If the 2025 Ashes are anything like the 2023 edition then we are in for an absolute treat. The contest in England two years ago started with a four and ended in a 2-2 draw, while the action in between included debated declarations, contentious stumpings, extreme pace bowling, oodles of rain and Stuart Broad bowing out in box-office fashion. Ahead of this winter’s tussle in Australia, here’s a look back at the 2023 Ashes.
First Test, Edgbaston – Australia won by two wickets
Zak Crawley hammered Pat Cummins’ first ball through the covers for four to kick off a series that had everything. Ben Stokes surprised many by declaring late on day one with England 393-8, Joe Root having hit a fourth Ashes century. The declaration exposed Australia to a tricky period but ultimately proved a stick to beat England with. England’s fielding lapses — notably Broad bowling Usman Khawaja off a no-ball before Khawaja made 141, and Stokes dropping an acrobatic chance at Lyon — proved costly. Cummins kept his cool to guide Australia over the line with an unbroken 55 with Nathan Lyon from 227-8.
Second Test, Lord’s – Australia won by 43 runs
Lord’s turned febrile on the fifth day after Alex Carey stumped Jonny Bairstow when the batter had strayed from his crease, triggering outrage over the “spirit of cricket” and an altercation in the Long Room that saw three MCC members suspended. Most pundits felt Bairstow had been punished for dawdling. Earlier, England’s aggressive short-ball approach backfired, collapsing from 188-1 and gifting Australia a first-innings lead of 91. Nathan Lyon hobbled to the crease to bat in the second innings after a calf injury; his stubborn batting bought time. Ben Stokes countered with 155 on day five but was eventually caught off Josh Hazlewood, and Australia held on.
Third Test, Headingley – England won by three wickets
With England 2-0 down, selectors recalled Mark Wood and Chris Woakes. Wood produced ferocious pace — over 95mph — claiming a five-for, and later slogged 24 off eight to help England rally from 87-5 to 237 all out. Woakes took six in the match; Wood added two in the second innings. Chasing 251, England slipped to 171-6, but Harry Brook’s 75 and a calm lower-order finish from Woakes (32*) and Wood (16*) steered them home and kept the series alive.
Fourth Test, Emirates Old Trafford – Match drawn
Rain washed away the final day at Old Trafford, denying England a chance to push for a decider after dominating much of the match. Australia were 214-5 in their second innings, still trailing by 61, when play was abandoned. Marnus Labuschagne’s second-innings century was a highlight for the visitors. For England, Woakes again impressed with a first-innings five-for, Wood’s pace troubled key batters, Zak Crawley struck 189 off 182, and Jonny Bairstow countered critics with 99* as England piled up 592 in 108 overs.
Fifth Test, The Kia Oval – England won by 49 runs (series 2-2)
The finale belonged to Stuart Broad. After announcing his retirement, Broad was given an Australian guard of honour and produced a fairytale finish. England set Australia 384; at 264-3 on the final afternoon a Smith half-century had Australia well placed. Woakes and Moeen Ali combined to take four wickets in four overs to shift momentum, and Broad sealed victory with two late wickets, including Alex Carey — his 604th Test scalp. Broad finished his Test career with performances that secured an emotional 49-run win and left him among the game’s great wicket-takers.
Notable themes and performances
– Ben Stokes: crucial centuries and leadership kept England competitive throughout.
– Chris Woakes: Man of the Series for his match-winning bowling in limited appearances.
– Mark Wood: raw pace when it mattered, swinging games with speed and lower-order hitting.
– Jonny Bairstow: influential with the bat but central to controversy after the Lord’s stumping.
– Stuart Broad: a storybook farewell with a match-winning final appearance and 604 Test wickets.
– Nathan Lyon: his calf injury and brave batting at Lord’s were memorable, while Alex Carey’s stumping provoked intense debate over cricket’s spirit.
Ashes series in Australia 2025/26
All times UK and Ireland
– First Test: Friday November 21 – Tuesday November 25 (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, Perth
– Second Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane
– Third Test: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (12am) – Adelaide Oval
– Fourth Test: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
– Fifth Test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground