After fourteen long years of disappointment in Australia, England arrive for the Ashes 2025/26 with a rare blend of hunger, fearlessness and unfinished business. The first match of the five game Ashes 2025-26 will start from Friday, November 21 and will take pace at Optus Stadium in Perth.
England’s hunger and Australia’s quest for dominance
Their last triumph Down Under came in the distant glow of 2010–11, a memory that has grown heavier with every failed tour since. Under Ben Stokes’ bold leadership and Brendon McCullum’s fearless, tempo-driven ‘Bazball’ philosophy, England now believe they can shatter their drought on the toughest cricketing terrain in the world. Armed with pace, intent and renewed confidence, they enter the series opener looking not just to compete, but to rewrite history itself.
Australia walk into the 2025/26 Ashes with their own set of problems, yet remain an intimidating force, largely because they are built to thrive in crisis. Injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have forced a sudden recalibration of their attack, but the leadership mantle lands in safe hands with Steve Smith, whose Ashes record continues to stand as one of cricket’s most formidable modern legacies. Smith’s ability to absorb pressure, control sessions and dictate tempo gives Australia a steadying presence during a transitional moment. Around him, the emergence of Scott Boland as a metronomic tormentor has been one of the most quietly impactful stories in recent Test cricket, his seam-perfect spells capable of flipping matches within overs.
With Australia’s batting core still robust and their home conditions notoriously unforgiving, the hosts enter the series with a mindset of restoring dominance, turning setbacks into fuel and trusting their depth to withstand England’s Bazball storm.
1. Channel Seven Commentators
Channel Seven has assembled one of the most star-studded commentary line-ups for the Ashes 2025/26, led by the iconic duo of Ricky Ponting and former England great Stuart Broad, giving the broadcast a perfect blend of Australian sharpness and English insight. The panel is strengthened further by the arrival of David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd from the third Test onwards, adding humour and deep tactical understanding.
Returning heavyweights like Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Greg Blewett, Simon Katich, Trent Copeland, Aaron Finch and Damien Fleming ensure a rich mix of batting, bowling, and coaching intellect. Hosting responsibilities sit with Mel McLaughlin and James Brayshaw, supported by Tim Lane, Alison Mitchell and Alister Nicholson on commentary duties. Expert umpiring perspective is provided by five-time ICC Umpire of the Year Simon Taufel, while respected journalists Peter Lalor and Bharat Sundaresan complete the coverage with breaking news and in-depth reporting.
Channel Seven
Ricky Ponting, Stuart Broad, David Lloyd (from 3rd Test), Mel McLaughlin, James Brayshaw, Tim Lane, Alison Mitchell, Alister Nicholson, Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Greg Blewett, Simon Katich, Trent Copeland, Aaron Finch, Damien Fleming, Brad Hodge, Lisa Sthalekar, Callum Ferguson, Simon Taufel, Peter Lalor, Bharat Sundaresan
2. Fox Cricket Commentators
Fox Cricket’s Ashes 2025/26 commentary team is headlined by Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh and Brett Lee, creating a powerhouse trio of Australian legends bringing elite-level insight and energy. They are joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan and broadcasting star Isa Guha, offering sharp English perspective. One of the biggest additions this year is David Warner, stepping into commentary for the first time, bringing recent-player understanding and trademark boldness. The team is rounded out by Mark Howard, Brad Haddin, Michael Hussey, Kerry O’Keeffe, Brendon Julian and Mel Jones, together forming a deep, versatile panel capable of delivering analysis, humour, and high-quality match breakdowns throughout the series.
Fox Cricket
Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, Brett Lee, Michael Vaughan, Isa Guha, David Warner, Mark Howard, Brad Haddin, Michael Hussey, Kerry O’Keeffe, Brendon Julian, Mel Jones
3. TNT Sports (UK) Commentators
For viewers in the UK, TNT Sports presents a polished and insightful Ashes commentary panel led by presenter Becky Ives. The coverage features a blend of celebrated English cricketers such as Sir Alastair Cook and Steven Finn, paired with the sharp analysis of Justin Langer, ensuring a balanced cross-national perspective. The commentary roster also includes experienced broadcasters Alastair Eykyn and Rob Hatch, while Ebony Rainford-Brent adds her analytical depth and clarity to the broadcast. Together, they offer UK fans a comprehensive, modern, and high-quality viewing experience tailored for the biggest Test rivalry in cricket.
