The Ashes 2025-26: Complete Guide to Test Dates, Live Streaming, TV Coverage & Squad Analysis
The Ashes 2025-26 begins Friday, November 21st as England attempt to win in Australia for the first time in 15 years and reclaim cricket’s most famous prize.
The last series ended 2-2 in England (2023), but recent Australian tours have been brutal for the visitors. Since England’s 3-1 triumph in 2010/11, Australia have dominated with three consecutive whitewashes: 5-0, 4-0, and 4-0.
However, Ben Stokes leads arguably England’s strongest touring squad in over a decade. With Australia missing key bowlers Pat Cummins (back injury) and
Josh Hazlewood (hamstring) for the Perth opener, England have a genuine opportunity to start strong.
Can England’s aggressive Bazball approach translate to Australian pitches? Will Steve Smith lead Australia to another dominant home series? Get ready for late nights and early mornings as cricket’s greatest rivalry unfolds.
Complete Ashes 2025-26 Test Schedule & UK Times
All five Test matches are five-day contests with three sessions daily. Here’s your complete guide to every Test, including exact UK start times for each session.
Test 1
Optus Stadium, Perth
Perth Pitch Report: Known for pace and bounce, the WACA replacement favours fast bowlers early. England’s selection of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer could prove decisive.
Test 2
The Gabba, Brisbane (Day/Night)
Fortress Gabba: Australia hadn’t lost here since 1988 until India broke the streak in 2021. The pink ball under lights poses unique challenges for batsmen.
Test 3
Adelaide Oval
Test 4
MCG, Melbourne (Boxing Day Test)
Boxing Day Tradition: Cricket’s most iconic Test match. The MCG atmosphere is unmatched, with 90,000+ crowds expected daily.
Test 5
SCG, Sydney (New Year Test)
How to Watch The Ashes 2025-26: Complete Streaming Guide
Pro Tip: Use a VPN like NordVPN to access free 7Plus streaming from anywhere. Connect to an Australian server and watch all five Tests at no cost
Streaming Worldwide with VPN
Travelling during The Ashes? A Virtual Private Network (VPN) lets you access your usual streaming services from anywhere.
NordVPN is our top recommendation for cricket streaming:
- Connect to UK servers for TNT Sports
- Connect to Australia for FREE 7Plus access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Works on all devices (phone, tablet, laptop, smart TV)
England Squad Analysis: Bazball Down Under
Ben Stokes has selected an attack-minded squad built for Australian conditions. The pace battery is England’s quickest in decades, while the batting lineup blends experience with explosive young talent.
Batters
- Zak Crawley Opener
- Ben Duckett Opener
- Ollie Pope No. 3
- Joe Root No. 4
- Harry Brook No. 5
- Jacob Bethell
All-Rounders
- Ben Stokes (C) No. 6
- Will Jacks
Wicketkeeper
- Jamie Smith
Pace Bowlers
- Jofra Archer 145kph+
- Mark Wood 150kph+
- Gus Atkinson
- Brydon Carse
- Matthew Potts
- Josh Tongue
Spinner
- Shoaib Bashir
Key Battle: Can Joe Root continue his golden run? He needs 287 runs to become Test cricket’s all-time leading run scorer. His record in Australia: 1,445 runs at 46.61.
Australia Squad Analysis: Defending Champions
Australia face their biggest challenge in years. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined for Perth, Steve Smith captains for the first time in five years.
Batters
- Usman Khawaja Opener
- Jake Weatherald Opener
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith (C, Test 1)
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
All-Rounders
- Cameron Green
- Beau Webster
Wicketkeeper
- Alex Carey
Pace Bowlers
- Pat Cummins Injured – Test 1
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood Injured – Test 1
- Scott Boland
- Sean Abbott
- Brendan Doggett
- Michael Neser
Spinner
- Nathan Lyon 530 wickets
X-Factor: Travis Head averages 57.91 at home and destroys spin. His aggressive counter-attacking could neutralize England’s Bazball tactics.
Ashes 2025-26 Betting Odds & Predictions
Series Winner Odds
First Test Odds (Perth)
Expert Prediction: With Cummins and Hazlewood out, England’s odds shorten dramatically for Perth. A 1-0 lead would shift series momentum significantly. Smart money suggests backing England in Test 1, then reassessing once Australia’s full attack returns.
Why This Ashes Series Could Be Different
England’s Advantages
- Pace depth: Six genuine 140kph+ bowlers vs Australia’s injury concerns
- Settled batting: Same top six for 18+ months builds confidence
- Bazball momentum: 10 wins from last 13 Tests creates belief
- Australian vulnerabilities: No clear opening partner for Khawaja
Australia’s Strengths
- Home dominance: Two defeats in 37 home Tests since 2016
- Big three: Smith, Labuschagne, Head average 50+ at home
- Lyon factor: 151 wickets in Australia-based Ashes (avg 28.31)
- Pitch familiarity: Bounce and pace favour home bowlers
Ashes History & Records
Q1. What time do The Ashes matches start in the UK? A: Start times vary by venue. Perth begins around 2:30am GMT, Melbourne and Sydney at 11:30pm, Brisbane day/night at 4:30am, and Adelaide at midnight. Expect late nights or early mornings if you’re watching live.
Q2. How can I watch The Ashes 2025-26 for free? A: UK fans get free highlights on BBC iPlayer and live radio commentary on TMS (BBC 5 Sports Extra). Live TV is on TNT Sports. In Australia, all Tests stream free on 7Plus with an account. A VPN helps access free streams from abroad.
Q3. Can England win The Ashes in Australia this time? A: Yes, they have a real chance. Australia are without key bowlers early on, and England’s pace attack suits Aussie conditions. Australia remain favourites, but this is England’s strongest opportunity since 2010/11.
