As the Ashes approaches in 2025, the mind games are already in full swing. Australia’s final home Test against India in January becomes a psychological battlefield, with the Australians purposefully avoiding mention of the Ashes, leaving the England camp rattled. Their silence is interpreted as a calculated effort to unsettle their rivals, a tactic that seems to have worked as England stews in anticipation of the long-awaited series.
In February, Joe Root, fresh off a remarkable 2024, continues to push boundaries in his batting. His first international appearance of the year sees him attempt a daring shot, dubbed the “quadriginoctuple frap ramp,” in a one-day international against India. Root’s innovation and form position him as a major threat in the global rankings, as his unorthodox style continues to surprise opponents.
By March, Australia’s preparations for the Champions Trophy are hindered by the uncertainty surrounding India’s qualification, causing significant disruption. The Australians are forced into an uncomfortable limbo, spending hours in the air, waiting for the final decision on the tournament’s location. This frustration is compounded by a less-than-ideal performance, as they exit the competition in the semi-finals.
April sees Jofra Archer, plagued by injuries, turn 30. His celebration is marred by a bizarre incident involving a candle, leading to a brief absence from the game. Archer’s ongoing struggles with fitness raise questions about his future in the sport, especially as England gears up for their summer campaign.
Mitchell Starc and Jake Fraser-McGurk shine in the IPL, leading their team to the final. Meanwhile, England’s decision not to recall players from the franchise tournament leaves Harry Brook in India, far from the action in England’s domestic cricket. This decision sparks frustration, with England officials feeling that their best players are being siphoned off to foreign leagues.
In June, Australia’s search for a stable opening partnership reaches new extremes, with seven different players trying to fill the role during a series against the West Indies. The constant reshuffling leaves the team scrambling for consistency. Meanwhile, Travis Head’s minor injury scare is quickly resolved, avoiding a potential setback for the team.
July marks the emotional return of Jofra Archer to Test cricket after a lengthy absence. However, his comeback is less than ideal, as he is forced to bowl in ill-fitting whites, a situation that leads to further injury concerns. England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, defends the decision to bring Archer back, despite the awkward circumstances surrounding his return.
Australia hosts South Africa in August, with the two teams playing a series of ODIs and T20s in the northern regions of the country. The matches are significant not only for the competition but also for the psychological games being played, with South Africa’s strong performances in the lead-up to the Ashes adding to the tension.
September sees South Africa’s impressive run in England, where they play a series of ODIs and T20s. Despite their success, the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia reject South Africa’s claim to have won the Ashes, maintaining the integrity of the upcoming series.
By October, preparations for the Ashes are in full swing, with Australia focusing on pitch conditions at Optus Stadium in Perth. The team’s efforts to create the perfect playing environment are part of a broader strategy to gain an edge in the upcoming series. Meanwhile, England’s players face logistical challenges as they transition from their white-ball tour in New Zealand to the red-ball Ashes series in Australia.
As November approaches, the tension mounts. England’s white-ball tour of New Zealand ends just before the Ashes begins, leaving little time for players to rest. Meanwhile, an unrelated crisis grips New Zealand, as golf courses across the country are overwhelmed by demand, causing frustration among locals. This strange situation coincides with the start of the Ashes, setting the stage for a dramatic and intense contest between two of cricket’s fiercest rivals.