2025/2026 Ashes Series

This is the place for all the latest news, stories and discussion points from the 25/26 Ashes series.

Can England regain The Urn?

The stories here are from the Super News Affiliate Network.

Ollie Pope expected to stay as England's number three

Marcus Trescothick believes Pope will be retained at three. England’s Lead Batting Coach has suggested that Ollie Pope will keep his place as number three for the Ashes, describing the tourists as “very consistent” in their selection.

SuperNewsAffiliate | Ashes News | Ollie Pope expected to stay as England number three supernewsaffiliate.blogspot.com/2025/11/cric...

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— Super News Affiliate (@sup3rnew5affiliate.bsky.social) 12 November 2025 at 10:25

Australia announce 15-member squad first Ashes Test

Australia have confirmed a 15-man squad for the opening Test against England in Perth, though the starting eleven remains undecided.

Steve Smith will captain the side in place of the injured Pat Cummins, with Travis Head named vice-captain.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey said the group offered “good balance”, adding that with most players set to feature in the upcoming Sheffield Shield round, selectors would “continue to gather information” before finalising the team.

Pat Cummins will miss first test of upcoming series

This is a significant setback for Australia. They have confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will miss the first Ashes Test, with Steve Smith set to take the reins in his absence.

Cummins, the side’s leading fast bowler, has been sidelined by a back injury and had earlier described himself as “less than likely” to play in the series opener in Perth on 21 November.

Although the 32-year-old will not be ready for the first Test, he has returned to bowling in the nets this week. Head coach Andrew McDonald expressed optimism that Cummins could be fit for the second Test in Brisbane, starting on 4 December.

Labuschagne boosts Ashes recall hopes with another century

Marnus Labuschagne’s case for a return to Australia’s Test squad for the Ashes received fresh momentum as he recorded his third century in four innings for Queensland.

Doubts over fitness on Pat Cummins?

Good news for England? #TheAshes

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— Super News Affiliate (@eurosuperfootball.bsky.social) 8 October 2025 at 19:12

Australia have not yet confirmed whether Pat Cummins will take part in the upcoming Ashes series, despite reports suggesting the captain might miss the entire contest. Local media claimed on Wednesday that the 32-year-old is set to miss the first Test in Perth on 21 November and could be unavailable for the rest of the series due to a persistent back stress injury.

The Australian camp, however, has emphasised that Cummins is still undergoing rehabilitation, and no official decision has been made regarding his availability for the opening Test. His participation remains uncertain as medical assessments continue.

England name their squad for the series

They have handed a surprise recall to Will Jacks as a back-up spinner for the series, while Harry Brook has been promoted to vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope.

The squad in full:

Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.