- Live stream The Ashes *FREE* on 7 Plus
- Unblock your stream with NordVPN (75% off)
- 1st test: 21-25 November, daily start times: 02:30 GMT / 10:30 AWST / 21:30 ET (Thurs.)
The Ashes are finally here and the Australia v England 1st 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 through the Australian batting line-up in 1911-12, only Andrew Strauss’ 2010-11 tourists have won an Ashes series Down Under without at least one genuine fast bowler. This goes a long way towards explaining England’s touring party, which features six bowlers capable of topping 90mph: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue.
The fate of the Ashes may well depend on which side can keep their pace attack fit.
Australia have had an enviable record on that front, having not debuted a new fast bowler since 2021. But that looks set to change in the 1st Test, with captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood both injured. 31-year-old Brendan Doggett looks set to become Australia’s 472nd Test cricketer.
The batters will also have their say. Joe Root and Harry Brook are the stars of England’s line-up, both averaging over 50, but they need consistent support from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope if they are to recreate those numbers Down Under.
For Australia, the priority is to protect Steve Smith and Travis Head. Both are extraordinarily talented, but in recent times the top three has left them exposed to a swinging 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’re keen to watch cricket but you’re away from home and your preferred coverage is geo-blocked, you can always use a VPN to access it (provided you’re not violating any broadcasters’ T&Cs, of course). You might be surprised how easy it is to do.
There are plenty of VPNs, but NordVPN is the one you can trust to unblock streaming platforms – and right now you can save 70%.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 live streams in the USA
In the US, dedicated cricket streaming service Willow TV is the place to watch every Test match in The 2025/26 Ashes.
If you don’t have it as part of your cable package, you can see Willow coverage through your selection of Sling TVs Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans – starts from $10 per month.
Visiting the US from Australia? 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 either need to add it to your TV package or you can take out a standalone subscription via Discovery+ which will set you back from £30.99 per month. This will also give you access to Premier League, Champions League and Europa League football while the test matches are not underway.
Remember. NordVPN is your best bet for accessing the TNT Sports stream while out of the country.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 live streams in India
To watch the Ashes in India, you need Star Sports to tune in on TV, or the JioHotstar app to watch on mobile devices. Prices start at Rs. 299 ($3.49) for Hotstar.
Visiting India from Australia? Use NordVPN to access 7Plus’ free stream while away from home.
How to watch The Ashes 2025-26 live streams in Australia
Those in Australia have two options. Kanal 7 broadcasts the series for free on TV and via its streaming service 7 Plus
But all five Test matches are also on Fox Sports. A cost-effective option to watch their coverage is specialist sports streamer Kayo Sports, with plans starting from $30 a month after you take advantage of its first month from $1 offer or 7-day free trial.
Remember if you are out of Australia at all 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 shown on Supersport in South Africa.
You must have one DStv access package to watch all five tests with prices starting at Rs 99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and ready to go.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sports NZ is your turn for The Ashes.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream included 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 series can use NordVPN to access their home streaming service.
The Ashes 2025/26 Q+A
When does Australia vs England 1st Test start?
Play in the Perth Test starts at 9.30pm (day before) ET / 02.30am GMT / 10.30am AWST / 1.30pm AEDT / 8am IST daily.
What is the schedule for Ashes series 2025-26?
- 21.-25. November: 1st Test, Perth
- 4.-8. December: 2nd Test, Brisbane
- 17.-21. December: 3rd Test, Adelaide
- 26.-30. December: 4th Test, Melbourne
- 4.-8. January: 5th Test, Sydney
What are the teams 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 (capt), 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 to win: 142
England to win: 110
Drawing: 93
🏆 Ashes Series Record
Total series: 73
Australia won: 34
England won: 32
Cartoon series: 7
Who does TechRadar think will win The Ashes?
England haven’t won in Australia since 2010–11, so it’s hard to look past Pat Cummins’ side. But with the captain and Hazlewood set to miss at least the first Test, we still expect the Poms to fight hard and Joe Root to lead the way with more centuries.
TechRadar says: Australia 3-2 England
Most runs: Joe Root
Most wickets: Nathan Lyon
Can I listen to The Ashes 2025/26?
Yes. Britain’s iconic Test Match Special will broadcast ball-by-ball coverage on Radio 5 Sports Extra. Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell, Glenn McGrath and a host of other top stars will all have their say.
And if you miss today’s game, don’t forget to listen to the TMS Podcast afterwards.
To access this you’ll need a BBC account and if you’re outside the UK at any point during the Test match series, make sure you use NordVPN.
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