

Australia defeated England in the opening Test of the Ashes 2025–26, a contest that concluded within just two days amid a relentless pace-bowling exhibition. The hosts secured an eight-wicket win, riding on left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc’s outstanding spells followed by Travis Head’s blistering century that propelled them to a 1-0 lead in the series.
England were bowled out for 172 in their first innings, with Harry Brook top-scoring with 52. Starc was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 7/58. In reply, Australia struggled as well and were dismissed for 132, courtesy of Ben Stokes’ superb 5/23. The Englishmen, however, failed to capitalize as they were bundled out for 164 in their second innings on Day 2, with Scott Boland returning figures of 4/33.
Set a target of 205, Australia chased it down in 28.2 overs. Head, coming as an opener, smashed a whirlwind 123 off 83 balls, while Marnus Labuschagne contributed an unbeaten 51 to seal the dominant win. Despite missing pace spearheads Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, the Australians produced a commanding performance that wrapped up the Test in rapid fashion.
In another ongoing series, India are facing South Africa in Guwahati, where the visitors lead 1-0 after winning the opening Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Electing to bat in the second Test, the Proteas crossed the 200-run mark on the opening day.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, after clinching both white-ball series against West Indies, now shift their focus to the three-match Test series beginning December 2 in Christchurch. The Ashes will resume with the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 4, set to be played under lights.
World Test Championship 2025-27 Points Table:
| 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 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
WPL 2026: Jemimah Rodrigues set for Delhi Capitals captaincy
Former India opener predicts CSK’s playing 12 after IPL 2026 mini-auction; goes with only 2 overseas players
PM Shahbaz Sharif announces cash prize for Pakistan U19 victorious Asia Cup 2025 contingent
Avesh, Mohsin among LSG bowlers to be sent to Durban for training with SA20 team

