How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 – Australia vs England test matches

The biggest series in cricket continues: The Ashes. England’s task has just become even tougher after Australia claimed the opening Test despite missing two of their world-class bowlers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. A Mitchell Starc and Travis Head–inspired performance saw them chase down 204 on the second day.

Attention now turns to the second Test in Brisbane. This will be a day–night match, with the red Kookaburra ball swapped out for the pink ball, which is known to swing prodigiously under lights. Starc will once again be the bowler to trouble England, with the 35-year-old now renowned for his dominance in this format.

For England, the priority will be surviving more than 35 overs with the bat; no game can be won with so little time spent in the middle. Joe Root and Harry Brook may have to shoulder much of the responsibility, but don’t discount Ollie Pope or Ben Duckett, both of whom looked assured in the first Test despite falling short of half-centuries.

When and where is The Ashes taking place?

The bi-annual Ashes is being held in Australia for 2025/26 with test matches in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

The second Test runs from 4-8 December, the third on 17-21 December, while the fourth starts on Boxing Day and runs through to 30 December.

The fifth and potentially decisive final Test will take place 4-8 January 2026.

How to watch The Ashes for free in Australia

In Australia, 7Plus will be showing all the action for free to Australian residents. All you need is an account with an Aussie postcode (e.g. 4013).

Outside Australia on holiday during The Ashes? Use NordVPN to unlock your free stream.

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How to watch The Ashes in the UK

TNT Sports are broadcasting The Ashes in the UK. The best way to access TNT Sports is via Discovery+ — prices start at £30.99/month.

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How to watch The Ashes from anywhere

▶︎ Stream The Ashes from anywhere with NordVPN

If you aren't in Australia when The Ashes are on then you are going to need a VPN service to unlock your stream. Our partners over at TechRadar rank NordVPN as the best VPN service for streaming in the world.

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Who is likely to win The Ashes?

Since winning the opening Test, Australia have shortened to 1/4 to retain the Ashes. England, meanwhile, are 5/1 to reclaim the urn, with a drawn series available at 9/1.

What are The Ashes squads?

Australia Squad: Steve Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Michael Neser.

England's Squad: Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.