The Ashes 2025-26: Complete Guide to Test Dates, Live Streaming, TV Coverage & Squad Analysis

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.

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.

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.

Boxing Day Tradition: Cricket’s most iconic Test match. The MCG atmosphere is unmatched, with 90,000+ crowds expected daily.

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.

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.

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

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.