The fierce rivalry between England and Australia in cricket, famously known as "The Ashes," is one of the most storied and anticipated contests in the sporting world. This legendary Test series, contested biennially, captivates fans with its intense competition, rich history, and national pride.
The Origins and History of The Ashes
The Ashes series dates back to 1882 when Australia achieved its first Test victory on English soil at The Oval. Following this historic win, a satirical obituary in The Sporting Times declared that English cricket had died and its ashes would be taken to Australia. This playful remark sparked the tradition, and the subsequent England tour to Australia in 1882-83 saw the English captain, Ivo Bligh, vow to "regain those ashes." A small terracotta urn, symbolizing the mythical ashes, was presented to Bligh after England's victory, solidifying the name and symbolism of the series [1, 2, 3].
Since its inception, The Ashes has been a battleground for cricketing supremacy, with both nations fiercely competing for the coveted urn. The rivalry has witnessed numerous iconic moments, legendary performances, and controversial encounters, such as the "Bodyline" series of 1932-33 and Shane Warne's "Ball of the Century" in 1993 [2].
Upcoming Ashes Series and How to Follow Live
The next Ashes series is scheduled for the 2025-26 season, with the first Test set to commence on November 21, 2025, in Perth [4, 8, 15]. The series will span across five Test matches held in various iconic Australian venues, concluding on January 8, 2026, in Sydney [4, 8, 15, 20].
For fans eager to follow the England vs. Australia live action, several options are available:
- TV Coverage: In the UK, viewers can watch every ball on TNT Sport and discovery+. In the US, Willow TV is broadcasting the series, accessible through platforms like Sling TV [4, 10]. For Australian residents, the entire series will be broadcast live on the free-to-air network 7 and its streaming service 7Plus [10]. In India, Star Sports and the JioHotstar app will provide coverage [7, 13].
- Live Radio Commentary: BBC Test Match Special will offer live ball-by-ball coverage in the UK on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport website and app [4].
- Online Updates and Scorecards: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) website and the England Cricket app will provide live scorecards and highlights [4]. Websites like Sofascore and Sky Sports also offer live score updates and commentary [18, 22, 26].
Recent Ashes Results and Dominance
Australia has historically held a strong record in The Ashes, particularly in recent times. They have held the urn since 2017, retaining it with series wins at home and drawn series in England [2]. The 2025-26 series saw Australia secure early victories, winning the first two Tests by eight wickets each [11, 28]. They went on to win the third Test by 82 runs, retaining the Ashes urn and taking a 3-0 lead in the series [12]. The series concluded with Australia winning 4-1 [27].
Beyond Test Cricket: ODIs and T20s
While The Ashes is synonymous with Test cricket, the rivalry between England and Australia extends to One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches [6]. The first ODI between the two nations took place in 1971, and the first T20 international in 2005 [6]. These shorter formats have added new dimensions to their historic contest, with memorable encounters in World Cups and various bilateral series [6]. England and Australia are also scheduled to play a series of ODIs and T20Is in November 2026, followed by a one-off Test in March 2027 to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket [21].
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the next Ashes series between England and Australia? A: The next Ashes series is scheduled for November 21, 2025, to January 8, 2026.
Q: Where can I watch The Ashes live? A: Live coverage is available on various platforms depending on your region, including TNT Sport, discovery+, Willow TV, 7Plus, Star Sports, and JioHotstar [4, 7, 10, 13].
Q: Who won the most recent Ashes series? A: Australia won the most recent Ashes series in 2025-26, defeating England 4-1.
Q: What is The Ashes trophy? A: The Ashes trophy is a small terracotta urn, symbolizing the mythical ashes of English cricket, dating back to the 1882 series.
Conclusion
The England vs. Australia cricket rivalry, embodied by The Ashes, continues to be a captivating spectacle. With a deep history, intense competition, and global following, each encounter adds another chapter to this legendary sporting saga. Whether you're following the live scores, tuning into the broadcast, or discussing the match with fellow fans, the excitement of The Ashes is undeniable.
