The first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series between Australia and England takes place at the Gabba in Brisbane from 26 November 2026. One of cricket’s most iconic rivalries, the Ashes pits the sport’s oldest rivals against each other in a five-match Test series that captivates fans worldwide. The Gabba has been a traditional fortress for Australia, and the opening Test sets the tone for the entire series.
What to Expect
The Gabba, officially known as the Brisbane Cricket Ground, has long been Australian cricket’s preferred opening venue for Ashes series. Australia’s record at the ground is formidable: they have won 43 of 68 Tests played there and went 31 matches unbeaten between 1988 and 2021 before India’s famous breakthrough victory. England have not won a Test at the Gabba since 1986, making it one of the most daunting away assignments in world cricket.
In the most recent Ashes series in 2025-26, the opening Test was moved to Perth, but the Gabba hosted the second Test as a day-night fixture with the pink ball. Australia won that match by eight wickets, with Michael Neser starring on his home ground. The series concluded 4-1 in Australia’s favour, with the hosts retaining the Ashes after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead at Adelaide Oval.
Key players to watch include Australia’s Travis Head, whose 69-ball century in Perth during the 2025-26 series was the second-fastest in Ashes history, and Mitchell Starc, who claimed a career-best 7/58 in the first Test. England will look to their experienced batting lineup led by Joe Root and captain Ben Stokes, who will aim to reverse a long history of struggles in Australian conditions.
How to Watch
In Australia, Channel 7 and the free streaming service 7Plus provide comprehensive free-to-air coverage, while Fox Cricket offers additional coverage on pay television, with streaming through Kayo Sports. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports holds exclusive broadcast rights, with streaming available through discovery+ and via TNT Sports channels on Sky, BT, and Virgin Media platforms. Fans in India can watch on the Star Sports network and stream via JioHotstar. In the United States, Willow TV carries the coverage. Sky Sport NZ broadcasts in New Zealand, while SuperSport covers sub-Saharan Africa.
Test matches at the Gabba typically begin at 10:00 AM AEST (midnight GMT / 7:00 PM ET the previous evening), though day-night fixtures start at 2:00 PM AEST.
Venue and Tickets
The Gabba, located in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, has a seating capacity of approximately 36,000 for international cricket. Originally built in the 1890s, the ground has been extensively redeveloped over the decades and remains one of Australia’s premier sporting venues, also serving as the home of AFL club the Brisbane Lions.
Tickets for Ashes Tests at the Gabba are available through Cricket Australia’s official website at cricket.com.au/tickets. Prices typically range from AUD 30 (approximately GBP 15) for general admission to several hundred dollars for premium seating. Hospitality packages are also available through Cricket Australia’s official travel and events partners. Early booking is strongly recommended, as Ashes Tests consistently attract near-capacity crowds. In the 2025-26 series, all five venues saw high demand, with the Adelaide Test setting a new ground record of 56,298 spectators on the opening day.