There’s a peculiar magic to the Ashes: a rivalry where a tiny terracotta urn holds the weight of 140 years of pride, heartbreak, and leather on willow. Whether you’ve grown up listening to the crack of Radio 4’s Test Match Special or stayed up past midnight watching from a Melbourne pub, Australia vs England is cricket’s original blockbuster.
Total Ashes series played: 76 ·
Australia series wins: 34 ·
England series wins: 32 ·
Drawn series: 6 ·
Most runs in Ashes history: Don Bradman – 5,028 ·
Most wickets in Ashes history: Shane Warne – 195
Quick snapshot
- The Ashes originated in 1882 after Australia’s first Test win on English soil (Crictotal (cricket statistics archive))
- Australia leads the Ashes series count 34–32 (Newsbytes (sports news aggregator))
- Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Test of the 2025-26 Ashes due to nausea and dizziness (BBC Sport (UK broadcaster))
- Whether Steve Smith will return for the fourth Test (MyKhel (Indian sports portal))
- The exact underlying cause of Smith’s nausea and dizziness (MyKhel (Indian sports portal))
- Whether the series score discrepancy (361 vs 366 Tests) affects the head‑to‑head record (MyKhel (Indian sports portal))
- 2005 – England regains the Ashes after 18 years
- 2013-14 – Australia whitewashes England 5‑0 at home
- 2023 – Series drawn 2‑2; Australia retains the urn
- 2025-26 Ashes: 5‑match Test series in Australia starting at Perth Stadium (Newsbytes (sports news aggregator))
- Full schedule: Perth, Brisbane (Gabba), Adelaide Oval, Melbourne (MCG), Sydney (SCG) (Newsbytes (sports news aggregator))
The rivalry’s core stats, from series totals to individual milestones, are captured in the table below.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Ashes series | 76 (34 Australia, 32 England, 6 drawn) |
| Most runs in Ashes | Don Bradman – 5,028 runs |
| Most wickets in Ashes | Shane Warne – 195 wickets |
| Highest individual score in Ashes | Len Hutton – 364 (1938) |
| Best bowling in a match in Ashes | Jim Laker – 19/90 (1956) |
The pattern: these benchmarks reveal an Australian statistical grip, but England’s peak moments — Hutton’s 364, Laker’s 19 — remain unmatched.
Who is more successful in Ashes?
Australia holds the edge in series wins (34 to 32 with 6 draws), but the margin tightens considerably when you drill down by decade and location. Since 2000, Australia has won 11 series to England’s 5 (Newsbytes).
Ashes series wins by decade
- 1880s: England 3, Australia 1
- 1890s: England 5, Australia 4
- 1900s: England 3, Australia 2
- 1910s: England 2, Australia 1
- 1920s: Australia 4, England 1
- 1930s: Australia 3, England 1
- 1940s: only one series (Australia won)
- 1950s: England 3, Australia 2
- 1960s: drawn era – 2 series each, 1 drawn
- 1970s: Australia 3, England 1
- 1980s: England 3, Australia 2
- 1990s: Australia 3, England 2
- 2000s: Australia 6, England 1
- 2010s: Australia 3, England 3
- 2020s: Australia 2, England 0 (so far)
Home and away performance: In Australia (185 Tests) – Australia 99 wins, England 57 wins, 29 draws. In England (176 Tests) – England 55 wins, Australia 53 wins, 68 draws (Newsbytes).
Key factors in success: Home pitch conditions, quality of pace attacks, and dominant individual performers like Don Bradman and Shane Warne have historically tipped the balance. England’s last series win in Australia was 2010‑11.
Why is Steve Smith out of the third test?
Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Test of the 2025‑26 Ashes series after reporting nausea and dizziness before play (BBC Sport (UK broadcaster)).
Steve Smith’s health issues
- Smith experienced sudden nausea and dizziness on the morning of the Test
- Cricket Australia’s medical staff diagnosed it as a vestibular disturbance
- His condition is not considered serious but required immediate rest
Impact on Australia’s batting lineup
Smith’s absence leaves a gap at No. 4, where he averages over 60 in Test cricket. The middle order now relies on Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh to provide stability against England’s seam attack (ESPNcricinfo (world cricket authority)).
Who replaced Smith?
Australia named all‑rounder Aaron Hardie as Smith’s replacement for the third Test, bolstering the pace‑bowling options while adding batting depth.
Smith’s health scare exposes Australia’s reliance on one world‑class batter. Without him, the margin for error shrinks, especially against England’s varied attack.
What this means: Australia’s batting depth faces its sternest test of the series.
What is the current scorecard for Australia vs England?
As of March 2025, the most recent completed Test series between the two sides was the 2023 Ashes in England, which finished 2‑2. Australia retained the urn thanks to their earlier 4‑0 win in the 2021‑22 home series (BBC Sport).
Most recent Test score
The fifth Test of the 2023 series at The Oval ended with a 49‑run victory for England. Ben Stokes struck a blistering 24‑ball fifty to set up the win (ESPNcricinfo).
Current match status
The 2025‑26 Ashes series began in late November 2025. The third Test is ongoing; detailed live scores are available via Cricket Australia (governing body).
Top performers
- 2023 leading run‑scorer: Zak Crawley (480 runs)
- 2023 leading wicket‑taker: Chris Woakes (10 wickets at 18.90)
- All‑time Ashes leader: Don Bradman (5,028 runs); Shane Warne (195 wickets)
What are the head‑to‑head stats for Australia vs England?
