Australia vs England is one of the oldest and most famous rivalries in international cricket. Their Test rivalry dates back to 1877, when the two teams played the first-ever Test match in Melbourne. Since then, Australia and England have met hundreds of times, with their contests becoming synonymous with The Ashes.australia-vs-england-head-to-head-in-test
The rivalry is about much more than statistics. It has produced legendary players, dramatic comebacks, extraordinary batting performances and unforgettable bowling spells. Australia have generally held the advantage in the overall Test head-to-head record, particularly in recent decades, while England have also enjoyed several memorable periods of dominance.
As of the conclusion of the 2025–26 Ashes in January 2026, Australia and England had played 366 men’s Tests against each other. Australia had won 156, England 113, while 97 matches were drawn. There have been no tied Tests between the teams.
Australia vs England Test Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Australia | England |
|---|---|---|
| Tests played | 366 | 366 |
| Matches won | 156 | 113 |
| Matches lost | 113 | 156 |
| Draws | 97 | 97 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
These figures demonstrate Australia’s long-term advantage. Australia have won substantially more Tests than England, although the large number of draws reflects the lengthy history of the rivalry and the conditions of earlier eras.australia-vs-england-head-to-head-in-test
The Ashes: The Heart of the Rivalry
defeated Australia at The Oval in 1882. A mock obituary famously referred to the death of English cricket and said that its ashes would be taken to Australia.
Since then, The Ashes has become one of cricket’s most prestigious sporting contests.
Up to January 2026, Australia and England had contested 74 Ashes series. Australia had won 35 series, England had won 32, and 7 series had been drawn.
Australia’s success has been particularly strong in home Ashes series. Across Ashes Tests played in Australia, the hosts have recorded a clear advantage, while England have historically found conditions in Australia much more difficult.
Australia’s Dominance in Recent Ashes Series
Australia have enjoyed a strong modern-era advantage. England’s last Ashes series victory in Australia came during the 2010–11 Ashes, when Andrew Strauss’ team won the five-Test series 3–1.
After that triumph, England went through a long period without winning a Test in Australia. Before the 2025–26 series, the ICC noted that England had not won a Test in Australia since 2010–11 and had suffered 13 defeats and two draws in their next 15 Tests there.
The 2025–26 Ashes began with Australia winning the first three Tests. England then produced a memorable four-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, ending Australia’s long unbeaten home run against England. Australia eventually won the series 4–1, retaining the Ashes.
2025–26 Ashes Series Results
The most recent Ashes series provided another fascinating chapter in the rivalry.
1st Test – Perth
Australia defeated England by eight wickets in the opening Test. Mitchell Starc played a major role with the ball, while Travis Head produced a spectacular century in Australia’s successful chase.
2nd Test – Brisbane
Australia again won by eight wickets at the Gabba. The victory gave Australia a 2–0 lead in the series. Mitchell Starc contributed strongly with both bat and ball, while Michael Neser claimed a five-wicket haul.
3rd Test – Adelaide
Australia won the third Test by 82 runs, moving 3–0 ahead and securing the Ashes before the final two matches.
4th Test – Melbourne
England finally ended Australia’s dominance by winning the Boxing Day Test by four wickets. It was England’s first Test victory in Australia since January 2011 and ended Australia’s unbeaten home streak against England that had stretched across 18 Tests.
5th Test – Sydney
Australia finished the series strongly, defeating England by five wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The result confirmed a 4–1 Ashes series victory for Australia.
Why Australia Have Had the Advantage
Several factors explain Australia’s strong Test record against England.
Home Conditions
Australian pitches traditionally offer pace and bounce, which can be challenging for visiting English batsmen. Australia’s fast bowlers have frequently exploited these conditions.
Strong Fast-Bowling Tradition
Australia have produced some of the greatest fast bowlers in Test history, including Glenn McGrath, Dennis Lillee, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
Their ability to maintain pressure over long spells has often been decisive in Ashes cricket.
World-Class Batting
Australia have also produced legendary batsmen such as Sir Donald Bradman, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Steve Smith.
