Australia and England are gearing up to launch the thrilling 2025-26 Ashes series this Friday (November 21) in Perth. The Australian team faces significant challenges as they head into the first match, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood both sidelined, leaving the squad without two of their key fast bowlers. In the absence of Cummins, Steve Smith will take the helm as captain for the series.

On the other hand, England is poised to field Jofra Archer and Mark Wood together in a Test match for only the second time ever.

Despite these injury setbacks, Australia enters the contest as the favored team. Following the drawn 2023 Ashes, they have triumphed in 14 out of 18 Tests and have maintained an unbeaten streak across six consecutive home series.

Additionally, the Australians are set to i

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