Iconic venue set to mark debut with the series

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the schedule for the Ashes and they have made a decision which has left everyone surprised. For the first time in 43 years, Brisbane will not host an Ashes opener and it will be Perth’s Optus Stadium which will host the first match on November 21, 2025.

The Gabba will instead host the second match which will be the first day and night encounter that the stadium has ever seen. The focus will be then shifted to the Adelaide Oval where the third Test match will be staged followed by the 4th Test on Boxing Day at the MCG. The fifth and last Test match will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

“There is already enormous excitement surrounding the 2025-26 Ashes series and we are pleased to announce the dates for the five men’s Tests to enable fans across the world to lock in their travel plans,” Joel Morrison, CA’s Executive General Manager of Events and Operations said.

“Beginning with the West Test at Perth Stadium, the 2025-26 Ashes dates align with our recently released seven-year international schedule and we are grateful for the support state and territory governments are providing to enhance and grow our major events,” Morrison added.

“The history and excitement of the Ashes make it one of world’s most iconic sporting events and we are delighted this fierce and electrifying rivalry will extend over two summers in 2025 – commencing with CommBank Women’s Ashes this summer, which includes the historic MCG day-night Test, and culminates in the men’s Ashes next summer,” Morrison further added.