The build-up to the Ashes

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The Sydney Morning Herald

Series

Catch up on the best of our coverage of the lead-up to this summer’s big Test series between Australia and England.

10 stories

England have a history of underperformance in Australia.

Opinion

Form, injury, unrest, homesickness, fright: How England’s pre-Ashes bravado typically comes undone in Australia

Bellow as you like, England, lay claim to the Ashes, declare them to be coming home – but come back and see us when you’ve won a Test match.

November 16, 2025
by Greg Baum

Opinion

‘Get up into that ribcage’: Inside the Ashes master plan to take down England

Mike Hussey, Australia’s Mr Cricket, breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of the England top seven so you don’t have to.

Today, 5.30am
by Mike Hussey

Exclusive

‘It would be the best achievement of my career’: Joe Root’s big Ashes ambition isn’t what you think

In an exclusive interview, the England great opens up on his past struggles in Australia, his ramp-driven renaissance, Ben Stokes and “Bazball”.

November 14, 2025
by Daniel Brettig

England No.3 Ollie Pope is facing a career-defining series.

England’s No.3s have had a terrible run in Australia. Will Ollie Pope be the next to suffer?

Performances against Australia this summer will dictate whether the batter keeps his place in the England line-up.

45 minutes ago
by Nick Hoult

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test in Perth.

Analysis

Why Hazlewood’s hamstring injury hurts Australia’s Ashes chances more than most

Josh Hazlewood’s hamstring injury on the eve of the Ashes has put Australia in territory not charted for nearly 10 years - and the outcome wasn’t pretty.

November 16, 2025
by Daniel Brettig

Sam Konstas played for Sutherland’s under 21 team on Sunday.

Australia’s Test squad flew to Perth on Sunday. Sam Konstas played an under-21s match

In a bid to regain form, the former Test opener played in an age-restricted competition for his Sydney club.

November 16, 2025
by Tom Decent

Marnus Labuschagne is set to return to the Test team, but at what position is unclear.

‘I said a prayer to Phil’: Inside the Marnus Labuschagne rebuild

Neil D’Costa has worked with the best, including Michael Clarke and Phillip Hughes. But an urgent car trip from Sydney to Brisbane might be the catalyst for a big Labuschagne summer.

November 16, 2025
by Tom Decent

Opinion

Move over, Guardian - these are the greatest Ashes cricketers of all time

The Guardian is naming its top 100 male Ashes players, but here’s my “Magnificent Seven”.

November 15, 2025
by Peter FitzSimons

Terry Alderman is stretchered off the WACA. He ended up spending a year out of the game with a shoulder injury.

Opinion

Australia won the Ashes in 1983 after a wretched run of injuries. This team can do the same

After Terry Alderman was taken out by a pitch invader in the first Test, second-string bowlers were called upon to play key roles in the series. This series looks destined to follow a similar path.