Ashes 2025/26 Predictions

Who Are the Favourites to Win the Ashes 2025/26?

Cricket’s most celebrated rivalry is set to ignite once again as Australia and England face off in the Ashes 2025/26. With home advantage and a formidable squad, the Australians enter as clear favourites — but England’s new fearless approach under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum promises fireworks.

Let’s break down the odds, team strengths, and key reasons why this series could finally see the urn return to English hands.

Australia: Still the Team to Beat

Despite several injury concerns, Australia remain the frontrunners heading into the 2025/26 Ashes with odds around 8/13. Their dominance on home soil has been unrelenting — England haven’t won a Test in Australia since the 2010/11 triumph under Andrew Strauss.

The Aussies’ fast and bouncy pitches continue to suit their world-class seamers and aggressive batters. Veterans like Steve Smith and Travis Head provide stability, while emerging talents like Cameron Green ensure balance across the lineup. However, Pat Cummins’s injury ahead of the first Test could force tactical adjustments, placing more pressure on Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to deliver long spells.

While the team’s age profile leans older, their experience remains unmatched. Australia’s biggest weapon is their familiarity with home conditions — something England have historically struggled to adapt to, losing recent series 5-0, 4-0, and 4-0.

England: Underdogs with Firepower

England enter the series as 23/10 underdogs — but they do so with a newfound identity. The “Bazball” revolution has redefined how they approach Test cricket. Under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England play with fearless aggression, quick scoring, and relentless positivity.

The drawn 2023 Ashes series served as a moral victory, proving England could stand toe-to-toe with Australia. Yet, questions remain about how this high-risk, high-reward approach will fare on fast, flat, and unforgiving Aussie decks.

England’s bowling attack must be at full strength. The return of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood could be pivotal — both capable of exceeding 90mph and exploiting bounce. Emerging pacer Gus Atkinson adds depth, while spin options may revolve around Jack Leach or Rehan Ahmed.

With the bat, Joe Root remains the linchpin, but the likes of Harry Brook and Ben Duckett must convert flair into consistency. If England’s top order can weather the early storm, the middle order’s attacking tempo could swing sessions decisively.

Could the Series End in a Draw?

The drawn series market currently sits around 9/1 — an appealing prospect after consecutive 2-2 results in 2019 and 2023. Weather interruptions, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney, could again influence results, handing Australia the urn by default.

While a draw would extend England’s drought, another close contest would underscore how far they’ve come under the Bazball regime.

Ashes 2025/26 Schedule & Venues

Why England Could Defy History

1. The Archer & Wood Factor

For the first time in years, England has the pace to challenge Australia on their own turf. A fit Jofra Archer and Mark Wood form a strike partnership capable of unsettling even the best batters. Their raw speed and aggression could mirror the kind of pressure Australia have inflicted on visiting teams for decades.

2. Australia’s Ageing Attack

While still potent, Australia’s pace trio are deep into their 30s. Long spells on hard surfaces take a physical toll — and against England’s hyper-aggressive batting, they could tire faster than expected. Extended time in the field will test the durability of Starc, Hazlewood, and Boland across five Tests.

3. The Middle-Order X-Factor

Harry Brook and Ben Stokes are England’s potential match-winners. Their counter-attacking style can turn games on their head in a session. If England’s openers — Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett — can establish early platforms, the middle order’s explosiveness could shift momentum dramatically.

Historic Context: England’s Long Wait

Since the Ashes rivalry began in 1882, Australia have edged the all-time record with 34 series wins to England’s 32, and seven draws. England last lifted the urn in 2015 and haven’t won a series in Australia since 2010/11.

Recent trips down under have been brutal — the last three tours ending in 5-0, 4-0, and 4-0 defeats. However, the landscape has changed: England’s fearless attitude and rejuvenated pace stocks give them their best shot in over a decade.