Introduction

The Ashes is cricket’s oldest and fiercest rivalry: England vs Australia in Test cricket. It’s a series imbued with history, pride, drama, and lucrative opportunities for punters via major bookmakers like bet365. Ahead of the 2025–26 Ashes series in Australia, now is the ideal time to understand the heritage, the head-to-head numbers, who might play, and how bet365 is shaping its Ashes markets.

In this article you'll find:

1. History & origin of The Ashes
2. Total Ashes series, wins and draws
3. The 2025–26 Ashes schedule and venues
4. Potential England & Australia squads and recent Test form (2024-2025)
5. bet365 markets & odds for the Ashes (outright, series draw, etc.)
6. Ashes FAQ for punters

Let’s dive in.

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1. The History of The Ashes

The origin — a satirical obituary

The name “The Ashes” originates from a mock obituary published in the Sporting Times in England in 1882, after Australia defeated England at The Oval (in the 1882 Test). The obituary stated that English cricket had died, and “the body will be cremated, and the ashes taken to Australia.”

In response, England’s Ivo Bligh vowed to “regain those ashes,” and the next tour to Australia in 1882–83 was billed as an attempt to reclaim them. Over time, the symbolic urn became the trophy associated with the series.

Early decades & evolution

• The first Test between England and Australia (not officially called “The Ashes”) was in March 1877 at the MCG.
• From 1882 onwards, the England–Australia series was christened “The Ashes,” and over the decades, it became a biennial (or near-biennial) contest, alternating hosts.
• The urn itself is a small terracotta urn, reputedly containing the ashes of a bail or a wooden stump, though it is symbolic and rarely travels.

Legends & turning points

Over the decades, many Ashes series have been the stuff of legend – from Don Bradman’s dominance in the 1930s to Bodyline in 1932–33, to close-fought modern battles under day/night conditions and changed strategies.

It has made legends of the likes of Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson and Brett Lee from Australia. For England, it helped nurture the careers and fame of Ian Botham, Freddie Flintoff, Graham Thorpe, Bob Willis and Allan LambThe Ashes has remained the flagship of Test cricket rivalries.

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2. Ashes Series Totals, Wins & Draws

To understand the scale of this rivalry, here are the key numbers (as of 2025):

• Total Ashes series played: 73 series to date.
• Australia have won 34 series outright.
• England have won 32 series.
• Drawn series: 7 series have ended in a draw, meaning the holder retains the urn.
• Retentions: Because a drawn series allows the incumbent holder to retain the Ashes, Australia have “retained” on drawn outcomes 6 times, while England have retained once.

So, in sum: 73 total series; Australia 34, England 32, Drawn 7 (with retentions).

In addition to series wins, on the Test match level, Australia hold a significant edge in head-to-head wins across all matches and in matches on home soil.

This balance of historical tension makes every new Ashes series a must-watch and a rich target for bettors.

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3. The 2025–26 Ashes Series in Australia: Dates & Venues

The next chapter of this storied rivalry unfolds in Australia in 2025–26. Below is the confirmed schedule and venue list.

Dates & venues

• First Test: Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium), Perth — 21 to 25 November 2025 – Australia won by 9 wickets.
• Second Test: The Gabba, Brisbane — 4 to 8 December 2025 (Day/Night Test) – Australia won by 8 wickets.
• Third Test: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide — 17 to 21 December 2025
• Fourth Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne — 26 to 30 December 2025 (Boxing Day Test)
• Fifth Test: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney — 4 to 8 January 2026

Australia lead the series 2-0 after two test matches.

So the Ashes will run from 21 November 2025 through 8 January 2026 across five iconic Australian venues.

Notably, Perth Stadium will host an Ashes Test for the first time. Also, the Gabba Test will be the first day/night Ashes in Brisbane.

The schedule maintains tradition with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year’s Test in Sydney.

From a betting/affiliate perspective, having the full schedule and venues in place means bet365 and other bookmakers can already begin building markets and promotions around each Test and the overall series.

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4. Potential England & Australia Squads & Recent Test Form (2024–2025)

Australia – Likely selections & recent form

Australia remain the holders of the Ashes (having won in 2021–22 and then drawn in 2023), and their home advantage is real.

Key names in contention & form notes

• Usman Khawaja — A consistent top-order batter; scored heavily in 2025 Tests.
  — In 2025, Khawaja was among the top run-scorers in Tests globally.
• Steven Smith — Always a danger in Ashes contexts, he remains a pivotal middle-order presence.
  — In 2025 Tests, he has posted strong averages and contributions.
• Marnus Labuschagne — After patchy form and even being dropped, a resurgence has been discussed.
• Pat Cummins (Captain / Lead Fast Bowler) — His fitness is a major talking point going into the Ashes.
• Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland — Key pace options likely to feature heavily, especially in home conditions.
• Spin and all-rounders — Nathan Lyon remains a fixture; the balance of the side might allow for an extra batting option or a fifth seamer depending on conditions.

Australia’s 2024–2025 Test form has included strong home performances, though their consistency in overseas tours is a challenge. (Exact match-by-match stats are less widely publicised, but their top batters and bowlers remain in form.)

