Get ready for fireworks! If the upcoming Ashes series in Australia is anything like the epic showdown we witnessed in England back in 2023, cricket fans are in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, nail-biting finishes, and controversies that will be debated for years to come. The 2023 series wasn't just cricket; it was a drama that unfolded over five intense tests, ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw. But here's where it gets controversial... Was the draw a fair reflection of the cricket played? Let's dive into the key moments that defined this unforgettable series and what we can expect from the Aussies on their home turf.
Before we look back, here are some useful links to keep you in the loop:
- The Ashes 2025/26: Dates, squads and venues (https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/13363105/the-ashes-2025-26-fixtures-dates-and-venues-as-england-look-to-beat-australia)
- Australian media warned not to provoke Ben Stokes (https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12340/13464716/pat-cummins-australia-captain-on-track-to-return-in-second-ashes-test-against-england)
- Have Australia made error by 'giving up Gabbatoir factor'? (https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12339/13467962/the-ashes-australia-may-have-made-error-by-not-playing-first-test-against-england-in-brisbane-says-chris-woakes)
- Marnus Labuschagne recalled by Australia for The Ashes (https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/13463716/the-ashes-australia-recall-marnus-labuschagne-and-include-jake-weatherald-in-squad-for-first-test-in-perth)
First Test, Edgbaston - Australia won by two wickets
The series opener at Edgbaston set the tone for what was to come: high drama from ball one. Zak Crawley's audacious boundary off Pat Cummins' very first delivery signaled England's intent to play fearless cricket. Ben Stokes' bold declaration on day one, with England at 393-8, was a move that had everyone talking. Joe Root's magnificent century was the backbone of the innings. And this is the part most people miss... Stokes' declaration, while exciting, put immense pressure on his bowlers and fielders early on.
While some, like Kevin Pietersen, questioned the declaration, Stokes' rationale was to expose the Aussie openers to a tricky period before the close of play. However, Australia weathered the storm and ultimately clinched a narrow victory, leading to intense scrutiny of Stokes' decision. In hindsight, England's sloppy fielding proved costly. Stuart Broad's no-ball that dismissed Usman Khawaja, who then went on to score a century, and Stokes' missed catch off Nathan Lyon were pivotal moments that swung the game in Australia's favor. Cummins' calm and composed innings, partnering with Lyon for an unbroken 55-run stand, sealed the win for the visitors.
Second Test, Lord's - Australia won by 43 runs
Lord's, the hallowed 'Home of Cricket', witnessed a Test match that was as much about on-field action as it was about off-field controversies. The genteel atmosphere of MCC members sipping champagne was shattered by an ugly altercation in the Long Room during lunch on the final day. The flashpoint? Jonny Bairstow's controversial stumping by Alex Carey.
England were furious, accusing Carey of violating the 'spirit of cricket'. But here's a thought-provoking question: Was it truly against the spirit of the game, or simply a case of Bairstow being caught napping? Most experts sided with the latter, arguing that Bairstow was simply punished for his lack of awareness. Earlier in the game, England's aggressive short-ball tactics, while initially successful, backfired as Australia recovered from 188-1 to take a 91-run first-innings lead. What made it worse for England was that Australia's short-ball barrage was a Plan B after Nathan Lyon, their key spinner, injured his calf and was ruled out of the series. Despite Stokes' heroic century on day five, reminiscent of his Headingley heroics in 2019, England fell short, and the Bairstow stumping became the talking point, even prompting comments from Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Anthony Albanese. Broad even quipped that Carey would only be remembered for that stumping!
Third Test, Headingley - England won by three wickets
Facing a do-or-die situation at Headingley, England injected fresh blood into their lineup, bringing in express pace bowler Mark Wood and seasoned all-rounder Chris Woakes. What a masterstroke that proved to be! Wood unleashed a barrage of thunderbolts, consistently exceeding 95mph, taking a five-wicket haul and then smashing a quickfire 24 to help England recover from 87-5. After Australia's second innings, where Wood and Woakes continued to wreak havoc, England needed 251 to win.
The chase was a rollercoaster. At 131-3, England looked comfortable, but a collapse to 171-6 swung the momentum back in Australia's favor. Harry Brook's resilient 75 kept England in the hunt, and then Woakes (32) and Wood (16) guided the hosts home, Woakes hitting the winning runs off Mitchell Starc to keep the Ashes alive. Could this victory be attributed to Wood's raw pace unsettling the Aussie batsmen? Or was it the combined experience of Woakes and Stokes that saw England over the line?
Fourth Test, Emirates Old Trafford - Match drawn
The Manchester Test will be remembered for one thing: the rain. England dominated the match, racking up a massive score, but the relentless downpour washed away any chance of victory, leaving Ben Stokes looking dejected on the balcony. Even the most ardent Aussie supporter would concede that they dodged a bullet. Australia, trailing by 61 runs with five wickets down in their second innings, were on the brink of defeat when the heavens opened. Marnus Labuschagne's century was a lone bright spot for the visitors.
The draw meant Australia retained the Ashes, sparking debates about reserve days and extended playing hours. However, England's dominance earlier in the match shouldn't be forgotten. Chris Woakes, named Man of the Series, continued his stellar form with a five-wicket haul, while Wood's express pace proved too hot to handle for Khawaja, Smith, and Head. Zak Crawley's blistering 189 and Bairstow's explosive 99* further highlighted England's batting prowess. It was a cruel twist of fate that robbed England of a likely victory and a chance to level the series.
Fifth Test, The Kia Oval - England won by 49 runs (series ends 2-2)
The final Test at The Oval belonged to one man: Stuart Broad. While Brook's 85 and Root's 91 were valuable contributions, Broad stole the show with a match-winning performance on his farewell appearance. Having announced his retirement, Broad received a guard of honor from the Australians and then smashed his last ball faced in cricket for six.
With Australia chasing 384 for victory, Smith's half-century had the visitors well-placed at 264-3 on the final afternoon. But this is where it gets controversial... Was Stokes' dropped catch off Smith at 39 a turning point? Woakes and Moeen Ali then triggered a collapse, taking four wickets in as many overs, before Broad fittingly took center stage. Ever the master of gamesmanship, Broad rearranged the bails before dismissing Todd Murphy, repeating a trick he'd used earlier in the series. He then removed Carey for his 604th Test wicket, securing a memorable 49-run win for England. What do you think about Broad's 'dark arts'? Was it clever gamesmanship, or unsportsmanlike behaviour? Broad led the team off in emotional scenes, bringing the curtain down on an incredible career and a thrilling Ashes series.
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
So, what are your predictions for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia? Will the Aussies dominate on their home turf, or can England pull off an upset? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!
