Four years after humiliation, England's unfinished story meets its moment of truth

It all now comes down to one final question: Can England finish their story?

Four years ago, England left Australia not simply having lost another Ashes series. They had lost their spirit, and some might say even their dignity as a Test team. It was that humiliating. In some ways, they had been laid flat along with Rory Burns' leg stump after the first delivery of the series in Brisbane.

They lay there for the next seven weeks as Australia ran roughshod over them.

From the ashes of that 2021-22 debacle, England embraced an attitude adjustment before establishing a new world order as a Test team—the birth of Bazball. While much has been said about England's transformation since, every win and loss has felt incidental in the bigger picture. The focus for Ben Stokes and his team has always been whether their approach would work on Australian soil.

Not only to make up for the embarrassment from four years ago, but to avenge it. To win back their dignity and pride, and ultimately get their hands on the urn. This is their Wrestlemania Main Event. If Australia manage to triumph again, you wonder if there's anything left in the English arsenal.

Every Ashes series has dramatic build-up, but this time feels different. England's aura and performances over the last three-and-a-half years suggest they have the firepower to knock Australia off their feet on home soil.

That sense of belief is accentuated by around 40,000 English fans descending upon Perth, where hotels are sold out and ticket sales for the first three days at Perth Stadium are exhausted.

With Australia losing Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the first Test, England have their best chance to take an early lead in an away Ashes series.

But Stokes played down the overimportance of this series defining his team's legacy. "I understand what the series means in my journey as England captain. It's certainly the biggest series I will lead the side in. I'm aware of that, Brendon's aware of that as coach, Rob Key is aware of that. For me personally, it's not going to detract from what I've given to my role. I wake up every morning loving what I do, but by no means does that mean I'm not desperate to be an Ashes winner."

In other words, a team desperate to finish its story.

When: Australia v England, 1st Ashes Test, November 21, 2025, 10:20 Local Time, 13:20 AEDT, 07:50 IST

Where: Perth Stadium, Perth

What to expect: Perth Test pitches have generated interest for decades. The surface starts with a green tinge and enough moisture to prevent quick drying and cracking—conditions where Nathan Lyon excels. Batting first is historically advantageous, even if it means Stokes going against his principles.

Jake Weatherald will partner Usman Khawaja as Australia's latest Test opener, while Brendan Doggett debuts with the new ball. Marnus Labuschagne returns to No. 3, and Cameron Green to No. 6.

Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett

For England, the main scrutiny is Mark Wood's fitness and whether they include spinner Shoaib Bashir to exploit the deteriorating pitch—which would force Stokes to bat first if he wins the toss—or stick with a five-man pace attack including Brydon Carse.

England Probable XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse/Shoaib Bashir, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer