Big Ant Studios has leaned into authenticity while levelling up the on-field experience, and as soon as I loaded up the Pro Team Edition, which comes with 24,000 Pro Team bundle coins, it was clear that Big Ant had put a lot of thought and effort into this edition.

Players are given a choice of control options: Arcade, Standard, and Pro, catering to everyone from casual fans to experienced cricket lovers. I opted for the familiar Standard controls from Cricket 19, and the transition felt smooth. Accessibility has been a recurring theme in online reviews and comments, with many praising how intuitive the game feels.

The home screen is packed with options. Whether you want to jump straight into a Play Now single match, build a world-beating Pro Team for offline or online challenges, embark on a Player Career, manage a squad from the sidelines, or take on the task of winning the Ashes in Australia, there’s no shortage of ways to play.

Licensing is another standout feature. Fans will be pleased to see a wide range of competitions fully represented, including the BBL, WBBL, The Hundred, IPL, CPL, and PSL. I kicked things off with a match in The Hundred men’s competition to get a feel for the game, and it immediately showcased how far the product has come.

Visually, the game is impressive on PS5. Player models, stadiums, and lighting all feel sharper and more lifelike, while animations flow smoothly. Commentary from Adam Gilchrist and Ali Mitchell adds warmth, and the cricket still feels human – fielders can make mistakes, edges don’t always carry, and momentum can swing suddenly, something the community has widely appreciated.

The Ashes mode deserves special mention. Big Ant have nailed the theatre of Test cricket, with press conferences, national anthems and atmospheric touches that build immersion before a ball is bowled. It’s these small details that elevate the experience and make long sessions genuinely rewarding. The ability to save the game and jump off is useful, meaning you can spend hours on end in the middle or jump in for half an hour to move the game forward.

Online, players have been quick to highlight improvements to AI behaviour, field placements and balance between bat and ball. While no cricket game is ever perfect, Cricket 26 feels like a meaningful step forward rather than just another iteration.

Overall, Cricket 26 is a confident, feature-rich game that captures the rhythm, drama and unpredictability of the sport. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, Big Ant Studios have delivered a game that feels worthy of cricket’s biggest moments.