Ashes 2025–26: Why Australia Is Buzzing About the Biggest Cricket Event of the Year
Every few years, Australia transforms into a cricket-obsessed nation on a level that few sporting events can match. Streets light up with chatter, sports bars fill with debates, and social media becomes a battlefield of predictions. That moment has arrived again, and this time the energy feels different. The 2025–26 Ashes series is finally here, and it is trending all across Australia for reasons that go far beyond the usual rivalry with England.
I’ve followed the Ashes since childhood, but I honestly cannot remember the last time the excitement felt this intense. Maybe it’s the historic venue change, or the leadership shake-up, or the way Bazball has changed the tone of modern Test cricket. Whatever the reason, this year’s Ashes is shaping into a blockbuster, and fans aren’t staying quiet about it.
In this blog, I’ll break down everything that’s trending about the Ashes in Australia right now, why fans are losing their minds with excitement, and what storylines make this edition so special.
A Historic Change: Perth Gets the Opening Test
Let’s start with the biggest shake-up that has everyone talking.
For the first time ever, the Ashes will open at Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium) instead of the Gabba. For decades, Brisbane held onto the honour of hosting the first Test, and losing that position after more than 40 years is a massive change.
I still remember watching early-morning Ashes sessions at the Gabba with friends, listening to commentators call it a “fortress.” That fortress feel created a sense of tradition. So when the news broke that Perth would host the opener, it caught the whole country’s attention.
Fans in Western Australia are thrilled because they’ve always felt a little disconnected from major cricket events that tend to stay on the east coast. Meanwhile, fans elsewhere are curious to see how the bouncy Perth pitch shapes the first few days of the series. Fast bowlers from both teams will love it. Batters? Maybe not so much.
This move alone created weeks of buzz before the series even started.
Record-Breaking Fan Demand
Australia loves cricket, but this time the numbers are shocking even for us.
On the very first day of ticket sales, more than 300,000+ tickets were snapped up. People lined up online hours before the sale opened, and tickets to certain sessions disappeared almost instantly. Australia hasn’t seen this kind of ticket frenzy since the 2015 World Cup.
Even more surprising? Over 40,000 England fans—yes, the loud and always-singing Barmy Army—are reported to be travelling to Australia. That’s a mini-stadium worth of English supporters flying across the world. Every cricket fan knows how passionate the Barmy Army is, and their presence alone adds 20% more atmosphere to every Test.
As someone who has sat next to England fans during a Test match before, I can tell you—I couldn’t hear my own thoughts at times, but the energy was unforgettable.
This massive demand shows how iconic the Ashes remains, even in a cricket world that has become dominated by T20 leagues.
Cummins Out, Smith Leads: A Leadership Twist
Just as fans were settling into the hype, another big headline arrived:
Pat Cummins will miss the opening Test, and Steve Smith will take over as captain.
This instantly became one of the most talked-about stories in Australia.
Cummins has been a calm, tactical leader and a fan favourite for years. His absence due to fitness recovery not only affects Australia’s bowling attack but also shifts leadership responsibilities at a crucial time.
On the other hand, Steve Smith leading an Ashes Test again feels like a blast from the past. Many fans still consider Smith one of the most brilliant cricketing minds Australia has ever had. His return to captaincy adds a nostalgic, almost cinematic feel to the series.
Personally, I’m curious to see how Smith handles England’s aggressive Bazball approach. His tactical brain versus their fearless batting style—that alone could be a series within the series.
Bold Predictions Ignite the Debate
No Ashes series is complete without a few fiery predictions, and this year the experts didn’t disappoint.
Australian legend Glenn McGrath confidently predicted a 5–0 clean sweep for Australia. If you’ve followed McGrath over the years, you know he loves bold predictions, but he is rarely wildly wrong.
On the other side, England’s former fast bowler Stuart Broad stirred the pot by saying this might be the weakest Australian Ashes team in 15 years. That comment alone sparked thousands of social media discussions, with fans from both countries arguing back and forth.
England’s captain Ben Stokes also stepped in, telling his players not to fear Australia and backing his squad to rise to the occasion. It was a powerful statement and one that England supporters loved.
Predictions like these amplify the rivalry and keep the Ashes spirit alive. I’ve already had three heated debates with friends about whether Australia truly has the upper hand, and I’m sure millions of other fans are doing the same.
Bazball vs. Australia: The Most Exciting Question of the Series
If you’re a cricket fan, you already know how much Bazball has changed the narrative of Test cricket. England now plays with the confidence of a T20 team battling in a Test arena. They chase 300+ in a day, take shocking risks, and treat bowlers like bowling machines.
But here’s the real question of the hour:
Can Bazball survive Australian pitches?
Australian conditions are a different beast. The bounce, the pace, the swing under lights—these elements challenge even the most settled batters. Bazball’s aggressive style could lead to spectacular victories or spectacular collapses.
Australian fans cannot wait to see how this plays out. As someone who enjoys the tactical side of cricket, I’m genuinely excited to watch this clash of philosophies unfold. The Ashes has always been about tradition, but Bazball brings a fresh, unpredictable flavour that makes every session feel like a thriller.
Economic and Cultural Impact: The Ashes Feels Bigger Than Just Cricket
The Ashes isn’t only about cricket; it has become a cultural and economic event in Australia.
Tourism Boost
Hotels across Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney are experiencing skyrocketing bookings. Local businesses—bars, restaurants, souvenir shops—are expecting booming sales thanks to both Australian and visiting fans.
Sports Bars Come Alive
During the Ashes, sports bars across the country turn into mini-stadiums. People gather with their friends, wearing jerseys, waving flags, shouting at screens, celebrating boundaries, and groaning at wickets.
I personally love watching a couple of sessions at my local pub. There’s something warm and communal about cheering with strangers who all love the game as much as you do.
Social Media Frenzy
Hashtags like
#Ashes2025, #AustraliaVsEngland, #BazballDownUnder, and #AshesInAustralia
are trending daily on Australian platforms. Memes, predictions, analysis videos, and fan reactions flood the internet—making the Ashes a true digital festival.
Why the Ashes Still Matters in a T20 World
With IPL, BBL, and endless franchise leagues around the world, many feared that Test cricket would lose its charm. But the Ashes proves that long-format cricket still holds emotional power.
What makes the Ashes special is not just the rivalry—it’s the intensity of five-day battles, the resilience players must show, and the story arcs that form over each session.
No T20 match gives that kind of depth. And that’s why the Ashes remains timeless.
Final Thoughts: A Series That Could Redefine Test Cricket
As the Ashes 2025–26 begins, Australia stands on the edge of a cricketing summer that feels bigger, louder, and more emotional than any in recent memory.
With changing venues, returning captains, aggressive new strategies, bold predictions, and record-breaking fan interest, this year’s Ashes is not just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of cricket’s legacy.
Whether Australia dominates or England shocks the world, one thing is certain:
This Ashes series will be remembered for years to come.
If you're a cricket fan, grab your snacks, wear your jersey, and clear your calendar.
The summer of cricket is here—and it’s going to be unforgettable.
