The anticipation is palpable as cricket fans across the globe turn their eyes to Perth, where the 2025/26 Ashes series between Australia and England is set to ignite one of sport’s greatest rivalries. The historic contest, steeped in tradition and drama, will see both nations unleash their finest Test talent in a bid to claim the coveted urn. As the teams prepare for the opening clash at Optus Stadium, the spotlight falls on the players, the strategies, and the legends that have shaped Ashes folklore.
Mitchell Starc, Australia’s left-arm pace spearhead, is a man who knows a thing or two about delivering on the grandest stages. Now entering his 15th summer as a Test quick, Starc arrives in Perth on Sunday, November 16, 2025, with a legacy of unforgettable wickets trailing in his wake. Few bowlers in world cricket can boast a highlight reel as dazzling as Starc’s, from the searing yorker that bowled Brendon McCullum in the 2015 World Cup final to the late-swinging thunderbolt that shattered Ben Stokes’ stumps at Lord’s in 2019, ending England’s hopes in dramatic fashion.
But for Ashes aficionados, it’s the memory of Starc’s first-ball strike against Rory Burns in the 2021-22 series that lingers most vividly. The roar that erupted at the Gabba as Burns’ leg stump cartwheeled sent shockwaves through both camps and set the tone for a summer of fierce competition. “I’ve certainly never heard a noise like it at the Gabba,” Starc recalled, reflecting on the unique pressure and satisfaction of such moments. “Any wicket is my favourite. Those ones are all very different. World Cups are huge. And lead ups make things feel different as well. Different formats, different lead ups, different stages. But they’re all very satisfying.”
Indeed, the Ashes has a storied tradition of memorable opening deliveries—Michael Slater’s emphatic cut shot in 1994-95, Nasser Hussain’s infamous decision to field in 2002-03, and Steve Harmison’s wayward wide to second slip in 2006-07, a ball that heralded England’s 5-0 defeat. More recently, Zak Crawley’s elegant cover drive off Pat Cummins in the 2023 Ashes opener provided a new chapter in the saga of first-ball drama. “There was a lot made about the first ball (in 2023), but in the end we won the Test match,” Starc noted. “And it was the same bloke who bowled the ball who won it for us. It does leave a mark I guess, you think the Harmison ball, you think the cover drive that the English like to make a lot of. But ultimately we will sit here at the end of the Sydney Test and say this worked and this didn’t work, what was successful.”
As Australia contemplates bowling first on Friday, November 21, Starc insists he won’t be haunted by the ghosts of Ashes past. “It’s a long way down the track. It’s a different venue, and different too in that I am probably bowling to Zak Crawley,” he said. “Hopefully it starts the same way, but as Josh and I would both attest to we would love to bat all day on day one. But if it comes to bowling first, the big fella and I will aim to do some damage in the first spell and hopefully set us on our way to a successful series.”
While Starc readies himself for another campaign, the debate over the series’ key players rages on. In a lively pre-series feature, former England paceman Steve Harmison was tasked by talkSPORT.com with selecting a combined Ashes XI from the current squads. The exercise, as always, sparked controversy and intrigue, with Harmison forced to make some tough calls between cricket’s elite.
At the top of the order, Harmison surprised many by backing England’s Zak Crawley over Australia’s experienced Usman Khawaja. Despite Crawley’s modest average of 31.55 from 59 Tests, Harmison believes this is the moment for the Englishman to shine. “If Zak Crawley has the winter that we all expect him to, then I’d go for Crawley over Khawaja,” Harmison explained. “I think Crawley will look to put pressure on the bowlers, whereas Khawaja is 40 and if England have four bowlers who can bowl at over 90mph, that would be more of a challenge.”
Ben Duckett, another Englishman, edged out Marnus Labuschagne for the second opener’s slot, praised for his adaptability and strong performances against India. At number three, Australia’s Cameron Green got the nod, with Harmison highlighting his all-round abilities and the crucial role he could play if Pat Cummins misses matches due to injury.
In the battle of the batting titans at number four, Joe Root was preferred over Steve Smith, with Harmison lauding Root’s legacy and his potential to notch centuries on Australian soil. “I fully expect Joe Root to get two if not three 100s in that five-match Test series. I’ll always back Joe Root. I’d back Joe Root against anybody in the world,” Harmison declared.
Travis Head claimed the number five spot over Harry Brook, thanks to home advantage and current form, while Ben Stokes was the clear choice at six, celebrated for his inspirational leadership and match-winning temperament. Jamie Smith was picked as wicket-keeper ahead of Alex Carey, with Harmison impressed by the young Englishman’s composure under pressure.
On the bowling front, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were included despite injury concerns, with Harmison emphasizing their proven track records over a five-Test series. Mitchell Starc, whose Ashes heroics are legendary, was chosen over Jofra Archer, while Nathan Lyon was a straightforward pick as spinner ahead of England’s Shoaib Bashir.
Reflecting on the series’ prospects, Harmison predicted that the contest will be decided by the runs scored and the performances of the bowling attacks. “The glaring difference between these two sides is Australia have a bowling attack who have produced, and we know how they are going to do and perform,” he said. “The exciting part for me is that we have a bowling attack that could potentially could blow Australia’s batting unit open, but that’s potential—we haven’t seen it. If England play to their maximum ability, and they get a huge amount of luck, England stand a chance. If England get injuries to key players like Archer or Wood, then it becomes even harder. But at this moment in time, it is England’s batters against Australia’s bowlers.”
With the first ball at Optus Stadium just days away, the stage is set for another unforgettable Ashes saga. Whether it’s Starc’s opening salvo or a surprise hero emerging from either camp, cricket fans are guaranteed high drama as two proud nations chase glory once again.
