England v Australia cricket is the oldest and most intense rivalry in international sports, primarily centered around the biennial Ashes Test series which Australia currently holds following their 4-1 victory in the 2025-26 series. This historic contest, which began in 1877, evolved into “The Ashes” in 1882 after a satirical obituary in The Sporting Times lamented the death of English cricket. In 2026, the rivalry remains the pinnacle of the sport, characterized by the contrast between England’s aggressive “Bazball” tactical approach and Australia’s disciplined, high-pace bowling attack. Looking ahead to late 2026 and early 2027, the two nations are scheduled to compete in a high-profile white-ball tour followed by a historic 150th Anniversary Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
2025-26 Ashes Series Results
The most recent Test encounter between these two giants took place in Australia from November 2021 to January 2026, resulting in a dominant 4-1 victory for Australia. Despite England’s strategic overhaul, the Australian bowling unit, led by Mitchell Starc, proved insurmountable on home soil.
1st Test (Perth): Australia won by 8 wickets.
2nd Test (Brisbane – D/N): Australia won by 8 wickets.
3rd Test (Adelaide): Australia won by 82 runs (Retaining the Ashes).
4th Test (Melbourne): England won by 4 wickets (First win in Australia in 15 years).
5th Test (Sydney): Australia won by 5 wickets.
The series was defined by Travis Head’s extraordinary 629 runs and Mitchell Starc’s 31 wickets, the latter earning the Compton-Miller Medal. England’s solitary victory at the MCG provided a glimmer of hope, breaking a 14-year drought of Test wins on Australian turf.
Upcoming 2026-27 Fixtures
As we move into the latter half of 2026, the rivalry shifts toward limited-overs formats before returning to the iconic red-ball format for a special celebration.
In November 2026, England is scheduled to tour Australia for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series and a five-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series. These matches serve as critical preparation for the 2027 World Cup cycle. Following these white-ball contests, the tour concludes with a one-off 150th Anniversary Test Match in March 2027, which will be a day-night fixture held at the MCG to commemorate the first-ever Test match played between the sides in 1877.
Historical Records and Head-to-Head
The sheer volume of matches played between England and Australia provides a deep well of statistical data that outlines Australia’s historical edge in the longest format of the game.
Test Match Superiority
Since the inaugural Test in 1877, Australia has maintained a lead in total victories. Out of approximately 360 Test matches, Australia has secured over 150 wins, compared to England’s 111, with the remainder ending in draws. Australia also leads in total Ashes series wins, having won 35 compared to England’s 32.
Batting and Bowling Milestones
In 2026, Steve Smith surpassed Allan Border to become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, trailing only the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. On the bowling front, Mitchell Starc reached a historic milestone during the 2025-26 series, surpassing Wasim Akram to become the highest wicket-taking left-arm fast bowler in Test history.
Evolution of Tactics: Bazball vs. The Wall
The modern era of England v Australia cricket is defined by a clash of philosophies. England’s “Bazball” era, spearheaded by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, emphasizes extreme aggression and scoring rates.
The Impact of High-Tempo Cricket
During the 2025-26 series, England’s Harry Brook became the fastest player in history to reach 3,000 Test runs in terms of balls faced. However, the Australian strategy focused on “disciplined attrition,” using high-velocity pace and the persistent accuracy of Nathan Lyon to exploit the risks taken by English batters. This tactical tension makes every session of play unpredictable, as England often attempts to score at over five runs per over, even against the world’s best bowlers.
Ticket Prices and Booking
Tickets for International matches in Australia typically go on sale via Cricket Australia’s official website and authorized partners like Ticketek.
T20I/ODI Tickets: Generally range from $30 to $150 AUD depending on seating tier.
Anniversary Test: Premium hospitality packages for the March 2027 match are already seeing high interest, with prices expected to exceed $250 AUD for prime seating.
Travel Advice: UK-based fans are advised to book through “Official Ashes Travel” operators to guarantee tickets, as public ballots for the MCG can be oversubscribed by 400%.
Seasonal Context: 2026 Women’s Rivalry
While the men’s teams dominate the headlines in late 2026, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is the primary focus of the English summer.
England and Wales will host the tournament from June 12 to July 5, 2026. Australia Women, the perennial favorites and defending champions, will face England in what many expect to be the tournament’s deciding rivalry. Matches are scheduled for iconic venues including Lord’s, Edgbaston, and Old Trafford, with ticket prices for the final at Lord’s starting at approximately £30.
FAQs
Who won the 2025-26 Ashes series?
Australia won the series 4-1, retaining the urn and strengthening their lead in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
When is the next Ashes series in England?
The next Ashes series on English soil is scheduled for the summer of 2027, following the one-off Anniversary Test in Australia.
Who has the most runs in England v Australia history?
Sir Donald Bradman remains the all-time leader with 5,028 runs, followed by Steve Smith and Sir Jack Hobbs.
How can I buy tickets for the 150th Anniversary Test?
Tickets will be available via the Cricket Australia ballot and general sale in mid-2026; fans are encouraged to join the Australian Cricket Family (ACF) for priority access.
What is “Bazball”?
It is a term for the ultra-aggressive style of play adopted by the England Men’s Test team, focusing on high scoring rates and a fearless approach to run-chasing.
Why is it called “The Ashes”?
The term originated from a 1882 satirical obituary stating that English cricket had died and the “ashes” would be taken to Australia.
What is the Compton-Miller Medal?
It is the award given to the Player of the Series in the Ashes, named after England’s Denis Compton and Australia’s Keith Miller.
Is the 150th Anniversary Test a day-night match?
Yes, the match at the MCG in March 2027 is confirmed as a pink-ball day-night Test, the first of its kind for an anniversary celebration.
Who is the current captain of England?
Ben Stokes is the current Test captain, while Jos Buttler leads the white-ball (ODI and T20I) squads as of early 2026.
Where is the 1882 Ashes urn kept?
The original tiny terracotta urn is permanently housed in the MCC Museum at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London; the teams play for a larger glass trophy.
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