For the first time in 43 years, the opening Ashes game down under will not be played in Brisbane. Here’s why.
When the Ashes 2025-26 fixtures were announced, what caught the eyes of many was that The Gabba in Brisbane wouldn’t host the opening Ashes fixture for the first time since England’s 1982-83 tour Down Under. The Perth Stadium, not Optus, as the telecom giants do not have a commercial deal with Cricket Australia, will host the first game.
The Gabba will then host the second Ashes Test, starting December 4, a day-night encounter. The reason behind this is that Perth Stadium has a 10-year agreement to host the first Test of the cricketing summer in Australia. They did so when India toured Australia for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well.
Moreover, as per The Telegraph, the Brisbane City Council are pleased to host the second Test as it coincides with the school summer holidays, attracting more ticket sales. There’s a broadcasting side to it too, as starting the summer in Perth on the east coast will mean the last session of every day’s play will take prime-time space on the west coast, ensuring the season starts with high viewership.
Also Read: Ashes 2025-26 fixtures
1st Test, Australia vs England
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How England have fared at The Gabba over the years
England have played 22 Tests in Brisbane, winning just four. Notably, their first two wins at the venue came in their first two matches there, in 1933 and 1936. It took them another 42 years to get a third win, with their most recent victory at The Gabba coming in the famous 1986-87 Ashes, when Ian Botham’s ton at the venue set things up for the visitors, who went on to win 2-1.
The Gabba has played host to every Ashes opener down under since 1986. England have only won once, lost twice, with the hosts taking seven wins since. The shift to Perth for the Test opener could seem like a breather for the visitors, but their record at the old WACA doesn’t make for a good reading either: one win, ten defeats and three draws.
England, however, have a clean slate at the new Perth Stadium. And the last time an Ashes opener down under was played in Perth, it ended in a draw.
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