Australian cricket fans eager for a digital Ashes battle this summer have a new option, but it might feel familiar. Cricket 26, the latest simulation from Melbourne-based developer Big Ant Studios, has bowled onto consoles and PC. Releasing in December 2025, it's the seventh cricket title from the studio in just over a decade.
A Game of Familiar Strengths and Persistent Glitches
The core gameplay of Cricket 26 will be instantly recognisable to anyone who has played its predecessors. Batting and bowling mechanics are serviceable, offering a solid representation of the sport without revolutionising the virtual crease. Matches can produce authentic tension, like a dropped catch off a probing off-spinner. However, the experience is still occasionally marred by odd glitches, such as a fumbled ball suddenly accelerating away from the keeper, gifting batters extra runs.
Visually, player models are recognisable, and stadiums like Perth Stadium are well-recreated, though crowds lack detail. Animations can sometimes feel stiff, landing in the 'uncanny valley', and player helmets often appear oddly proportioned. As reviewer Joel Ehsman notes, having played over 200 hours of 2017's Ashes Cricket, this iteration looks better but doesn't deliver a knockout blow in terms of innovation.
Career Mode Shines with a Grassroots Feel
Where Cricket 26 scores some runs is in its career mode, which offers a welcome sense of progression. Players begin their journey in Australian grade cricket, a smart design choice that builds a narrative. You select your country, state, and then a local club—options include the Illawarra team for NSW-based players.
A particularly appreciated feature is the ability to allocate initial skill points to your created player, avoiding the frustration of starting as a professional who can't perform basic skills. The mode clearly tracks your progression towards state (Sheffield Shield) and eventually national selection, though making the Ashes squad from grade cricket remains a long-term goal.
Pro Team Mode Stumps Players with Microtransactions
Not all modes hit the boundary. The Pro Team mode, a card-collecting team-building feature, feels like a misstep. It appears designed to extract additional money from players after the initial purchase. You start with a team of 'bronze' players and are given one free pack—which might yield a 'silver' Josh Inglis. Beyond that, improving your squad seems geared towards spending more or facing pay-to-win opponents online, making it an easy mode to skip.
Other available modes include a dedicated Ashes series, management simulations, and standard exhibition matches, providing a decent variety for solo and casual play.
Verdict: A Rain Delay Distraction, Not a Series Winner
So, should you buy Cricket 26? The final analysis suggests it's a game for dedicated fans rather than a must-have title. It is described as 'serviceable, but not spectacular'. It's the perfect companion for a rain delay during a real Test match or if a match finishes early. While it's a step up from the disappointing Rugby League 26 from the same developer, it isn't a significant upgrade over Cricket 24.
For Australian cricket enthusiasts, there's fun to be had in recreating Travis Head's heroics or climbing the ranks from grade cricket. However, those hoping for a classic, genre-defining sports sim may need to wait for the next innings.
