For the first time in over 40 years, the Ashes series opener will not be held at the Gabba, marking a significant shift in tradition. Cricket Australia has announced that Perth’s Optus Stadium will host the opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes, starting on November 21. This will be the first Ashes series since 1982 to kick off away from Brisbane, as Australia shakes up its schedule for the iconic contest against England.
The Gabba, which has long been a fortress for Australia, has seen plenty of success in Ashes encounters. Despite a historic loss to England in 1986 under Mike Gatting, Australia has since dominated at the venue. However, the shift to Perth comes as Cricket Australia aims to freshen up the series and appeal to a wider audience.
Following the Perth opener, a day-night Test will be held in Brisbane from December 4. Adelaide Oval will host the traditional pre-Christmas Test starting December 17, with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and New Year’s Test in Sydney rounding off the series in their iconic slots.
Cricket Australia’s executive general manager, Joel Morrison, expressed excitement ahead of the series, stating that the early release of dates will allow fans to lock in their travel plans well in advance. The anticipation is high, especially after Australia’s 4-0 home series win in 2021-22 and their retention of the Ashes with a 2-2 draw in England last year.
As the Ashes rivalry heats up once again, fans can look forward to a thrilling series across some of Australia’s most renowned cricketing venues, with Perth now joining the fray as the newest host of the opening Test.
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