Ashes 2025/26: Can England end the drought Down Under?

England have historically been poor starters in the Ashes, especially in Australia, the hosts leading 12-2 (six draws) in 20 series openers post World War II. The last time England began an away Ashes with a win was in 1986/87 in Brisbane, and eventually took the series 2-1, which remained their only triumph until 2005. In the 2010/11 opener at the same venue, their top-order put on a stellar resistance to save the game after conceding a 221-run first innings lead, which was followed by an innings win in Adelaide. England have lost the Ashes openers of each of the last four editions – home or away – and were, in fact 0-2 down heading into the third Test in 2023.