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All you need to know about 2025/26 Ashes including fixture schedule and squads

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 8:15 GMT by Talksport
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England vs. Australia 2025 Ashes: Full Schedule, Stadium Line‑up, and Team News

The much‑anticipated 2025 Ashes series is set to run from 1 July to 29 July, with five Test matches spread across England’s most iconic cricket grounds. A deep‑dive into TalkSport’s coverage reveals every detail the England and Australia camps need to know—dates, venues, squad picks, key player match‑ups, and the broader context that makes the Ashes the pinnacle of Test cricket.

1. The Fixture Calendar

The schedule keeps the series tight, giving players a maximum of one weekend of rest between Tests—typical of modern Ashes calendars designed to maximise intensity and reduce fixture congestion. The series opens at Trent Bridge, a pitch traditionally conducive to spin and seam in equal measure, before moving north to Old Trafford for a “Yorkshire‑style” battleground. Headingley provides a historic middle‑ground, Lord’s offers the “Home of Cricket” advantage, and Edgbaston caps the series with a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions.

2. Stadium Highlights

Trent Bridge, Nottingham

With a capacity of 17,500, Trent Bridge has hosted 23 Ashes Tests. Historically, the ground has delivered high‑scoring encounters and dramatic finishes. The 2025 pitch is expected to be a balanced test of bat and ball, favoring seamers in the first half of the innings and offering turn later on.

Old Trafford, Manchester

Old Trafford has a capacity of 30,000 and is renowned for its seaming conditions. The 2025 pitch will likely play a decisive role, especially if the weather brings in overcast conditions and a damp ball.

Headingley, Leeds

Headingley’s 28,000 capacity makes it one of the largest venues on the Ashes circuit. The venue is famed for its unpredictable turn, often turning the tide of Test matches. The pitch is expected to be challenging in the first days but could assist spin in the final days of the game.

Lord’s, London

Lord’s’ 20,000 capacity, though smaller than the other venues, gives it an intimate feel. The pitch often presents a batting advantage with the sun behind the batsman. Lord’s is a stage where leg‑break bowlers have historically made headlines.

Edgbaston, Birmingham

Edgbaston, with a capacity of 28,000, is known for its batting-friendly surfaces. The 2025 Ashes will start on the 26th of July; expectations are for a bowler‑friendly pitch early on but a batting‑friendly surface as the ball ages.

3. England Squad – Key Picks & Controversies

The England team has been finalised by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic young talent.

• Joe Root (captain) – The captain is expected to lead from the front, bringing his experience and a solid 1st‑ball seam strategy.
• Ben Stokes – The all‑rounder remains a pillar of the team, but his role is being scrutinised after a lack of form in the T20 World Cup.
• Mark Wood – The fast bowler is expected to be the spearhead of the bowling attack, particularly at Old Trafford.
• Mark Wood – The fast bowler is expected to be the spearhead of the bowling attack, particularly at Old Trafford, with a focus on swinging the ball in damp conditions.
• David Warner (opponent) – Although Warner is not in the England squad, his presence is a looming threat to England’s spin attack.

England’s batting is anchored by Root and the openers, with the addition of Mark Wood and Mark Wood. The spin unit remains largely unchanged, with Mark Wood and Mark Wood as the primary options. The ECB has also announced a reserve list that includes players like Sam Curran and Jos Buttler, offering backup for any last‑minute changes.

4. Australia Squad – Standouts & Surprises

Australia’s side, selected by the Cricket Australia (CA), is a potent mix of power hitters and disciplined bowlers.

• Mitchell Starc – The left‑arm pacer is central to Australia’s bowling attack, with a knack for breaking partnerships early.
• Josh Hazlewood – Returning from injury, Hazlewood adds depth to the attack and can be pivotal in crucial moments.
• Pat Cummins – The captain remains a strong presence in the bowling unit, especially under spin conditions.
• Steve Smith – The veteran opener is slated to partner with David Warner for a formidable partnership.
• Glenn Maxwell – The all‑rounder adds a big‑hit dimension and depth in the batting order.

Australia’s batting lineup features a blend of aggressive top order and solid middle‑order resilience. Their spin attack is considered a potential threat at Lord’s, where turn can be pivotal. The Australian selectors have also named Nathan Coulter‑Jones and Aaron Finch on the standby list, allowing for flexible squad management.

5. The Broader Context

The Ashes 2025 series is the 75th edition of the iconic contest, and TalkSport’s coverage contextualises it as a clash of styles: England’s historically solid seam and swing versus Australia’s power‑driven bat and disciplined spin. The narrative around the series also includes the “Ashes rivalry” that has historically produced memorable moments: think of the 2013 “Blackwash” or the 2019 series where England returned the Ashes in the last ball of the fifth Test.

TalkSport’s article emphasises the emotional stakes: the “old rivalry”, the “heritage of the series” and the “modern, high‑intensity cricket environment.” The analysis highlights the strategic elements, such as England’s emphasis on seaming conditions and Australia’s reliance on aggressive batting and disciplined bowling.

6. Take‑Away Points for Fans and Analysts

1. Schedule Intensity: With only a weekend’s break between Tests, fitness and form will be critical.
2. Venue Suitability: Each ground has a distinct character that could favour one side or the other, especially at Lord’s and Edgbaston.
3. Key Match‑ups: The duel between England’s Mark Wood and Australia’s Mitchell Starc will be a focal point.
4. Squad Depth: Reserve lists for both sides ensure the series stays competitive even if injuries occur.
5. Strategic Momentum: The series will be heavily influenced by early wins, especially the opening match at Trent Bridge.

7. Final Thoughts

England vs. Australia is not just a sporting event—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The 2025 Ashes promises to deliver the same high drama, intense rivalry, and unforgettable moments that have defined the contest for over a century. Whether you’re an avid fan, a cricket pundit, or simply curious about how the two nations battle for the coveted urn, the series is set to be one of the most exhilarating spectacles in the cricket calendar.

Stay tuned to TalkSport for live commentary, expert analysis, and post‑match insights as the Ashes 2025 unfolds across England’s most storied pitches.