The iconic Ashes rivalry returns as Australia and England prepare to lock horns in the 2025–26 series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The first Test, beginning on November 21, promises a fiery contest under bright Western Australian skies. Known for its pace-friendly conditions and electric atmosphere, Perth is set to host a thrilling start to cricket’s oldest and most intense Test series.
The Ashes, steeped in over a century of history, always carries a sense of grandeur, but the 2025 edition feels even more significant as both teams aim to assert early dominance. Australia, the defending champions, have named a strong and balanced side featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars ready to take on England’s challenge on home soil.
Australian unveils XI for the first Ashes Test
Australia’s playing XI for the Perth Test under skipper Steve Smith includes Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, and Scott Boland.
This side highlights depth in both batting and bowling. The top order relies on Khawaja’s stability and the flair of Weatherald, who will debut in Ashes cricket. Labuschagne and Smith will anchor the innings, while Head and Green bring aggressive intent to the middle order. Carey’s wicketkeeping and lower-order runs remain vital in balancing the lineup.
The bowling attack offers pace, bounce, and variation suited for Perth’s surface. Starc’s left-arm speed, Boland’s accuracy, and Doggett’s sharp movement provide a potent combination, while Lyon’s spin control adds variety. With this attack, Australia look well-equipped to exploit Optus Oval’s fast and bouncy track.
Optus Oval Pitch Report for the Ashes Opener
Often described as one of the fastest surfaces in world cricket, the Optus Oval wicket is expected to feature a lively bounce and consistent pace early on. The fresh grass covering ahead of the match suggests seamers like Starc and Boland will enjoy early movement, especially in the morning sessions when the breeze picks up from the southwest. However, batters can capitalize once the ball loses its hardness, making timing through the off-side rewarding.
As the game progresses, the pitch is likely to dry out under the scorching Perth sun, bringing in Lyon’s off-spin into play from day four onward. Historically, cracks widen at Perth venues during prolonged heat, making variable bounce a key factor late in the match. With clear conditions and a hard surface, the first Test promises a true contest that encapsulates what Ashes cricket in Australia is best known for—pace, patience, and precision.
Perth Weather forecast for the first Test
Perth’s Mediterranean climate often plays a decisive role in early-season cricket. The five-day forecast suggests balanced conditions that could test both batting and bowling units through fluctuating weather patterns.
- Friday, November 21: The opening day is set to be mostly sunny with temperatures peaking at 28°C and a gentle southerly breeze at 19 km/h. With humidity low and minimal cloud cover, batting should be favorable early on, though late swing could emerge as the ball ages under bright afternoon skies.
- Saturday, November 22: Day two offers slightly cooler conditions at 25°C with a northwesterly wind gusting up to 22 km/h. Continued sunshine and dryness will assist in maintaining a firm pitch surface, likely rewarding stroke play through the line.
- Sunday, November 23: The third day brings a 60% chance of morning showers followed by clearing skies. Temperatures drop to a high of 22°C with stiff southwesterly winds (28 km/h), potentially aiding seam and swing bowling in the first session.
- Monday, November 24: Intermittent showers may greet players early, but clearer spells will dominate later in the day. With a high of 21°C and a westerly breeze around 24 km/h, overhead conditions could make batting slightly challenging if cloud cover persists.
- Tuesday, November 25: The concluding day looks pleasant and cooler at 22°C, with light southwesterly winds and only a 1% chance of rain. The pitch should have slowed by then, favoring spin and reverse swing as bowlers exploit foot-marks and rough patches.
