Can Steve Smith reprise last summer's heroics? Which fast bowlers hold the key for England? Can Joe Root finally break his Australian drought? These are just some of the talking points ahead of the Ashes.
Burning questions as Ashes series looms large
CAN BAZBALL SUCCEED DOWN UNDER?
Since Brendon McCullum took over as coach in 2022, England's win rate away from home is 50 per cent (8-8). The only time 'Bazball' faced a fellow Test powerhouse on the road, they were smoked 4-1 by India in early 2024. England will start the Ashes having played just one warm-up game, against their second XI, in Australia. But a key attribute of 'Bazball' is being positive so they won't lack confidence in believing they can be the England team to break a 14-year Test wins drought in Australia.
TIME IS NOW FOR JOE ROOT
Already the second-highest run-scorer in Test history behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Joe Root's place among the greats is secure. But the black mark against his name is never having posted a century in Australia in 14 matches. His average here of 35.68 sits well below his career figure of 51.29. If England are to have any chance of reclaiming the Ashes in Australia, Root is going to need to make multiple tons.
AGEING AUSTRALIA
Already without injured stars Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for at least the first Test, Australia's cumulative age will be brought up often in this series. Derided in England as 'Dad's Army', Australia's squad of 15 contains just one member - Cameron Green - under 30. Experience hasn't been an issue in recent years, but there will come a time when it will matter. Usman Khawaja will turn 39 midway through the Ashes, with England to fancy rattling him with express pace.
CAN ARCHER AND WOOD HOLD UP?
At their best, England quicks Jofra Archer and Mark Wood have previously caused Australia's top-order some serious headaches. But even the two men themselves will be wondering if their bodies can survive all five Tests. Archer is fit again after not playing a Test for more than four years, while Wood sent a scare through the England camp after suffering hamstring soreness in their warm-up game.
SMITH STILL THE ONE
Thought to be on the decline this time last year, Steve Smith managed four centuries in five Tests from December to February. The 36-year-old has previously feasted on England, with 12 of his 36 tons coming in the Ashes. Smith was down on his high standards the last time England visited in 2021-22, but the acting captain looks capable of another major series.
2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men's Ashes
First Test: November 21-25, Perth Stadium, 1:20pm AEDT
Second Test: December 4-8, The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N), 3pm AEDT
Third Test: December 17-21: Adelaide Oval, 10:30am AEDT
Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne, 10:30am AEDT
Fifth Test: January 4-8: SCG, Sydney, 10:30am AEDT
Australia squad: (First Test only): Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood