Nearly a year after an arduous 4-1 Ashes defeat on foreign soil, the England men’s cricket team has returned Down Under. This time, the focus shifts to white-ball dominance as Harry Brook’s side prepares for a fiercely contested three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Australia. With the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup looming less than a year away, both cricketing powerhouses enter this bilateral campaign eager to break recent slumps, iron out squad vulnerabilities, and establish a winning momentum on the international stage.
Background Context and Recent Form
The rivalry between Australia and England remains one of the most storied in world cricket, and the limited-overs format has offered little respite in terms of intensity. Their last bilateral ODI series unfolded in 2024 when Australia traveled to England and narrowly edged out the hosts 3-2 in a five-match thriller. Since then, the two sides crossed paths only once under high-stakes tournament pressure at the 2025 Champions Trophy. On that occasion, Australia successfully hunted down a daunting target of 352, propelled by a magnificent, career-defining century from wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis.
Despite their historical pedigree, both teams arrive at this 2026 series searching for consistency. England’s white-ball unit experienced a difficult spell during a recently concluded triangular series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, managing just a single victory across four matches. Australia’s recent fortunes have been similarly turbulent; the Baggy Greens are licking their wounds following a 2-1 ODI series defeat at the hands of South Africa.
Compounding the pressure on the hosts are lingering administrative and cultural talking points. Recent public revelations by former Australian batsman Usman Khawaja regarding the historical "Sandpapergate" scandal have unexpectedly dredged up old tensions within Australian cricket circles, placing internal processes and several figures under public scrutiny. Fortunately for the current playing roster, squad insulation has largely held; stand-in captain Mitch Marsh is the sole survivor of the 2018 touring party involved in this series. High-profile frontline bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood have all been rested to manage workload ahead of the global showcase in 2027.
Squad Dynamics and Key Inclusions
The absence of Australia’s veteran pace trio has opened the door for a fresh wave of emerging talent. Most notably, 21-year-old Mahli Beardman has earned an exciting maiden call-up and could potentially make his international debut. Alongside Beardman, young batter Oliver Peake continues his rapid ascent through domestic ranks, while Liam Scott stands poised to make his first senior appearance for Australia on home soil. The squad features a blend of established stars like Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Adam Zampa alongside eager newcomers.
England travels with a comparatively settled unit under the leadership of young captain Harry Brook. While injury concerns persist—notably Jacob Bethell, who remains sidelined as he clears final protocols for a knee injury, and the unavailable Josh Tongue—the visitors boast immense depth and firepower. Fast bowler Jofra Archer, whose absence was acutely felt during the grueling conditions in Pakistan, returns to spearhead the pace attack alongside Gus Atkinson, Sam Curran, and veteran anchor Joe Root.
Full Series Schedule
The three-match series will be contested across three iconic Australian venues:
- First ODI: November 13 – Perth Stadium, Perth (2:30 PM AEDT / 3:30 AM GMT)
- Second ODI: November 15 – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (2:30 PM AEDT / 3:30 AM GMT)
- Third ODI: November 18 – Bellerive Oval, Hobart (2:30 PM AEDT / 3:30 AM GMT)
Official Squad Lists
Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Ollie Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Liam Scott, Adam Zampa.
England Squad: Harry Brook (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, James Coles, Eddie Jack.
Global Broadcast and Streaming Guide
Cricket enthusiasts around the world have multiple options to follow the action live, whether through traditional television broadcasts or digital streaming platforms. Depending on geographic location, access methods vary significantly.
How to Watch in Australia
Domestic fans can catch every ball of the series live on Fox Cricket, with comprehensive streaming available via Kayo Sports. Standard Kayo subscriptions begin at AU$30 per month following a 30-day trial period priced at $1.
Crucially, Kayo Freebies will broadcast the entire first innings of the series opener completely free of charge. Viewers simply need to register a complimentary account on the platform to access the free stream.
How to Watch in the United Kingdom
In the UK, live broadcast rights for the series belong to TNT Sports. Fans can integrate TNT Sports into existing television packages with Sky, Virgin Media, or EE TV, or opt for standalone streaming plans starting at £25.99 per month on an annual commitment.
For viewers seeking free coverage, Channel 5 will provide extensive, one-hour daily highlights programs throughout the duration of the tour.
How to Watch in the United States
Cricket fans based in the United States can watch every match live via the dedicated cricket streaming network Willow TV.
A major viewing alternative is available through Fubo, which offers access via its international sports package add-on. Alternatively, Willow TV coverage can be accessed through streaming services like Sling TV via their Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans, with packages starting at $10 per month.
How to Watch in India
Audiences in India can stream the entire ODI series live through the JioHotstar digital platform. Subscription models cater to various user preferences: ad-supported mobile plans start at Rs. 149 per quarter or Rs. 499 annually; ad-supported Super plans are priced at Rs. 149 monthly or Rs. 1,099 annually; and ad-free Premium tiers cost Rs. 299 monthly or Rs. 1,499 annually.
How to Watch in New Zealand
In New Zealand, official coverage is managed by Sky Sport NZ. Fans can tune in via traditional satellite television or subscribe to the digital streaming platform Sky Sport Now, with access passes starting at $29.99 for a day pass or $54.99 per month.
Accessing Regional Streams While Traveling Abroad
Travelers currently outside their home countries who wish to access their domestic streaming subscriptions (such as Kayo Freebies in Australia or Willow TV in the US) often encounter geographic content restrictions. Utilizing a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, such as NordVPN, allows users to securely route their connection through servers in their home country, thereby unblocking authorized content legally and safely. Premium VPN providers typically feature money-back guarantees, ensuring flexible options for international travelers.
