Why The Ashes Might Be Considered Bigger Than India-Australia Series?
Australia has two important series lined up in front of them. Currently, the team is playing against India in an ODI and T20I series. Following this, they will have the most-awaited series, the Ashes. For this, the preparations have already started by the selectors and the coach.
Australia has two important series lined up in front of them. Currently, the team is playing against India in an ODI and T20I series. Following this, they will have the most-awaited series, the Ashes. For this, the preparations have already started by the selectors and the coach.
Australia is currently playing against India, but their focus is more on The Ashes. The first ODI against the Indian team came in their favour, which might have relieved the Australian team a bit. Due to this reason, they have decided to shift the focus more towards the Ashes,
As per reports, Andrew McDonald, the Head Coach of Australia, will not be a part of the team for the remaining games against India. He will be involved in a secret meeting with some players for the Ashes. The meeting is focused on bringing some strategies for the Ashes, and helping Australia to win the same at home.
1. McDonald Misses India Series
Andrew McDonald has seen success with the Australian team in the ODI series against India. Although India looked strong favourites in the first game, Australia turned the tables with ease and ended up winning the same by 7 wickets. With Australia having a 1-0 lead, Andrew McDonald could focus more on the Ashes.
Due to this reason, he has decided to pull out of the remaining ODI games against India. In his place, the assistant Head Coach, Andre Borovec, will be the stand-in Head Coach for the team in the remaining two games against India. This shows that the main focus of the Australian side is currently on the Ashes, to commence on November 21.
Another reason why McDonald has decided to focus on the Ashes is the time gap between these two series. The series between India and Australia will come to an end on 8 November. And with the Ashes starting on the 21st, it leaves almost no time for the team to get through with the preparations. This is why Andrew McDonald has decided to have some secret meetings by the time the series against India goes on.
It has also been reported that the meeting will have some greatest cricket minds to build strategies for the Ashes. Two names which are expected to be in it are Pat Cummins and Steven Smith. Cummins is expected to miss the first Test match of the series, and Smith is likely to lead the team in his place.
that Cummins is not a part of the team against India due to his injury. George Bailey, who is a part of the selection committee, was quoted as saying, "If Pat doesn't play, Smudge (Smith) will captain. That's business as usual for us. That formula has worked.”
2. The Ashes Schedule
The real summer for the Australian fans will begin with the Ashes. Having the El Clásico in their country comes as a treat for the Australian fans, as they would watch the likes of Joe Root, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Ben Stokes, and a lot more, perform against each other. Moreover, the secret meetings show that Australia is keen to have some strategic planning for the same.
The Ashes 2025/26 schedule:
- First Test: 21 November 2025 - 25 November 2025, Perth Stadium
- Second Test: 4 December 2025 - 8 December 2025, The Gabbar
- Third Test: 17 December 2025 - 21 December 2025, Adelaide Oval
- Fourth Test: 26 December 2025 - 30 December 2025, Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Fifth Test: 4 January 2026 - 8 January 2026, Sydney Cricket Ground
Australia is yet to announce its squad for the Ashes, but it is expected to be released this month. The meetings, which will be conducted by the Head Coach, Andrew McDonald, are expected to play a major role for Australia in the Test series. However, it could also come at the cost of the series against India, noting the fact that two games in the ODI series are still left.
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