All you need to know about the 2025 Ashes

The Ashes between Australia and England gets under way on 21 November down under.

Australia are the current holders after retaining the urn with a 2-2 draw in England in 2023.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 series.

When is The Ashes and what is the schedule?

The 2025 Ashes series starts on 21 November in Perth, with the final Test in Sydney, starting on 3 January.

Here's the full schedule:

• First Test: 21-25 November (02:30 GMT), Perth

• Second Test: 4-8 December (04:30 GMT), Brisbane

• Third Test: 17-21 December (00:00 GMT), Adelaide

• Fourth Test: 25-29 December (23:30 GMT), Melbourne

• Fifth Test: 3-7 January (23:30 GMT), Sydney

Who is in the England Ashes squad?

England's squad is settled with captain Ben Stokes leading a similar group of players over the past couple of years.

Stokes has had operations on his left knee and hamstring in the past two years and missed the fifth India Test in August with a shoulder injury.

Batter Joe Root will return to Australia in search of a first century in the country, while Ben Duckett, Harry Brook and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith will play their first Ashes Tests down under.

One of the key selection debates will be around who bats at three with incumbent Ollie Pope under pressure from Jacob Bethell.

England have had a long-term plan to arrive in Australia with a battery of extremely quick pace bowlers and in Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse that has been accomplished.

Shoaib Bashir will be the frontline spinner with Surrey all-rounder Will Jacks given a surprise call-up as the reserve.

Who is in the Australia Ashes squad?

Australia's captain Pat Cummins will miss the first Test as he continues to build back to full fitness after a lower back injury.

Batter Steve Smith, who has an excellent record against England, will lead the side in Perth.

Cummins' place in the side is set to be taken by Scott Boland, who has been Australia's back-up seamer in recent years. He should join regulars Mitchell Star and and spinner Nathan Lyon in the XI.

However, Australia suffered another blow a week out from the first Test when Josh Hazlewood was ruled out with a hamstring injury. It means uncapped Brendan Doggett may make his debut.

Australia still need to work out their top order with uncapped Tasmania batter Jake Weatherald named in the squad as an opener option.

He is not guaranteed to make his debut though, with Marnus Labuschagne an option. That may depend if Cameron Green is able to play as an all-rounder or as a specialist batter.