On 31 March 2015, Australia announced a 17-man touring party for the Ashes series.[1] England announced their squad for the first Test on 1 July.[2] Australia fast-bowler Ryan Harris announced his retirement from cricket days before the start of the series, due to an ongoing knee injury. He was subsequently replaced by New South Wales fast bowler Pat Cummins.[3] On 12 August 2015, Australia announced a 14-man squad for the ODI series, with Steve Smith captaining the team.[4] England announced their squads for the T20 and ODI series on 24 August.[5]
1 Cummins replaced Ryan Harris, who retired prior to the start of the series due to his knee injury.[3] 2 Bairstow replaced Gary Ballance in the squad for the third Test.[6] 3 Plunkett and Footitt replaced James Anderson in the squad for the fourth Test.[7] Anderson returned to the squad in place of Footitt for the fifth Test.[8] 4 Bairstow replaced Jos Buttler in the squad for the third ODI.[9] 5Aaron Finch replaced David Warner in the squad for the third ODI, after Warner retired hurt with a thumb fracture.[10] The next day, Peter Handscomb and John Hastings were called into the side in place of the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile and Shane Watson, who announced his retirement from Test Cricket.[11]
The start was delayed due to a wet outfield and the match was reduced to 47 overs per side.
Rain stopped play in 32nd over of Australia's innings and reduced the game to 46 overs per side, and again rain stopped at 40.2 overs then Australia's innings ended.
Ireland's revised target was 195 in 27 overs, per the DLS method, but rain interrupted play during Ireland's innings at 6.2 overs. The match was reduced to 24 overs and the target was set at 181 runs.