The Ashes 2025/26: TV coverage, free streams, start times, and how to watch anywhere
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Australia vs England is set for December 4–8, with the first ball at 2 PM local time (3 PM AEDT; 4 AM GMT). It’s another big chapter in one of cricket’s most historic rivalries, and fans across both nations will be tuning in to catch every moment.
This guide covers all the ways to watch the match live, from official broadcasters to free and paid streaming options, and explains how to access your usual services if you’re travelling. You’ll also find details on device support and how a VPN can help you stream securely from anywhere.
Where to watch The Ashes 2025/26
The Ashes 2025/26 will be broadcast live across Australia, the UK, the US, India, New Zealand, and many other regions through official broadcasters. In Australia, all Tests are available for free on 7plus, while UK coverage is exclusively on TNT Sports via discovery+.
In the United States, fans can tune in on Willow TV, with other countries served by their local sports networks. Here’s a full breakdown of broadcasters, costs, and details:
| Region | Streaming service | Price | Details |
| Australia | 7plus | Free | Official free-to-air streaming of all Tests; requires an Australian IP (or a VPN when abroad). |
| Australia | Channel 7 | Free | Free-to-air TV broadcaster showing every Test live. |
| Australia | Kayo Sports / Foxtel | A$30.00/month (Basic) / A$40.00/month (Premium) | Streams Fox Cricket’s full HD coverage, analysis shows, and replays. |
| United Kingdom | discovery+ (TNT Sports) | £30.99/month | Official UK broadcaster streaming all five Tests live. |
| United States | Willow TV | US$9.99/month or US$79.99/year | Dedicated cricket channel with full series coverage. |
| India | Sony LIV | ₹399.00/month or ₹1,499.00/year | Premium cricket streaming (Sports included in Premium tier). |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport Now | NZ$54.99/month | Live streaming via Sky Sport’s digital platform. |
| South Africa / Africa | DStv Premium | ~R799.00/month | Includes SuperSport cricket channels with full Test coverage. |
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 for free with a VPN
You can stream every Test of The Ashes 2025/26 for free on 7plus, but the platform is only available in Australia. If you’re abroad, a VPN lets you securely access the free Australian stream by connecting through an Australian server. Follow these simple steps
- Choose a reliable VPN with servers in Australia, such as NordVPN, which is currently 75% OFF.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Open the VPN and connect to an Australian server.
- Go to the 7plus website or open the 7plus app.
- Create a free account (if required) and start streaming The Ashes live for free.
What time do The Ashes 2025/26 Tests start around the world?
All five Ashes Tests will be broadcast live in Australia on Channel 7 and streamed free on 7plus. Below is a full breakdown of Day 1 start times in major regions, with dates shown separately for clarity.
| Event | Date | Australia (AEDT) | UK (GMT) | US (EST) | US (PST) |
| 2nd Test – Brisbane | 4 December 2025 | 3:00 PM | 4:00 AM (Dec 4) | 11:00 PM (Dec 3) | 8:00 PM (Dec 3) |
| 3rd Test – Adelaide | 17 December 2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 PM (Dec 16) | 6:30 PM (Dec 16) | 3:30 PM (Dec 16) |
| 4th Test – Melbourne (Boxing Day Test) | 26 December 2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 PM (Dec 25) | 6:30 PM (Dec 25) | 3:30 PM (Dec 25) |
| 5th Test – Sydney (New Year’s Test) | 4 January 2026 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 PM (Jan 3) | 6:30 PM (Jan 3) | 3:30 PM (Jan 3) |
Why use a VPN to watch The Ashes 2025/26
A VPN is one of the easiest ways to keep watching The Ashes when you’re travelling or living outside your home region. Broadcasters like 7plus in Australia or discovery+ in the UK restrict access based on location, so if you’re abroad, the stream simply won’t load.
With a VPN, you can connect to a server in the country where the coverage is available and continue watching your usual streams as if you were back home.
It’s also the most reliable way to access free coverage. Australia’s 7plus is streaming every Test match at no cost, but the platform is only accessible to viewers within Australia. When you’re overseas, a VPN lets you securely access that free stream without relying on unofficial or low-quality sources. This is especially useful if your local broadcaster only shows highlights or selected sessions.
