Roll up, roll up, it's time for the most breathlessly hyped Ashes since the last one. Australia will take on England over the course of five Tests, the first of which starts on Friday in Perth, with the hosts looking to retain the urn they have held since 2017-18. Here is our guide to everything you need to know about the series.

So this Ashes is a big deal, is it?

As the oldest rivalry in cricket (yes, we are deliberately overlooking USA vs Canada) the Ashes is always a big deal. But the 2025-26 series has been amped up to what feels like a new level - and this despite England's woeful record in Australia, which reads P15 W0 L13 over their last three tours of the country.

Why's everyone so excited then?

There are a number of factors at play. Foremost is the style of cricket Engl

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