The Ashes, cricket’s most iconic Test series, returns in the 2025/26 season with England seeking redemption after recent defeats, and Australia determined to assert their dominance on home turf. The five-match series, hosted across Australia, is scheduled to begin in late November and culminate in Sydney by mid-January. For bettors, this series presents a wealth of opportunities, from outright series winner markets to individual match bets and player performances.
📊Latest Series Odds & Betting Perspective
Bookmakers currently favor Australia to retain the urn:
- Australia to win: 1.57
- England to win: 3.00
- Drawn series: 7.00
These odds reflect Australia’s historical dominance at home, where they haven’t lost an Ashes series since 2010/11. England, however, have shown signs of a new era under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, adopting an aggressive “Bazball” style that could disrupt traditional expectations.
In-Depth Odds Analysis
Australia’s consistency, particularly in home conditions, gives them an edge. Their pace attack, led by the likes of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, thrives on bouncy Australian wickets. The bookmakers’ short price reflects this. England’s longer odds could attract value-seeking punters, especially if their aggressive style continues to unsettle oppositions, as seen in recent series against Pakistan and New Zealand.
A drawn series, though less likely, could still be a profitable niche bet. Weather, flat pitches, or unexpected match-saving performances could see one or two Tests ending in draws, especially in venues like Sydney or Melbourne.
🌐 Recommended Betting Platforms
🔍 Key Players to Watch & Their Betting Implications
England
- Joe Root: A reliable run-scorer in all conditions, Root is a prime candidate for Top England Batter. His record in Australia isn’t stellar, but his experience is unmatched.
- Ollie Pope: Recently promoted to No. 3, Pope has a point to prove. He could be a dark horse for top series run-scorer if he adapts quickly.
- Mark Wood: With raw pace and reverse swing capabilities, Wood is likely to spearhead England’s attack. Look out for him in Top Bowler markets, particularly on pitches like Perth and Brisbane.
Australia
- Steve Smith: With a phenomenal Ashes average, Smith is almost always a favorite for Player of the Series and Top Batter markets.
- Marnus Labuschagne: Now an Ashes veteran, his consistency at No. 3 makes him a top pick in individual innings and series run markets.
- Scott Boland: His incredible accuracy and seam movement make him an attractive pick for Top Australian Bowler, especially in home conditions.
💰 Top Betting Markets & Strategy
Series Winner
The most straightforward bet, with value leaning toward England if you believe in their resurgence. Australia remains a safe bet but offers lower returns.
Player of the Series
This market often rewards consistency. Look for all-rounders like Ben Stokes or Cameron Green who contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Top Series Batter/Bowler
Form and conditions should guide your picks. Australian batters are usually dominant at home, while England pacers like Wood or Robinson could surprise.
Individual Match Markets
Don’t overlook live or in-play betting. England’s aggressive approach means momentum can shift quickly, creating opportunities for strategic in-play bets.
🏞️ Venue Breakdown & Betting Tips
1st Test – Perth
Fast, bouncy wicket. Back fast bowlers and low first innings totals.
2nd Test – Adelaide (Day/Night)
Pink-ball Test favors seamers under lights. Bet on wicket-taking bursts in evening sessions.
3rd Test – Melbourne (Boxing Day)
Traditionally balanced. In-play bets on drawn results or big partnerships can offer value.
4th Test – Sydney
Spin-friendly pitch. Bet on spinners like Nathan Lyon or England’s part-timers to take crucial wickets.
5th Test – Brisbane
Another pace paradise. Early wickets are common; consider betting on quick fall of first wicket.
🛍️ Responsible Betting Reminders
- Set a budget: Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Use multiple bookmakers: Compare odds to maximize value.
- Stay informed: Keep up with team news, pitch reports, and weather conditions.
