In the first Test of the Ashes 2025–26, Australia thrashed England in a furious pace-bowling display that ended in two days. With the help of superb spells from left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc and a scorching century from Travis Head, the hosts won by eight wickets and took a 1-0 series lead.
Harry Brook led the way with 52 as England was bowled out for 172 in their opening innings. Starc claimed 7/58, making him the main wrecker. On the other hand, Scott Boland returned figures of 4/33 as the Englishmen were bowled out for 164 in their second innings on Day 2.
Australia too had trouble responding, and Ben Stokes’ outstanding 5/23 saw them dismissed for 132.
Australia chased down the goal of 205 in 28.2 overs. As the opener, Head hammered a scorching 123 off 83 balls, and Marnus Labuschagne added an undefeated 51 to complete the commanding victory. The Australians put on a strong display that quickly concluded the Test despite the absence of speed leaders Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
India is currently playing South Africa in another series in Guwahati, where the visitors are ahead 1-0 after winning the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Proteas reached the 200-run milestone on the first day of the second Test after choosing to bat.
After winning both of the white-ball series against the West Indies, New Zealand is now concentrating on the three-match Test series that will start in Christchurch on December 2. The Ashes will begin on December 4 with the second Test, which will take place under lights at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Points Table for the 2025–27 World Test Championship:
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Tied | Drawn | N/R | Points | PCT (%) |
| 1 | Australia | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 100.00 |
| 2 | South Africa | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 66.67 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 66.67 |
| 4 | India | 8 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 54.17 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 50.00 |
| 6 | England | 6 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 36.11 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 16.67 |
| 8 | West Indies | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| 9 | New Zealand | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
India
