How to watch Ashes 2025/26 – 4th Test: Melbourne (Boxing Day Test) live online
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The Ashes 2025/26 reaches one of its defining moments with the 4th Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as Australia and England meet in the traditional Boxing Day Test from December 26th to December 30th, 2025. Few fixtures carry the same weight or atmosphere, and this match often shapes the outcome of the series. Below, you’ll find a complete guide on how to watch the Boxing Day Test live around the world, including free viewing options in Australia and ways to stream it while traveling abroad.
How to watch the 4th Test for free on 7plus with a VPN
- Choose a VPN with reliable Australian servers – NordVPN is a good option
- Download and install the VPN app on your device
- Connect to a server located in Australia
- Open your browser and visit 7plus
- Sign in or create a free account, find the Ashes 3rd Test stream, and start watching
Ashes 2025/26 4th test – streaming availability by country
| Country | Platform | Type | Latest available pricing | Notes |
| Australia | 7plus | Free streaming | Free | Full match coverage; sign-in may be required |
| Seven | Free-to-air TV | Free | Broadcast partner for the Ashes in Australia | |
| Kayo Sports | Streaming | AU$25/month (Basic), AU$35/month (Premium) | Full live coverage; no free tier | |
| Foxtel | Pay TV + streaming | Varies by plan | Coverage available on Fox Cricket | |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports | TV + streaming | £30.99/month via discovery+ Premium | Full Ashes rights in the UK |
| discovery+ | Streaming | included with TNT Sports Premium | Available on multiple devices | |
| United States | Willow TV | Streaming | $9.99/month or $69.99/year | Full live Ashes coverage |
| ESPN+ | Streaming (highlights only) | $10.99/month | Not a full live-rights holder | |
| India | Star Sports | TV | Varies by provider | Official broadcaster in India |
| Disney+ Hotstar | Streaming | ₹299/month, ₹899/year (Super), ₹1,499/year (Premium) | Live streaming and replays |
Notes on regional access
- Australia offers the most accessible coverage, with 7plus providing a free live stream.
- UK viewers need a TNT Sports or discovery+ Premium subscription for full live access.
- US viewers can rely on Willow TV for complete Ashes coverage.
- India carries the series through Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar.
Match overview and context
Australia arrive at the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the MCG with the series already decided. A 3–0 lead means the urn is retained, leaving England playing for pride in front of what is expected to be a huge Melbourne crowd. The biggest talking point is Australia’s reshaped attack, with Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon both ruled out, forcing a different look under Steve Smith’s captaincy.
The fourth Test runs from December 26th to December 30th, with the first ball at 10:30 AM AEDT. Australia are on a six-Test winning streak and have controlled the series from Perth through Adelaide. England, meanwhile, are trying to avoid a whitewash after being second best across batting, bowling, and fielding so far.
Squads and likely lineups
Australia’s squad for Melbourne includes Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Jhye Richardson, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, Jake Weatherald, Josh Inglis, and Beau Webster. With Cummins and Lyon unavailable, Richardson and Murphy are set to play key roles, while selectors must decide whether to add extra pace or deepen the batting.
England’s group features Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, and Jofra Archer, alongside spin options such as Shoaib Bashir and Will Jacks. The batting core is expected to stay intact, with the main question being how England balance pace and spin for MCG conditions.
Key selection questions
Australia face a clear choice. They can replace Cummins directly with another frontline quick to keep their usual pace trio, or bring in an all-round option like Neser or Webster to strengthen the lower order. Smith’s return as captain could also bring a slightly more aggressive approach, given the series cushion.
England’s dilemma is similar. The MCG can offer turn late in the match, but early movement with the new ball has often been decisive. Whether they lean into spin or double down on pace could shape how competitive they are across five days.
Form, conditions, and tactics
Australia’s batting has combined patience with timely aggression, setting strong foundations before applying pressure with the ball. Their bowlers have succeeded through sustained control rather than short bursts, something England’s batters have struggled to counter.
Without Lyon, Todd Murphy’s role becomes crucial, especially if the pitch wears late. England’s ability to handle spin on days four and five could define whether they can push for a draw.
The MCG pitch usually offers early seam movement before flattening out, with reverse swing and variable bounce later on. Australia have won their last four Boxing Day Tests at the ground and have rarely been beaten there over the past decade.
Prediction
History, current form, and squad depth all favor Australia, even with key absences. England can challenge if their top order finally builds a solid platform and their bowlers strike early, but the balance still leans toward the hosts. Australia extending their Boxing Day dominance looks the most likely outcome, with a draw representing England’s best realistic hope.