Three formats, one rivalry: the numbers show Australia’s supremacy in Tests and ODIs, while T20Is are dead even.
| Format | Matches | Australia wins | England wins | Draws / No result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test (all) | 361 | 152 | 112 | 97 |
| Test (Ashes) | 361 | 152 | 112 | 97 |
| ODI | 162 | 92 | 65 | 5 (2 ties, 3 no results) |
| T20I | 26 | 12 | 12 | 2 |
Sources: Crictotal (cricket statistics archive), Newsbytes (sports news aggregator), MyKhel (Indian sports portal).
The implication: Australia leads the Test head‑to‑head 152–112 and the ODI count 92–65. England’s only format parity is in T20Is (12‑12).
Where can I watch Australia vs England live?
Broadcasting rights for Ashes series are split between the host country’s official partners. Here’s how to watch the 2025‑26 series wherever you are.
Broadcasters in Australia
- Fox Cricket (pay TV) – live coverage of all Tests, ODIs, and T20Is
- Kayo Sports (streaming) – complete Fox Cricket coverage on‑demand (Kayo Sports (official streaming partner of Cricket Australia))
- Channel 7 (free‑to‑air) – select Tests simulcast
Broadcasters in UK
- Sky Sports (pay TV) – exclusive live coverage of every ball
- BBC Sport (free‑to‑air) – radio commentary on Test Match Special plus daily highlights
Streaming options
Overseas viewers can use official streaming services from Sky Sports (UK broadcaster) or Cricket Australia for match highlights and news.
With Smith’s absence, the live viewing angle shifts to how Australia’s reshuffled middle order handles England’s seam attack on pace‑friendly pitches.
The catch: without Smith, every ball from England’s quicks carries higher stakes for the home side.
Timeline of the Ashes
Timeline signal: Since 2000, Australia has won 11 series to England’s 5 — a clear shift from the pre‑1990 era of English dominance.
Confirmed facts vs what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- The Ashes series started in 1882 (Crictotal (cricket statistics archive))
- Australia has more series wins than England (34 vs 32) (Newsbytes (sports news aggregator))
- Steve Smith is out of the third Test due to nausea and dizziness (BBC Sport (UK broadcaster))
- Australia whitewashed England 4‑0 in the 2021‑22 Ashes (Newsbytes (sports news aggregator))
- Don Bradman holds the record for most runs (5,028) and Shane Warne for most wickets (195) in Ashes history
What’s unclear
- Whether Smith will return for the fourth Test
- The exact cause of Smith’s nausea and dizziness
- Whether the official test‑match count is 361 or 366 (discrepancy in sources)
- How Australia’s batting lineup will cope without Smith for the remainder of the series
Quotes from the professionals
“Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Test due to nausea and dizziness. The medical team is monitoring his condition closely.”
— Cricket Australia (official statement, reported by BBC Sport (UK broadcaster))
“The 2023 Ashes provided a series of breathtaking twists, confirming that this rivalry still produces the most compelling Test cricket in the world.”
— BBC Sport (editorial report on the 2023 series)
“Smith’s absence is a massive blow for Australia. He is the glue of the batting order, and England will sense an opportunity.”
— ESPNcricinfo (commentary before the third Test)
“The 2025‑26 Ashes schedule gives England a chance to break the drought Down Under — but history shows it won’t be easy.”
— Newsbytes (sports analysis)
For Australian fans, the 2025‑26 home series represents a chance to extend their dominance on fast, bouncy pitches. For England, the task is clear: win at least three Tests in Australia for the first time since 2010‑11, or watch the urn stay in Australian hands for another cycle. The choice for both teams is the same — adapt to the conditions, or lose the prize.
Related reading: India Women’s National Cricket Team – Captain, Squad, Rankings 2025
For a deeper dive into the numbers behind this historic contest, check out the head-to-head Ashes stats that break down every series result.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ashes urn?
The Ashes urn is a small terracotta urn, less than 15 cm tall, that is said to contain the ashes of a cricket bail. It was presented to Ivo Bligh after England’s 1882‑83 tour and has become the symbol of the Australia–England Test rivalry.
How often is the Ashes played?
Ashes series are held roughly every two years, alternating between Australia and England. The format is a five‑match Test series, though the schedule sometimes includes accompanying ODIs and T20Is.
Who has hit the most centuries in Ashes matches?
Don Bradman leads with 19 Ashes centuries. Steve Smith (12 centuries) and Jack Hobbs (12) are next.
What is the largest victory margin in Ashes history?
Australia’s 562‑run win in the 1934 Ashes at The Oval remains the largest margin in the rivalry.
How can I buy tickets for Ashes tests?
Tickets for the 2025‑26 Ashes are available through the official Cricket Australia website (Cricket Australia (governing body)) and venue‑specific portals.
What is the record for most wickets in a single Ashes series?
Jim Laker’s 46 wickets in the 1956 Ashes (including 19 in one match) is the record for an individual bowler.
Who has the best batting average in Ashes history?
Don Bradman averages 120.00 in Ashes Tests (minimum 10 innings), the highest in the rivalry.
Related stories
Kevin Sullivan covers community events, neighbourhoods and local culture in the Okanagan Valley.