ENGLAND are hoping to hit back against Australia following a chastening Ashes defeat in 2021-22.

There was high optimism before a ball was bowled last time out that the touring side would have enough in the locker to give the Aussies a real battle Down Under.

And that was only strengthened by the news that Australia would be without captain Tim Paine who stepped down following a sexting scandal.

England were however outplayed almost every day of the tour, with Australia repeatedly tearing through their fragile batting lineup.

The hosts triumphed 4-0 in the five-match series, with England holding onto draw the fourth Test.

Joe Root’s time as captain came to an end after Ben Stokes was appointed as his successor in April 2022.

When is the next Ashes series?

• The Ashes will be held between Friday, June 16th and Monday, July 31st.
• To win back the urn, England will have to win the five-match series outright.
• Australia will retain the urn if the series ends in a draw or they win.

Where is the Ashes held?

Five venues have been selected to host the Ashes series – and here are all the confirmed locations and dates:

• Edgbaston (Birmingham): June 16th – June 20th
• Headingley (Leeds): June 28th – July 2nd
• The Oval (London): July 6th – July 10th
• Lord’s (London): July 19th – July 23rd
• Old Trafford (Manchester): July 27th – July 31st

Which TV channel will the Ashes be shown on and can it be live streamed?

• As this is an England home Test series, the matches will all be shown on Sky Sports
• Subscribers will be able to watch all matches in HD on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket.
• Sky Sports customers will be able to live stream the Ashes series via Sky Go and the NOW app.

Ashes 2021/22 results

First test (The Gabba, Brisbane)

• Australia won by 9 wickets.

Second test (The Adelaide Oval – D/N)

• Australia won by 275 runs.

Third test (MCG, Melbourne)

• Australia won by an innings and 14 runs.

Fourth test (SCG, Sydney)

• Draw

Fifth test (The Waca, Perth)

• Australia won by 146 runs.