📆 Ashes 2025/26 Fixtures (Tentative)
- 1st Test: Perth – Late November 2025
- 2nd Test: Adelaide – Early December 2025
- 3rd Test: Melbourne – December 26, 2025
- 4th Test: Sydney – Early January 2026
- 5th Test: Brisbane – Mid-January 2026
Betting tips for the Ashes
Know the playing conditions
Do not place any cricket bet on the Ashes before knowing the pitch and rules of the game. For instance, the follow-on target might be changed if it starts raining for a long. You should also know that if the series is drawn, then the current champion will retain the urn.
Similarly, check the pitch preview and listen to the commentators while they explain the pitch behavior. A test match lasts for 5 days and it’s where the pitch reports come in handy.
Check the history of the venue
Collect all the information about the ground and its behavior. For instance, check if there have been a lot of draws. Or you can check how many wickets a team loses on the first day. All this information and much more are available on sites like Cricinfo and Crickbuzz.
Check who has taken more wickets, spinners, or pacers. If the spinners are better, then check whether they were successful after the first three days or in the initial sessions. No one can confidently say what will happen next, but you get a lot of guidance after knowing about the ground behavior.
Do not bet based on previous forms
Generally, we recommend that you should consider a team’s or player’s past performance before placing a bet. However, the form takes a backseat in the Ashes because both Australia and England can produce magnificent results even if fewer things are going their way. It’s the reason why the Ashes is a thrilling series to watch and bet.
Do not start as a newcomer
We recommend that you should practice on T20s and ODIs before you try your luck in test series like the Ashes. Test cricket betting needs more skills as there are lots of judgments to make. With a long 5-day match, it’s hard to guess what will happen.
FAQs
Which country will host the Ashes 2025-26?
The Ashes 2025/26 will be hosted by Australia.
Why is it called the Ashes series?
Australia won their first even test at the Oval. The next day, The Sporting Times published an obituary that English cricket had died, and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia. Then, Ivo Bligh vowed to bring back those ashes before the 1882-83 series in Australia. Hence, English media dubbed this series as the quest to regain the ashes and later the Ashes.
How often the Ashes are played?
The Ashes takes place once after every two years.
How Australia performs in the Ashes in case it’s hosted by England?
Out of 168 tests played in England, Australia has won 50 matches and 66 of them were drawn. On the contrary, England has won 52 matches. So, it’s clear that the home team is getting some benefits, but the guests are not far behind in terms of winning percentage.
When was the first Ashes series started?
The Ashes started in 1882 at the Oval. It was a low-scoring match because of a difficult wicket to bat. Fred Spofforth was the primary cause why Australia won because he took 14 wickets and allowed only 90 runs.
Which team has won the most matches in the Ashes test series?
As of the most recent completed Ashes series (2023):
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Australia has won 140 Test matches.
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England has won 108 Test matches.
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Draws: 95 matches have ended in draws.
So, Australia has won the most matches in Ashes Test series history.
The overall series record is also in Australia’s favor—they have won 34 Ashes series, while England has won 32, with 6 drawn series.
Han any one of the teams has won all the five matches in the Ashes test series?
Such incidents happened thrice in the history of Ashes. Australia won all five tests in 1920-21, 2006-7, and 2013-14. All the three times the series was happening in Australia.
Who is the batsman with the most runs in the Ashes?
Sir Donald Bradman, Australia with 5, 028 runs in total.
Which bowler has the most wickets?
Shane Warne, Australia has taken 195 wickets in the Ashes, which is the most by a bowler.
🔹 Final Thoughts
The Ashes 2025/26 promises to be a series of intensity, innovation, and unpredictability. With evolving strategies and elite talents on both sides, bettors can enjoy a dynamic landscape of opportunities. By combining knowledge, strategic betting, and disciplined bankroll management, punters can enhance both the entertainment and potential profitability of this historic rivalry.
For more expert betting insights, tips, and predictions, stay tuned to SmartCricketBetting.com.
Mayank Chowdhary is a professional cricket player in domestic cricket in India. He is very passionate about cricket and knows ins and out of cricket betting. With this long experience, now he has decided to share his experience with other cricket lover like you. Know more at the about me page.