A good VPN also adds an extra layer of privacy while you’re streaming. Whether you’re watching from a hotel, airport Wi-Fi, or shared network, your connection stays encrypted and protected. For frequent travellers or fans following the complete five-Test series across different time zones, it’s a simple tool that ensures you never lose access to the platforms you already pay for, or the free ones you want to use.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 in the United States
In the United States, the official way to watch The Ashes 2025/26 is through Willow TV, the country’s dedicated cricket broadcaster. You can find the subscription page here: Willow TV Subscribe (US $9.99/month or US $79.99/year). The service covers all five Tests live and can be accessed via its website or through apps on smart TVs, mobiles, and streaming devices. Some U.S. live-TV bundles also include Willow as part of a cricket-sports package.
If you are a U.S. viewer travelling abroad during the series, your Willow TV access may be blocked by regional restrictions. In that scenario, using a VPN to connect to a U.S. server restores access and lets you continue streaming as though you were back in the United States.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the series is streamed exclusively on TNT Sports, via the platform discovery+. The subscription page is available here: discovery+ TNT Sports. The official pricing is shown as £30.99 per month for the standalone TNT Sports plan, or £33.99 with the TNT Sports & Entertainment bundle. The service covers all five Tests live and can be accessed through the discovery+ app or website on compatible devices.
If you’re outside the UK and normally rely on your TNT Sports/discovery+ subscription at home, using a VPN to connect to a UK server will let you stream as though you were still there.
How to watch The Ashes 2025/26 in New Zealand
In New Zealand, The Ashes 2025/26 streams live on Sky Sport Now, which carries the full Sky Sport cricket lineup. Viewers can watch online through the Sky Sport Now website or app, available on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and major streaming players. The subscription page is available at https://www.welcome.skysportnow.co.nz. The standard Month Pass costs NZ$54.99, while the Premium Month Pass, which offers 4K streaming on supported devices, is priced at NZ$59.99. For short-term access, a Day Pass is also available, although monthly plans tend to offer better value during longer series like the Ashes.
While Sky Sport Now is the official option in New Zealand, there is also a legitimate way to watch the entire series for free by using a VPN. Australia’s 7plus platform streams every Test at no cost, but the service is only available inside Australia. When New Zealand viewers connect to an Australian VPN server, 7plus becomes fully accessible, allowing them to watch all matches without paying for a subscription. After connecting through the VPN, users can simply open 7plus, create a free account if needed, and start streaming.
Fans who prefer to use their Sky Sport Now subscription while travelling outside New Zealand can also rely on a VPN. By connecting to a New Zealand server, they can continue accessing their paid plan abroad and follow the series without interruption.
Best VPNs for streaming The Ashes 2025/26
Not all VPNs can unblock the platforms showing The Ashes - especially free Australian streaming on 7plus or UK coverage on discovery+. Some services are blocked, while others struggle to meet the speed requirements for smooth, high-quality sports streaming. To find the VPNs that actually work, we tested dozens of providers for server availability, stability, and live-streaming performance across Australia, the UK, and the US.
From that testing, these are the top 3 VPNs we recommend for watching The Ashes 2025/26 from anywhere in the world:
- NordVPN – overall best VPN for streaming The Ashes from any region
- Surfshark – fast, affordable VPN for streaming The Ashes without buffering
- Proton VPN – privacy-focused VPN with reliable access to major cricket broadcasters
What to expect from The Ashes 2025/26 season
The Ashes 2025/26 promises a high-stakes series, with both teams at critical turning points. Australia arrives with a settled core, elite fast-bowling depth, and home-ground advantage. England brings a rebalanced batting line-up and several in-form players ready to challenge the hosts.
Australia looks especially dangerous. Marnus Labuschagne enters with 4,435 Test runs at an average of 46.19, making him one of the most consistent scorers in world cricket. Their pace attack – led by Pat Cummins (270+ Test wickets at an average near 22) – should thrive on Perth and Brisbane’s fast, bouncy pitches. Historically, Australia dominates these venues: win rate 70%+ at Perth and nearly unbeatable under lights in Brisbane.
England continues to evolve after their Bazball era. Ben Stokes returns from injury to lead the side, bringing authority and clutch-game experience. Harry Brook could be the X-factor, with 2,800+ runs at an average of 57.55 in just 30 Tests. Joe Root, England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer (13,500+ runs), remains under the spotlight, as he has 2,400+ Ashes runs but no century in Australia, averaging around 35.
This series carries extra weight. Several senior players may be on their final Ashes tour. The schedule features cricket’s most significant cultural moments – the Boxing Day Test and the New Year’s Test – known for huge crowds and dramatic swings. With England chasing their first Ashes win in Australia since 2010–11, expect tactical battles, pivotal sessions, and moments that could define careers.
