes called the Ashes?
The term originated after England’s first home loss to Australia in 1882. A satirical obituary stated that English cricket had died and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.”
How many Tests are in an Ashes series?
Typically five Test matches.
Who holds the Ashes currently?
Australia retained the Ashes after the 2023 series ended in a 2-2 draw (they were the holders).
Where can I find official Ashes merchandise?
Official merchandise is available through the ECB and Cricket Australia online stores and at stadium shops.
When did England last win the Ashes in Australia?
England last won a series in Australia in 2010-11, a 3-1 victory.
Who is the leading run-scorer in the 2025 Ashes so far?
Travis Head of Australia has been the standout batter, with centuries in Perth and Adelaide, including an unbeaten 142 in the third Test.
How can I watch the Ashes live online?
In the UK, Sky Sports broadcasts live coverage. In Australia, Channel 7 and Kayo Sports are the official broadcasters.
What is the overall Ashes head-to-head record?
As of 2025, Australia leads 34 series wins to England’s 32, with 5 drawn series.
Who are the umpires for the fifth Test at SCG?
Match officials vary by Test. For the fourth Test at MCG, umpires were Chris Gaffaney and Kumar Dharmasena, with Ahsan Raza as TV umpire and Jeff Crowe as referee.
What is the significance of the urn in the Ashes?
The urn is a small terracotta urn that is the traditional trophy of the Ashes series. It is believed to contain the ashes of a cricket bail.
Daniel Mercer is Music & Theatre Correspondent at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering music, theatre, concerts, West End coverage, festivals, live entertainment and album releases.