The Ashes return this week as Australia take on England in the sport’s oldest rivalry. Five Test matches will decide whether the urn stays Down Under or goes back to England with Ben Stokes and his team.
But while it’s easy enough to watch on 7Plus (AUS), what if you want to listen to The Ashes? UK listeners are in luck, as the BBC’s iconic Test Match Special (TMS) will broadcast ball-by-ball coverage of each match.
How to listen to The Ashes on Test Match Special
To gain access TMS’ ball-by-ball coverage, you have a number of different options. A digital radio is of course one option, but if you don’t have one, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app (iOS/Android) are also available.
Programming appears on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.
To listen you need a BBC account – sign up here.
And if you miss any of the action, you’ll be able to listen to the TMS Podcast, which will be released shortly after each day’s play.
Can I access The Ashes on BBC Sounds from overseas or on holiday?
Yes. UK residents who want to listen to Test Match Special those traveling abroad can still access the BBC Sounds app via a VPN. We recommend NordVPN, which comes with 75% off and 3 extra months free this Black Friday…
How to unblock The Ashes on BBC Sounds with a VPN
If you’re currently outside the UK and blocked from using BBC Sounds, you can still access the app thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
The software allows your devices to look like they are back in your home country, no matter where you are in the world. So ideal for listeners away at work or on holiday who want a taste of home.
NordVPN is our favorite:
BBC Sound Troubleshooting Tips
If you still can’t access BBC Sounds, even using a VPN, there are a few more things you can try.
Make sure your BBC account is associated with a valid UK postcode, such as W1A 1AA.
The BBC Sounds app (iOS / Android) doesn’t appear on the Play Store or App Store outside the UK, but you may be able to get around that by changing your phone’s region in the settings menu.
The BBC, like most broadcasters and networks, is engaged in a never-ending cat-and-mouse battle with VPN providers.
Although we have ranked the best iPlayer VPNs, something we have compiled through thorough testing, there is no guarantee that the same will be the case tomorrow if one of them works today, in which case you can raise the issue with your VPN provider’s customer support team and ask them to recommend the best server to connect to.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
