NEW DELHI: The Australian summer is in full swing as the high stakes Ashes series is set to begin on 21 November Friday in Perth where two heavyweights of international cricket will collide for the opening Test. Both sides boast some promising players and will look to make an early statement in the five match series. This Ashes tour features five Tests across the summer and the contest in Perth will set the tone for what promises to be another gripping chapter in cricket’s oldest rivalry. Key Players to Watch (Australia) Australia will be led by Steve Smith in the absence of Pat Cummins and the experienced batter will carry a major share of responsibility at the top of the order. Travis Head remains one of the most destructive middle order players in red ball cricket and will be vital to Australia’s momentum. Mitchell Starc will spearhead the attack with his swing and full length, while Nathan Lyon’s experience will be central on a pitch that traditionally offers bounce and consistency. Australia Confirmed Playing XI Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland Key Players to Watch (England) Joe Root will once again be the heartbeat of England’s batting, bringing stability and a proven record in Australian conditions. Harry Brook’s aggressive style could reshape the tempo of the innings if he gets going. The big boost for England is the return of Jofra Archer whose pace and hostility can shift sessions in a matter of overs. England Predicted Playing XI Ben Stokes (C), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir Match Details: Australia vs England, 1st Test -Date: November 21, 2025 -Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth -Time: 10:20 AM LOCAL / 02:20 AM GMT / 7:50 AM IST Australia vs England Head to Head in Ashes -Total Tests Played: 361 -Australia Won: 152 -England Won: 112 -Drawn: 97 Pitch Report The Perth surface is expected to provide steep bounce and early seam movement which should bring the fast bowlers into play from the first session. As the match progresses the pitch generally settles but still offers enough carry to keep the quicks interested. Batters who adjust to the pace and lift of the wicket can cash in, while a total around 350 in the first innings could be competitive. Weather Forecast Perth is likely to witness warm and dry conditions across the five days. Temperatures may range between 27°C and 35°C with clear skies forecast for most sessions. Wind from the west during the afternoon could assist bowlers looking for sideways movement. Where to Watch the Ashes 2025-26 -India and Subcontinent: Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV -Australia: Fox Sports -Eng;and: TNT Sports -Pakistan: PTV Sports and Tamasha App -New Zealand: Sky NZ -Sub Saharan Africa: SuperSports