When does the first Ashes test between England and Australia start?

The first Ashes test began at 2:20 am GMT on November 21, 2025.

Who is captaining Australia in the first Ashes test?

Steve Smith is deputising as captain for Australia in the first Ashes test.

Is Mark Wood playing for England in the first Ashes test?

Yes, Mark Wood has overcome a hamstring worry and is in the England squad for the opening test.

Home / Sports / Ashes Kick Off: England Eyes Series Win in Perth

Ashes Kick Off: England Eyes Series Win in Perth

21 Nov

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Summary

The Ashes series begins with the first test in Perth, Australia.
Australia faces the match without their captain Pat Cummins.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood is fit to play in the opening test.

Ashes Kick Off: England Eyes Series Win in Perth

The highly anticipated 2025/26 Ashes series is underway, with the opening test match taking place at Perth's Optus Stadium. England, led by Ben Stokes, is determined to clinch their first series win in Australia since 2011. The match started at 2:20 am GMT, offering both teams an opportunity for a strong start.

Australia confronts this opening encounter with several key players sidelined, including their regular captain Pat Cummins. Steve Smith will deputize as captain, while pace bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott are also unavailable for the first test. This presents a significant challenge for the home side.

Conversely, England has been bolstered by the news that fast bowler Mark Wood has successfully overcome a hamstring issue and is included in the squad. Wood joins a formidable array of fast-bowling talent available to England, including Stokes himself, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, and Gus Atkinson, enhancing their prospects in the series.

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