Ashes FAQ: Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About The Ashes Cricket Series
Find answers about Ashes schedule, tickets, viewing options, records, and more
Find comprehensive answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Ashes cricket series between England and Australia. From Ashes history and schedule to tickets and viewing options, our Ashes FAQ covers everything you need to know about this prestigious Test cricket rivalry.
General
The Ashes is a prestigious Test cricket series played between England and Australia, dating back to 1882. The Ashes is considered one of the oldest and most celebrated rivalries in international cricket. The series consists of five Test matches, with the winner awarded the iconic Ashes urn. The Ashes alternates between England and Australia, typically held every two years. When England and Australia compete for the Ashes, cricket fans worldwide witness some of the highest-quality Test cricket matches.
The Ashes is typically played every two years, alternating between England and Australia. Each Ashes series consists of five Test matches held over approximately six to eight weeks. The Ashes format has remained largely consistent since the 1880s, making it one of cricket's most enduring traditions. When the Ashes is hosted by England, matches occur at Lord's, Edgbaston, Headingley, Old Trafford, and The Oval. Australia hosts the Ashes at the Gabba, Adelaide Oval, MCG, SCG, and Perth.
The Ashes is special due to its rich history dating back to 1882, intense England vs Australia rivalry, and the iconic Ashes urn trophy. The Ashes produces legendary moments that become part of cricketing folklore. The prestige of winning the Ashes, combined with the high quality of cricket played by England and Australia, makes every Ashes series significant. The Ashes tradition, the passionate crowds at venues like Lord's, MCG, and SCG, and the global following of England vs Australia matches all contribute to making the Ashes cricket's most celebrated Test series.
Schedule
The Ashes 2025-2026 schedule runs from November 2025 to January 2026, with Australia hosting the series. The Ashes matches will be played at iconic venues including The Gabba (Brisbane), Adelaide Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the Boxing Day Test, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the New Year Test, and Optus Stadium in Perth. Each Ashes Test match spans five days, with rest days between matches. The complete Ashes 2025-2026 schedule is available on our Ashes schedule page.
Ashes Test matches are held at iconic cricket venues in England and Australia. When England hosts the Ashes, matches occur at Lord's (London), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Headingley (Leeds), Old Trafford (Manchester), and The Oval (London). When Australia hosts the Ashes, venues include The Gabba (Brisbane), Adelaide Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), and Optus Stadium (Perth). Each Ashes venue offers unique pitch conditions and atmosphere for England vs Australia encounters.
Each Ashes venue offers unique characteristics. Lord's (England) is known as the "home of cricket" with its slope and traditional atmosphere. The Oval (England) typically produces sporting wickets favoring batsmen. The MCG (Australia) hosts the iconic Boxing Day Ashes Test with huge crowds. The SCG (Australia) is famous for its spin-friendly pitch for the New Year Ashes Test. The Gabba (Australia) is known as a fortress where Australia rarely loses Ashes matches. Our Ashes schedule page includes detailed venue guides for all England vs Australia matches.
Viewing
You can watch Ashes live score updates right here on Ashes Hub 2026. We provide real-time Ashes live scores with ball-by-ball commentary for every England vs Australia match. Additionally, Ashes matches are broadcast on Sky Sports (UK), Fox Cricket and Channel 7 (Australia), and various international sports networks. For Ashes live scores on mobile, our website offers optimized real-time updates. The Ashes live score feature includes detailed statistics, partnerships, and match-changing moments.
Ashes highlights are available on our dedicated Ashes highlights page, featuring video replays of key moments from every England vs Australia match. You can also find Ashes highlights on official cricket board channels (England and Wales Cricket Board, Cricket Australia), and sports broadcasters. Our Ashes highlights section includes the best wickets, catches, centuries, and dramatic moments from Ashes Test matches. Each Ashes series produces memorable highlights that cricket fans revisit for years.
History
Australia has won the most Ashes series in history, with approximately 140 victories compared to England's around 110 wins, with over 90 series drawn. However, the Ashes remains fiercely competitive, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance. Recent Ashes series have been incredibly close, reflecting the high quality of England vs Australia cricket. The Ashes history shows that either team can win on their day, making the Ashes one of sport's great rivalries.
The Ashes records include legendary performances like Sir Don Bradman's batting average of 99.94 in Ashes Tests, Shane Warne's 195 Ashes wickets, and Sir Ian Botham's 1981 Ashes heroics. The Ashes also features the highest individual Test score (Sir Len Hutton's 364) and most wickets in a series (Jim Laker's 46 in 1956). Our Ashes player stats page contains comprehensive records for both England and Australia players. These Ashes records demonstrate the incredible talent displayed in England vs Australia matches.
The Ashes urn originated after Australia's first Test victory on English soil at The Oval in 1882. A mock obituary in the Sporting Times declared English cricket had died and "the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia." During the subsequent England tour to Australia, captain Ivo Bligh was presented with a small terracotta urn said to contain the burnt remains of a cricket bail. The Ashes urn became the symbolic trophy of the England vs Australia rivalry and is now displayed at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.
Betting
Ashes betting odds for 2025-2026 vary depending on the bookmaker and team form. Generally, the home team in the Ashes (Australia in 2025-2026) starts as favorite, but England vs Australia Ashes matches are always closely contested. Our Ashes betting odds page provides up-to-date odds from reputable bookmakers along with responsible gambling information. Remember that Ashes betting should be done responsibly, and odds change based on team announcements, pitch conditions, and player form.
Tickets
Ashes 2025 tickets can be purchased through official cricket board websites (England and Wales Cricket Board or Cricket Australia), member associations, and authorized ticket agents. Ashes tickets are highly sought after, especially for matches at the MCG (Boxing Day Test) and SCG (New Year Test). Our Ashes schedule page provides links to official ticket sources. Ashes tickets typically go on sale months in advance, and England vs Australia matches often sell out quickly due to high demand.
Players
Key players for Ashes 2025-2026 include England's Ben Stokes (captain/all-rounder), Joe Root (batsman), and Stuart Broad (bowler), alongside Australia's Pat Cummins (captain/bowler), Steve Smith (batsman), and Nathan Lyon (spinner). The Ashes always features the best cricketers from England and Australia. Rising stars to watch in Ashes 2025-2026 include Harry Brook (England) and Cameron Green (Australia). Our Ashes predictions page offers detailed analysis of key players for the England vs Australia series.
Predictions
Ashes predictions are based on comprehensive analysis including team form, player statistics, pitch conditions, weather forecasts, and historical performance at each venue. Our Ashes predictions consider factors like England vs Australia head-to-head records, recent Test match form, injuries, and team selections. Expert Ashes predictions also account for the unique pressure of the Ashes rivalry, which often produces unexpected results. While Ashes predictions provide guidance, the unpredictable nature of Test cricket means any England vs Australia match can produce surprises.
Still Have Questions About Ashes?
Can't find the answer you're looking for about the Ashes cricket series? Feel free to reach out to us through our contact page, and we'll do our best to help with any questions about England vs Australia Ashes matches.
Popular Ashes FAQ Topics
Ashes Format & Rules
Learn about the Ashes Test cricket format, how the Ashes series winner is determined, and the unique rules that make Ashes cricket special.
Ashes Schedule & Venues
Discover when Ashes matches are played, where they're held, and how the Ashes alternates between England and Australia.
Ashes History & Records
Explore the rich Ashes history since 1882, legendary performances, and records that define England vs Australia cricket.
Ashes Tickets & Viewing
Find out how to buy Ashes tickets, where to watch Ashes live scores, and broadcasting information for England vs Australia matches.