Scott Boland will open up for Australia, bowling to Harry Brook who is unbeaten on 28...

We’re close to the second session getting underway here, with the Aussies just limbering up.

It was their morning - can England bounce back?

An eagerly-anticipated Ashes series is almost upon us as England attempt to win back the urn from Australia.

The tourists’ improved fortunes under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes has swelled hope, though, of a more competitive series after a thrilling 2023 affair on English soil.

Are you ready to be hurt again? Another four-year cycle, another chance for England fans everywhere to get their hopes up ahead of what will – likely – be another 4-0 away Ashes defeat.

Why should this series be different? Why should England supporters, both avid and casual, bother tuning in when history is so certain that another failure beckons? As a reminder of the stats, England haven’t won a match, let alone a series, in Australia since 2011. Played 15, won zero, drawn two and lost 13 is their record in the last 15 years.

Perth is hosting the first Test of the tour but, as usual, it’ll be a long trip for England with the series lasting into the New Year.

Here’s how the schedule for the whole series looks:

Ashes 2025-26 schedule

First Test, Optus Stadium in Perth: 21-25 November (UK start time: 2.20am GMT)

Second Test, Gabba in Brisbane: 4-8 December (4.30am)

Third Test, Adelaide Oval in Adelaide: 17-21 December (12am)

Fourth Test, MCG in Melbourne: 26-30 December (11.30pm, 25 December)

Fifth Test, SCG in Sydney: 4-8 January (11.30pm, 3 January)

It’s lunch on day one!

England bring up 100 with a crackerjack of a shot from Harry Brook! He steps to his left and smashes Starc up and away through the off-side for four.

Stokes plays his first meaningful shot for two down the ground, before leaving the final ball.

Overall, it’s definitely been Australia’s session. England going at just under five an over but four wickets have fallen, including ducks for Crawley and Root.

Stokes 4; Brook 28

A few singles around the place for Stokes, who gets off the mark, and Brook.

Four from the over. Perhaps one over left before lunch...

A maiden for Starc up against Brook, who does go for one wild shot through the off-side to many groans in the crowd.

Fascinatingly, Green takes a wicket and is out of the attack! Nathan Lyon switches ends and will bowl to Ben Stokes...

A maiden for Starc up against Brook, who does go for one wild shot through the off-side to many groans in the crowd.

Fascinatingly, Green takes a wicket and is out of the attack! Nathan Lyon switches ends and will bowl to Ben Stokes...

A maiden for Starc up against Brook, who does go for one wild shot through the off-side to many groans in the crowd.

Fascinatingly, Green takes a wicket and is out of the attack! Nathan Lyon switches ends and will bowl to Ben Stokes...