Ashes: Here are the top five battles to watch out for from contest
Updated On: 21 November, 2025 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Rohan Koli
As the Ashes series begins today, mid-day highlights five key battles that could decide the outcome of the opening Test at Perth
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Australia captain Steve Smith (left) and England skipper Ben Stokes with the Ashes trophy on the eve of the opening Test in Perth. Pics/Getty Images, AFP
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Steve Smith vs Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer
Steve Smith leads Australia at Perth in the absence of skipper Pat Cummins. Though Jofra Archer has never dismissed Smith in a Test, their fierce rivalry from the 2019 series — the England pacer’s debut series — is memorable. Archer’s express pace and short-pitched bowling forced Smith to retire hurt with concussion after being hit on the helmet at Lord’s. Smith must maintain focus on a pace-friendly, bouncy Perth wicket, while Archer enters the contest confident after claiming nine wickets in two Tests against India.
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