- Stream The Ashes live *FREE* on 7More
- Unblock your feed with NordVPN (75% off)
- 1st test: November 21-25, daily start times: 2:30 a.m. GMT / 10:30 a.m. AWST / 9:30 p.m. ET (Thurs.)
The Ashes are finally here, and the first Australia v England Test in Perth marks the start of a five-match series and Australia’s defense of the famous urn.
Since leg-spinner SF Barnes tore up the Australian batting line-up in 1911-12, only Andrew Strauss’s tourists in 2010-11 have won an Ashes series Down Under without at least one genuine fast bowler. That goes a long way to explaining England’s tour, which features six bowlers capable of exceeding 90 mph: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue.
The fate of the Ashes could well depend on which side can keep their pace attack in good shape.
Australia have an enviable record on this front, having not launched a new fast bowler since 2021. But that looks set to change in the 1st Test, with captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood both out with injuries. Brendan Doggett, 31, looks set to become Australia’s 472nd cricketer.
The hitters will also have a say. Joe Root and Harry Brook are the stars of the England team, averaging over 50, but they will need constant support from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope if they are to recreate those numbers in Australia.
For Australia, the priority is to protect Steve Smith and Travis Head. Both are extraordinarily talented, but lately the top three have left them exposed to new ball. Will the potential introduction of Jake Weatherald and the return of a Sheffield Shield-hardened Marnus Labuschagne change that?
Read on as we explain how to watch The Ashes 2025/26 between Australia and England from anywhere in the world, including free options.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 for free
Use a VPN to watch any Ashes stream
If you want to watch cricket but you’re away from home and your favorite coverage is geo-blocked, you can always use a VPN to access it (assuming you’re not violating the broadcaster’s terms and conditions, of course). You might be surprised how simple it is to do.
There are many VPNs but NordVPN is the one you can count on to unblock streaming platforms – and you can currently save 70%.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 live streams in the US
In the United States, streaming service dedicated to cricket Willow TV is the perfect place to watch every Ashes Test match 2025/26.
If you don’t have it in your cable package, you can watch Willow’s coverage through your choice of Sling TV Desi Binge More Or Dakshin Flex plans – from from $10 per month.
Visiting the United States from Australia? To use NordVPN to watch 7Plus’ free stream of Australia vs England.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 live streams in the UK
In the UK, TNT Sports will broadcast all five Ashes Tests.
To access TNT Sports, you’ll either need to add it to your TV package or purchase a standalone subscription through Discovery+, which will cost you from £30.99 per month. This will also give you access to Premier League, Champions League and Europa League football while test matches are not in progress.
Remember. NordVPN is your best bet for accessing the TNT Sports stream when you’re outside the country.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 live streams in India
To watch the Ashes in India, you will need Star Sports to watch on TV or the JioHotstar app to watch on mobile devices. Prices start at Rs. 299 ($3.49) for Hotstar.
Visiting India from Australia? To use NordVPN to access the free 7Plus stream when you’re away from home.
How to watch The Ashes 2025-26 live streams in Australia
The Australians have two options. Channel 7 is showing the series for free on TV and via its streaming service 7More
But all five test matches are also on Fox Sports. A cost-effective option to view their coverage is specialist sports streamer Kayo Sports, with packages starting at $30 per month after taking advantage of its first month from $1 offer or 7-day free trial.
Remember if you’re outside Australia during The Ashes get a VPN to stream 7Plus from anywhere in the world.
How to watch The Ashes 2025-26 live streams in South Africa
The Ashes will be broadcast on Supersport in South Africa.
You will need to obtain a DStv access package to watch all five tests with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad at the moment? Simply use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and will be ready to go.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sport Reviews is your go-to place for The Ashes.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream with the Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
Those outside New Zealand for a Test match or the series can use NordVPN to access their home streaming service.
The Ashes 2025/26 Questions and Answers
What time does play start in the 1st Australia vs England Test?
Perth Test play is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. (the day before) ET / 2:30 a.m. GMT / 10:30 a.m. AWST / 1:30 p.m. AEDT / 8 a.m. IST each day.
What is the schedule for the 2025-26 Ashes series?
- November 21-25: 1st test, Perth
- December 4-8: 2nd Test, Brisbane
- December 17-21: 3rd Test, Adelaide
- December 26-30: 4th Test, Melbourne
- January 4-8: 5th Test, Sydney
What are the numbers for the 1st test?
Australia: Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
England: Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.
Australia vs England H2H
🧱 Test match record
Total tests: 345
Australia wins: 142
England wins: 110
Prints: 93
🏆 Ashes series record
Total series: 73
Australia won: 34
England won: 32
Cartoon series: 7
According to TechRadar, who will win The Ashes?
England haven’t won in Australia since 2010-11, so it’s hard to write off Pat Cummins’ side. However, while the captain and Hazlewood are expected to miss at least the first Test, we still expect the Poms to fight strongly and Joe Root to lead the way with several centuries.
TechRadar says: Australia 3-2 England
Most runs: Joe Root
Most wickets: Nathan Lyon
Can I stream The Ashes 2025/26?
Yes. The UK’s iconic Test Match Special will broadcast ball-by-ball coverage on Radio 5 Sports Extra. Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell, Glenn McGrath and many other stars will all give their thoughts.
And if you miss today’s piece, don’t forget to listen to the TMS podcast afterward.
To access it you’ll need a BBC account and if you’re outside the UK at any time during the Test Match series, be sure to use NordVPN.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
