Overview
- The 2025/26 Ashes begins on 21 November in Perth, the first of five Tests scheduled through early January.
- Pietersen said winning a series in Australia will be very hard for England, though he believes they can win individual Tests.
- He named Ryan Harris as the best Australian fast bowler he faced and cited Shane Warne as the best spinner.
- Recalling Brisbane in 2013/14, he detailed practising with wet tennis balls fired from close range by coach Mushtaq Ahmed to prepare for Mitchell Johnson’s short‑pitched pace.
- He noted he relished on-field battles in Australia despite feeling like a pantomime villain off the field, referencing Johnson’s 37-wicket, player-of-the-series display in the 5-0 Ashes whitewash.