Cricket Australia announce Ashes 2025-26 dates, Gabba to host Day-Night Test

The dates for the 2025-26 Ashes has been revealed with Gabba set to host a day-night Test in the series. The series has made a deviation from the traditional Ashes schedule for 2025-26.

In Short

• Perth will host the series opener from November 21, 2025
• Adelaide will host a day game during Ashes 2025-26
• The Gabba has hosted three day-night Tests previously

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the dates for the 2025-26 Ashes series, revealing some significant changes to the traditional schedule. The series will begin with the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium from November 21-25, followed by a day-night Test at Brisbane’s Gabba from December 4-8, marking the second Test of the series.

Adelaide will host the third Test from December 17-21, but unlike previous years, this will be a day game instead of the usual day-night format. The Boxing Day Test will take place at the MCG from December 26-30, while the fifth and final Test will be held at the SCG from January 4-8.

One of the key changes to the Ashes schedule is the shift in the traditional venues. Brisbane, which has been the host of the Ashes opener since 1982-83, will instead host the second Test under lights. This will mark the first time in over four decades that Brisbane does not open the Ashes series.

Adelaide, which has been home to the day-night Ashes Test in previous series, will now hold the pre-Christmas Test as a day game under a new agreement between CA and the South Australian government, positioning the Test as a marquee holiday event due to its strong tourism appeal.

Upcoming Test to be last at Gabba?

The future of the Gabba is under some uncertainty, with redevelopment plans in place for the stadium ahead of the 2032 Olympics. The upcoming Ashes Test could potentially be the last at the iconic venue, as no Test match is scheduled there for the 2026-27 season or beyond, with the stadium expected to be unavailable by 2030. The Gabba has hosted three day-night Tests previously, including the West Indies' memorable victory in January 2024, but concerns remain about the suitability of the pink ball at the Gabba, as bowlers have noted issues with the ball becoming soft during matches, slowing the pace of play.

Ashes 2025-26 schedule

• Perth Test (West Test): Perth Stadium | Nov 21-25
• Brisbane Test (Day/Night Test): Gabba | Dec 4-8
• Adelaide Test (Christmas Test): Adelaide Oval | Dec 17-21
• Melbourne Test (Boxing Day Test): MCG | Dec 26-30
• Sydney Test (New Year’s Test): SCG | Jan 4-8