For the first time in over four decades, Brisbane’s iconic Gabba will not host the opening Test of an Ashes series. Cricket Australia has confirmed that the 2025–26 Ashes will instead commence at Perth Stadium, breaking a 43-year-old tradition in Australian cricket. Brisbane, long known as the site of high-intensity Ashes openers, will now host the second Test, beginning December 4, 2025. The decision has drawn attention from cricket fans and analysts alike, as it signals a significant shift in the scheduling of Australia’s summer cricket season.
Perth Stadium Secures First Test Rights
The move is part of a long-term agreement granting Perth Stadium the rights to host the first Test of Australia’s summer for the next decade. This arrangement also applied to the 2024–25 Border–Gavaskar Trophy against India, marking Perth as a strategic venue for season openers. By starting the Ashes in Western Australia, Cricket Australia is fulfilling contractual obligations while also aiming to maximize viewership and commercial returns.
Perth Stadium’s selection underscores its growing importance in Australian cricket. Openers at the venue have become a trend in recent years, as Cricket Australia seeks to balance tradition with modern logistical and commercial considerations. While Brisbane’s Gabba has historically been the symbolic starting point for the Ashes, Perth now gets the chance to showcase its world-class facilities and capacity to host high-profile international matches.
Brisbane to Host the Second Test
Although Brisbane loses the coveted opener, the city is set to host the second Test as a day-night match, which begins in early December. The timing aligns with the school summer holidays, creating an opportunity to attract larger local crowds and boost tourism. Reports indicate that the Brisbane City Council is satisfied with this arrangement, seeing it as a commercially advantageous window for ticket sales and fan engagement.
The second Test in Brisbane is expected to continue the excitement of the series, offering fans another chance to witness high-quality cricket in the Queensland capital. The move also allows organizers to experiment with day-night scheduling in Brisbane, which could set a precedent for future matches and enhance spectator experiences.
Strategic Broadcasting Considerations
Broadcasting logistics have also influenced the scheduling decision. Opening the Ashes in Perth allows the final session of play each day to air during prime-time hours on the west coast, maximizing viewership and television ratings. With Australia’s broadcast partners keen to optimize audience engagement, a Perth opener ensures that cricket fans nationwide are able to watch the action in a convenient time slot.
Television and digital audiences are critical to the financial success of the Ashes, and by starting the series in Perth, Cricket Australia is combining traditional cricketing prestige with strategic media planning. The decision reflects the growing role of broadcast considerations in shaping the modern cricket calendar, balancing historical expectations with the commercial realities of a global sporting event.
England’s Historic Struggles at The Gabba
One reason The Gabba has been a symbolic Ashes opener is its challenging conditions for visiting teams, particularly England. Across 22 Tests in Brisbane, England has won only four times, with the most recent victory coming in the 1986–87 Ashes, when Ian Botham’s century helped secure a 2–1 series triumph. Since the 1982–83 season, The Gabba has hosted every Ashes opener in Australia, and England has rarely succeeded there, often suffering heavy defeats.
This historical record has added to The Gabba’s mystique as a fortress for Australian cricket. By breaking with tradition, the 2025–26 Ashes not only shifts the cricketing narrative but also introduces a fresh dynamic to the series. England now begins the series at a venue with different pitch conditions, weather, and travel requirements, which could influence the early momentum of the Ashes contest.
Balancing Tradition and Modern Needs
While many cricket purists may lament the end of Brisbane’s 43-year streak as Ashes opener, the decision illustrates how Cricket Australia is balancing tradition with modern logistical, commercial, and broadcasting needs. Perth Stadium offers world-class facilities, large seating capacity, and prime-time broadcast advantages. Meanwhile, Brisbane still plays a key role in hosting the second Test, allowing fans to experience the excitement of the series during the holiday season.
The 2025–26 Ashes opener in Perth represents a calculated effort to maximize commercial revenue, fan engagement, and television ratings while still honoring the competitive spirit of the series. By rotating venues and experimenting with scheduling, Cricket Australia is adapting to the demands of contemporary international cricket without completely abandoning its historical practices.
