The wait for cricket's greatest rivalry is almost over. The next Ashes series, pitting England against Australia, is scheduled to take place in the winter of 2026, with the exact dates still to be confirmed. The venues have been selected, with five Test matches set to be played at Lord's, the Oval, Trent Bridge, Old Trafford, and Headingley. This will mark the 72nd edition of the Ashes, a series that has been a cornerstone of international cricket for over a century. The England team, captained by a seasoned veteran, has had a rollercoaster of a season so far. The 2024 ICC World Test Championship was a major disappointment, with England's quest for the title ultimately ending in defeat. However, a spirited performance in the 2025 series against New Zealand, where they narrowly lost the series 2-1, has given fans renewed optimism. The squad boasts a mix of experience and youth, with the likes of a talented young opener and a seasoned pace bowler providing a formidable combination.