The Ashes 2025-26 is finally here, and the iconic battle between Australia and England begins with the 1st Test at Perth Stadium on Friday, November 21, starting at 10:30 AM local time. Fans in Australia and around the world are waiting eagerly as both teams arrive in Perth with fresh squads, new energy and high expectations.
This match will also be a huge moment for Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium), known for its extra pace and bounce. The venue has always challenged batters with its fast conditions, and the same is expected in this Test match as well.
Australia, led by Steven Smith, enter the series with a strong pace attack featuring Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Michael Neser, backed by spin ace Nathan Lyon. Their batting unit looks solid with names like Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, and all-rounder Cameron Green.
On the other hand, England, under the leadership of Ben Stokes, bring an exciting blend of youth and experience. With Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Harry Brook, and power pacers like Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, the visitors look ready to challenge Australia on one of the toughest pitches in world cricket.
With both teams stacked with match-winners and the pitch promising fast-paced action, the opening Test in Perth is expected to be a thrilling contest to kick off The Ashes 2025-26.
Before the match begins, here’s the updated and complete Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium) pitch report, Test records, and detailed analysis.
Optus Stadium Pitch Report – Batting or Bowling Pitch?
| Stadium Name | Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium due to Sponsorship) |
| Location | Perth, Australia |
| Opened On | 2017 |
| Seating Capacity | 61000-65000 |
| Boundary Size (Straight) | Around 64 meters |
Perth Stadium, also known as Optus Stadium due to sponsorship reasons, is a newly purpose-built stadium. The stadium was opened in the year 2017 and has a capacity of between 61,000 and 65,000. The stadium is mostly used for cricket and Australian rules football. This is the 2nd major venue in Perth after the W.A.C.A Ground.
The Optus Stadium pitch report suggests that the ground is favorable for the bowlers. Most of the grounds in Australia are known for their favourable conditions for the bowlers. Batters will have their work cut-out.
This is going to be a test of the batters, particularly against the new ball. Once the new ball threat is averted, having set batters during the middle overs of the inning could be ideal. Run scoring will become easier in the middle overs as there is minimal help for the spin bowlers. Batters with better backfoot technique are likely to thrive against the bouncers.
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Optus Stadium Pitch Report – Fast Bowlers or Spinners Pitch?
As is the case with other Australian surfaces, fast bowlers will be the ultimate key to taking wickets at the Optus Stadium. The pitch is known for its pace and bounce. The ground uses a drop-in pitch that is prepared somewhere else and then later gets installed.
The fast bowlers tend to get extra bounce, pace and lateral movement with the new ball. Meanwhile, this is not really the ground for the spinners. The only way for the spinners to have some impact on this pitch is to force the batters to make mistakes. Pace bowlers with raw power, and hit the deck ability could prove to be key, hence the Indian team’s inclusion of Harshit Rana justifies.
According to various Perth Stadium pitch reports, the surface loses its pace as the game goes on, making batting easier. So the captain that wins the toss, bowling first would be the ideal choice.
In short, the Perth Stadium, also known as Optus Stadium, is a ground that favours the pace bowlers early on. There is movement, pace and bounce on the offer and can be a threat particularly with the new ball. But as the game progresses, the pace starts to slow down, making batting easier in the 2nd inning. There is not a lot for the spinners on this surface.
Optus Stadium – Test Records
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 5 |
| Matches won batting first | 5 |
| Matches won bowling first | 0 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 395 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 221 |
| Average 3rd innings Score | 272 |
| Average 4th innings Score | 194 |
| Highest total recorded | 598/4 (152.4 Ovs) By AUS vs WI |
| Lowest total recorded | 89/10 (30.2 Ovs) By PAK vs AUS |
| Highest score chased | 0/0 (0 Ovs) By vs |
| Lowest score defended | 140/10 (56 Ovs) By IND vs AUS |
Optus Stadium – ODI Records
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 7 |
| Matches won batting first | 1 |
| Matches won bowling first | 6 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 166 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 165 |
| Highest total recorded | 259/10 (47.4 Ovs) By ENG vs AUS |
| Lowest total recorded | 140/10 (31.5 Ovs) By AUS vs PAK |
| Highest score chased | 185/6 (59.5 Ovs) By NZW vs AUSW |
| Lowest score defended | 259/10 (47.4 Ovs) By ENG vs AUS |
Optus Stadium – T20I Records
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 8 |
| Matches won batting first | 3 |
| Matches won bowling first | 5 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 144 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 140 |
| Highest total recorded | 220/6 (20 Ovs) By WI vs AUS |
| Lowest total recorded | 112/10 (19.4 Ovs) By AFG vs ENG |
| Highest score chased | 158/3 (16.3 Ovs) By AUS vs SL |
| Lowest score defended | 130/8 (20 Ovs) By ZIM vs PAK |
FAQ:
Is Perth Stadium Batting or Bowling Friendly?
The Perth Stadium is going to offer a balanced surface for the match. Initially, fast bowlers can be a threat with the new ball with movement and extra bounce. But as the game goes on, it starts to lose its pace and generally becomes a lot easier to bat on, particularly in the 2nd inning.
What is the average score at Optus Stadium?
In ODI cricket, the Optus Stadium has a first inning average of 172 runs according to Cricbuzz. It showcases how the bowlers are the key factors initially but the batters get into the game after the first 10-18 overs.
What are the boundary dimensions at Perth Stadium?
The Optus Stadium has an interesting boundary dimension that could add an extra bit of spice. The square boundaries, or the side boundaries, are approximately 80 meters long, on the other hand, the straight boundaries are just 64 meters long.