England – Likely picks & recent form

England enter this Ashes tour with plenty of intrigue: they’ve played some promising cricket in recent years, especially under the “Bazball” philosophy, and the selectors have hinted at a fast-heavy attack.

Probable players & form highlights (2024–2025)

From bet365’s preview of England’s Ashes squad:

• Ben Stokes – All rounder who remains an inspiration – when fit.
• Joe Root — Still one of their most reliable batters. He’s up the all-time Test run charts and scored a century for the first time in Australia in the second test.
• Harry Brook — A dynamic batter, capable of shifting momentum.
• Ollie Pope — Likely to retain his spot in the middle order, though his form has had ups and downs.
• Brydon Carse — A breakthrough seamer, he took attention in recent matches.
• Gus Atkinson — Has posted excellent wicket-taking returns in his early Test matches.
• Mark Wood — If fit, a genuine pace threat.
• Shoaib Bashir — England’s likely lead spinner.
• Jacob Bethell — An emerging all-round option.
• Josh Tongue — Returning from injury, may feature if fully fit.

As for recent Test form, England’s performances in 2024–2025 have been inconsistent, but there are bright patches—particularly in home Tests and in some strong bowling showings abroad.

One useful note: England’s series vs India in 2025 (the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy) ended in a 2–2 draw, showing their ability to compete.

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5. bet365 Markets, Promotions & Odds on The Ashes

The Ashes 2025
England come into the third test badly needing a win to keep this Ashes series alive. A draw for Australia would confirm they retain the Ashes, while a third win would confirm that they would win the series and open the door to another 5-0 whitewash for England.

After poor displays with the bat in the first test, England's bowlers and fielders were poor in the second and paid the penalty with Australia taking full advantage with the bat and ball to take full control of the series.

Now the third test switches to Adelaide Oval and with a weeks rest, can England make a fight of this series, or will Australia stroll to another comfortable win on home soil?

Trading Insight

Ashes Outright – Singles only.

• Australia – 69% – 1/2
• England – 21% – 9/4
• Draw – 10% – 11/1

Ashes Correct Score

• Australia to win 3-1 – 20%
• Australia to win 4-0 – 11%
• Australia to win 5-0 – 16%
• England to win 3-2 – 10%

Ashes 3^rd Test Winner

• England – 21%
• Australia – 69%
• Draw – 10%

Additional markets include, but are not limited to:

• Top Batter
• Top Bowler
• Player of the Series
• Ashes Special – When will Australia Retain Ashes?
• Player to Score a Century?
• Player to Score a Fifty?
• And More…

See Here for The Ashes latest News and Odds for the 2025

From a promotional perspective, this is exactly the kind of marquee event where bet365 shines — linking punters to Ashes markets, Live In-Play betting, highlighting boosted odds, and pushing Bet Boost or Best-Odds-Guaranteed offers.

Bet365 Ashes 2025/26 Live Streaming Service

Thanks to bet365, UK customers can watch all of the unmissable action as it happens thanks to the
Live Streaming offering (excludes Australia. Geo-location and Live Streaming rules apply):
How to watch:

1. Log in to your account and navigate to the In-Play link at the top of the homepage.
2. Any event with a play icon beside it will be available to watch via Live Streaming.
3. To watch, all you need is a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours.
   New Live Streaming Features:
   – Bet In-Stream – By combining full screen Live Streaming and bet slip functionality, Bet In-
   Stream allows you to bet on & watch like never before. – By combining full screen Live
   Streaming and bet slip functionality, Bet In-Stream allows you to bet on & watch like never
   before.
   – Video Wall – Watch multiple live sporting events in glorious multi-screen without missing a
   moment of the action.
   For all of the latest Boosts, Markets, and further Live Streaming information, check out the bet365
   Hub Page across the series between Australia and England in one of cricket’s most famous rivalries.

Registration Required. Geo Location and Live Streaming Rules Apply, 18+. gambleaware.org

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6. Ashes FAQ (for bettors & fans)

Q1: When does the 2025–26 Ashes start and end?
It begins on 21 November 2025 (Perth) and concludes on 8 January 2026 (Sydney).

Q2: Where will the Tests be held?
The five venues are:

• Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium)
• The Gabba, Brisbane
• Adelaide Oval
• Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
• Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

Q3: How many Ashes series have been played, and who leads the count?
There have been 73 Ashes series. Australia have won 34, England 32, and 7 have been drawn (with the incumbent holder retaining).

Q4: Who holds The Ashes currently?
Australia currently hold The Ashes, having won in 2021–22 and drawn in 2023.

Q5: What are the early odds for this Ashes on bet365?

• Australia: ~1.61 (short odds)
• England: ~3.00
• Drawn series: ~10.00

Q6: What are some of the main betting markets available?
Besides outright winner, expect: correct series score, top run-scorer, top wicket-taker, individual Test winners, session markets, in-play/live markets, and player specials.

Q7: Who are some players to watch?
From Australia: Khawaja, Smith, Cummins (if fit), Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon, and possible Labuschagne comeback.
From England: Root, Brook, Pope, Carse, Atkinson, Wood, Bashir, Bethell, Tongue.

Q8: Will bet365 offer special promotions?
Yes — as with other marquee events, bet365 is likely to run enhanced odds, Bet Boosts, side-bets and specials, and possibly “player of series” markets to capture punter interest.