The most anticipated event on the summer sporting calendar has arrived. The Ashes rivalry between Australia and England is set to explode once again as the two titans of Test cricket open their five-match series in Perth.
This series is always more than just a game; it’s a battle for bragging rights and one of sport’s most famous (and smallest) trophies. Whether you’re a long-suffering fan in England hoping to break the drought on Australian soil, or an Australian supporter ready to defend the Urn, here is your definitive guide on how to catch every ball, breakdown, and dramatic moment.
How and When to Watch the First Test
The first Test is scheduled to run from Today, November 21 to Tuesday, November 25 at Perth Stadium.
For Australian viewers, the free-to-air coverage kicks off daily at 12:00 PM AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) on Day One, with the first ball bowled at 1:20 PM AEDT. This broadcast is available on television and via digital streaming platforms.
If you’re watching from another Australian city, or catching the action from a different part of the world, here are the key start times for the first ball each day:
| Location | Coverage Start Time | First Ball Start Time |
| Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart (AEDT) | 12:00 PM | 1:20 PM |
| Brisbane (AEST) | 11:00 AM | 12:20 PM |
| Adelaide (ACDT) | 11:30 AM | 12:50 PM |
| Perth (AWST) | 9:00 AM | 10:20 AM |
| London (GMT) | 2:20 AM (The early start is a commitment to the cause!) | |
| USA (EST) | 9:20 PM (Day before) | |
| India (IST) | 6:50 AM |
Global Viewers: For those outside of Australia, the Ashes are typically broadcast live by partners like TNT Sports in the UK/Ireland, Willow in the USA/Canada, and JioStar in India. Check your local sports broadcaster for full details.
An All-Star Cast in the Commentary Box
The action on the field will be matched by the star power in the broadcast box. Bringing together legendary players, respected coaches, and the sharpest voices in the game, the commentary team promises no shortage of insight or friendly rivalry.
Leading the charge are two giants of the game: Australian batting great Ricky Ponting and recently retired England fast-bowler Stuart Broad. Their on-field history and contrasting perspectives promise a compelling listen.
Joining them are a host of big names, including former Australian coach Justin Langer and opening batsman Matthew Hayden, alongside Greg Blewett, Simon Katich, Trent Copeland, Aaron Finch, and Damien Fleming.
From the third Test in Adelaide, the popular English voice of David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd will join the crew, adding his unique flair. The hosting duties will be managed by Mel McLaughlin and James Brayshaw, while expert analysis on the laws and umpiring decisions comes from five-time ICC Umpire of the Year Simon Taufel.
More Than Just the Match: Programming Deep Dives
To keep you entertained during rain delays and post-stumps, a suite of special programs will offer unparalleled access and analysis.
- Unfiltered: After its successful debut, this interview series returns. The first episode, airing after Day Two of the First Test (Saturday, November 22), features a chat with Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who will discuss his career path and, yes, that infamous Ashes stumping. Later episodes will feature cricket legends like Ricky Ponting, Meg Lanning, Glenn Maxwell, and Jackson Warne.
- The Front Bar: The much-loved sports comedy show returns with a cricket twist. Stuart Broad is scheduled to join the panel of Mick Molloy, Sam Pang, and Andy Maher on Wednesday, November 26.
- The Spin: Starting from December 4, this panel show will dive into the week’s biggest stories, analysis, and talking points with a rotating cast of experts.
Never Miss a Moment
Can’t be glued to the screen for all five days? Catching up on the non-stop action is easier than ever with an impressive digital offering. Dedicated Cricket Hubs allow fans to find everything from live streams to replays on their favourite devices.
Beyond the full match broadcasts, viewers can access:
- Minis and Highlights: Bite-sized clips of the best wickets, boundaries, and memorable moments.
- Full Match Replays: Catch up on entire days of play from the Ashes, WBBL, and BBL.
- Stumped: The return of the fun (and sometimes terrible) cricket quiz show, available to stream live from Test venues this summer.
- Cricket Gold FAST Channel: A free, archive channel dedicated to classic matches and historical content from Cricket Australia’s vault.
The Ashes is a series that consistently delivers drama, controversy, and unforgettable moments. Get ready, settle in, and prepare for a long summer of cricket. Watch every moment live and free on Channel 7 and stream it on any device via 7plus Sport.
