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The Ashes

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Ben Stokes with Harry Brook.

Are England too nice? They think so – and this is how they’re changing it

England’s Harry Brook has disclosed the dressing room conversations that led the Ashes combatants to take up premeditated, tactical sledging against India, as Ben Stokes’ team gears up for the trip to Australia this summer.

  • Daniel Brettig

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England's Jofra Archer, right, celebrates the dismissal of India's Washington Sundar.

Have England turned nasty in pursuit of the Ashes?

From a battery of fast bowlers to premeditated sledging, Lord’s told us that England will do whatever it takes to win the urn.

  • Daniel Brettig
Australia's Sam Konstas walks off the field after his dismissal in Kingston, Jamaica.

Sam Konstas was a Boxing Day hero, today he can barely make a run. Where to now for cricket’s golden boy?

A poor tour of the West Indies has raised questions about the opener’s spot for the Ashes series, but he’s received support from three of Australia’s greats.

  • Tom Decent
Usman Khawaja struggled in the series.

Konstas in limbo as Australia set to stick with Khawaja for Ashes

The veteran appears set to retain his place at the top of the order for the Ashes opener but his younger partner has been told to prove himself again at domestic level.

  • Tom Decent
New Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg.

Top Cricket Australia execs out as Greenberg swings the axe to save cash

New Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has tightened the belt in his first few months in the job, cutting 15 staff members.

  • Daniel Brettig
Australia’s Josh Inglis, left and Cameron Green field against West Indies during day one of the first cricket Test match at Kensington Stadium in Bridgetown, Barbados, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

England providing the style and substance, Aussies the comedy capers

England are playing like they’re building up, Australia like they’re just hanging on as the Ashes approaches.

  • Malcolm Knox
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Australian star Cameron Green poses with English and Indian supporters during the 2025/26 Cricket Australia schedule announcement.

‘Biggest since Taylor Swift’: Ashes ticket rush on as cricket fans look to outnumber Barmy Army

From Perth to the SCG, fans are preparing to snap up Ashes tickets. Cricket Australia says it could be the biggest summer of red-ball cricket in decades.

  • Tom Decent
An Ashes bail has been reunited with the urn at Lord’s.

How an Australian made sure ‘the real Ashes trophy’ finally made it to Lord’s

Until now, efforts to consecrate the bail’s place in history have been stonewalled. Last week it was handed over to the Lord’s museum, where it’s displayed alongside the famous Ashes urn.

  • Greg Baum
Ben Stokes grabs for his hamstring in New Zealand in 2024.

Booze ban: Ben Stokes quits alcohol to be fit for Ashes

Ben Stokes has imposed a booze ban on himself ahead of the Ashes tour after deciding that his drinking may have contributed to a recurring hamstring injury.

  • Daniel Brettig
Mitch Marsh hooking Mark Wood for six.

He was dropped and stopped bowling, but selectors say Mitch Marsh’s Test career isn’t over

With England set to bring a battery of pacemen Down Under for next summer’s Ashes series, Marsh has been given another contract by the selectors, who value his aggression off the back foot.

  • Daniel Brettig

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/the-ashes