Bradman is particularly associated with the Ashes, scoring 5,028 Test runs against England, according to head-to-head statistical records. Shane Warne is Australia’s leading wicket-taker against England with 195 wickets.
England’s Greatest Ashes Moments
Despite Australia’s overall advantage, England have produced some extraordinary performances.
The 2005 Ashes remains one of the most celebrated Test series in modern cricket. England defeated Australia 2–1 in a thrilling five-match contest, with matches at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge becoming iconic moments in Ashes history.
England also won the 2010–11 Ashes in Australia by 3–1, their first series victory there since 1986–87.
The 2019 Ashes produced another unforgettable moment when Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 135 at Headingley to lead England to a one-wicket victory. It remains one of the most famous individual performances in Ashes history.
Australia’s Greatest Ashes Eras
Australia have enjoyed several dominant periods.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Australia establish themselves as a major cricketing power. The Don Bradman era produced some extraordinary Ashes performances, while the teams led by Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting later dominated England.
Australia’s 2006–07 Ashes campaign was particularly memorable. They won all five Tests in a 5–0 whitewash, demonstrating complete superiority in batting, bowling and fielding.
The 2021–22 Ashes also ended in a 4–0 Australian victory, and Australia retained the Ashes again in the 2023 series after a 2–2 draw in England.
Key Players in Australia vs England Test History
Sir Donald Bradman
Bradman remains one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. His record against England was extraordinary, and his Ashes performances helped define Australia’s dominance during the 1930s and 1940s.
Shane Warne
Warne was one of the most influential bowlers in Ashes history. His leg-spin created countless problems for English batsmen, and his 195 wickets against England remain a remarkable achievement.
Glenn McGrath
McGrath’s accuracy and consistency made him one of Australia’s most successful Ashes bowlers. He regularly attacked England’s top order and played a major role in Australia’s dominant Ashes campaigns.
Joe Root
For England, Joe Root has become one of the most prolific batsmen of the modern era. His ability to score heavily in Test cricket has made him a key figure in England’s battles with Australia.
Ben Stokes
Stokes has produced some of England’s most memorable modern Ashes performances. His 2019 Headingley innings remains iconic, while his leadership has added another dimension to the rivalry.
Head-to-Head at a Glance
Australia currently hold the stronger overall Test record against England:
- Total Tests: 366
- Australia wins: 156
- England wins: 113
- Draws: 97
- Ties: 0
- Ashes series: 74
- Australia Ashes series wins: 35
- England Ashes series wins: 32
- Drawn Ashes series: 7
The latest series further strengthened Australia’s overall position, with Australia winning the 2025–26 Ashes 4–1.
Conclusion
Australia vs England is far more than a normal Test rivalry. It is a historic contest built on nearly 150 years of cricket, with The Ashes serving as its ultimate prize.
Australia have the superior overall head-to-head record, winning 156 of 366 Tests compared with England’s 113 victories. However, the rivalry has never been one-sided throughout history. England have produced legendary victories, including the 2005 Ashes, the 2010–11 triumph in Australia and the famous Headingley Test of 2019.
The 2025–26 Ashes added another memorable chapter. Australia won the series 4–1, although England’s victory at Melbourne showed that the rivalry remains fiercely competitive.
With legendary players, historic venues and generations of dramatic matches, Australia vs England will continue to be one of the most important rivalries in Test cricket.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Test matches have Australia and England played?
Australia and England have played 366 men’s Test matches against each other, with the latest meeting coming in the fifth Test of the 2025–26 Ashes in Sydney.
2. Who has won more Tests between Australia and England?
Australia have won more Tests. They have recorded 156 victories, compared with 113 wins for England. A further 97 matches have ended in draws.
3. What is the Ashes head-to-head record?
Australia and England have played 74 Ashes series. Australia have won 35, England have won 32, and seven series have been drawn.
4. When did England last win an Ashes series in Australia?
England last won an Ashes series in Australia in 2010–11, when Andrew Strauss’ team secured a 3–1 series victory.
5. Who won the latest Australia vs England Ashes series?
Australia won the 2025–26 Ashes series 4–1. Australia won the first three Tests, England won the fourth Test at Melbourne, and Australia won the final Test in Sydney.