Ashes schedule confirmed: Gabba to host first Test from December 8

The MCG in Melbourne will play host to its traditional Boxing Day Test from December 26, and the SCG in Sydney will be the venue for the new year Test from January 5

England's men's Ashes tour of Australia has been confirmed, with the five-Test series starting in Brisbane and ending in Perth.

The campaign will be completed in little more than five weeks, as organisers look to make the most of a window before the proposed T20 World Cup in India and England's red-ball tour of West Indies in January 2022.

The Ashes series will begin on December 8 at the Gabba in Brisbane, followed by the second Test - a day-night affair - at Adelaide Oval from December 16.

The MCG in Melbourne will play host to its traditional Boxing Day Test from December 26, and the SCG in Sydney will be the venue for the new year Test from January 5.

Perth's Optus Stadium completes the schedule, with the fifth Test due to run from January 14.

Cricket Australia hope to entertain substantial crowds for these fixtures, but it is unlikely fans travelling from the UK will be allowed into the country owing to Covid-19 restrictions.

“In a perfect world, we would welcome England fans back to these shores for a summer of singing and sportsmanship. Of course, we will be guided by the Australian Government on all things related to international travel," interim Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said.

MEN'S ASHES SCHEDULE: 2021/22

1st Test: December 8-12 – Gabba, Brisbane

2nd Test: December 16-20 – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (Day/night)

3rd Test: December 26-30 – MCG, Melbourne

4th Test: January 5-9  – SCG, Sydney

5th Test: January 14-18 – Optus Stadium, Perth