2025-26 Ashes will begin at a venue other than the Gabba for first time since 1982-83

For the first time in more than four decades, an Ashes series in Australia won’t start at the Gabba.

The Gabba has been locked in to host a day-night Ashes Test in December 2025 as part of a rapid-five five match series against England that will be completed in just more than six blockbuster weeks.

For the first time in 43 years Perth will host the opening match from November 21, with Australia looking to maintain a stranglehold on the urn, which Pat Cummins’ team retained in England in a controversy-filled series in 2023.

Starting in Perth marks the first time in more than four decades that the Ashes battle will begin at a ground other than the Gabba. The last time that happened, in 1982-83, Australia and England drew at the WACA in Perth, a match marred by a shoulder injury to fast bowler Terry Alderman after he tackled a spectator.

The opening Test of next summer’s showdown will, however, be England’s first Test at the new Perth Stadium, also the venue for this summer’s opening match of the Border-Gavaskar series between Australia and India.

Back-to-back Ashes summers 🤩

The dates for the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance Ashes have been locked in, with the West Test to start things off on November 21st, 2025.

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— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) October 16, 2024

The full schedule was locked in on Wednesday and includes the first day-night Ashes fixture to be staged at the Gabba as the second Test, followed by the trifecta of the pre-Christmas Test at the Adelaide Oval, the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, and the New Year’s Test at the SCG.

Despite Australia having only lost 10 of 62 Tests played at the Gabba, the traditional launching pad for home series since 1931, the decision was made to instead play the pink-ball match there.

It means the Adelaide Oval will host a daytime Test for the first time since 2013.

2025/2026 Ashes series schedule:

West Test | Perth Stadium | November 21-25

Day-Night Brisbane Test | The Gabba | December 4-8

Christmas Test | Adelaide Oval | December 17-21

Boxing Day Test | MCG | December 26-30

New Year’s Test | SCG | January 4-8