The Ashes
Cricket's oldest and fiercest rivalry. England vs Australia. Five Tests. One Urn. A battle of endurance, skill, and psychological warfare that defines the red-ball game.
At a Glance
The essential numbers behind the search for the urn.
Hosted in Australia. The battle moves Down Under for a five-match Test series.
Red ball, white whites. Five days of play per match, 90 overs per day.
TNT Sports holds the rights for Ashes series played in Australia.
Why it's called 'The Ashes'
The term originated after England lost to Australia at The Oval in 1882. A mock obituary in The Sporting Times stated that English cricket had died, and "the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia." When England toured Australia later that year, captain Ivo Bligh vowed to "recover those ashes."
The Ashes on TV
Current Ashes and red-ball listings for UK viewers. Refreshed daily.
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UK TV Coverage
The broadcasting landscape for the Ashes depends on where the series is being held:
- Ashes in England: Traditionally broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket, with daily highlights appearing on the BBC.
- Ashes in Australia: Currently broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports, often with highlight packages available on free-to-air channels.
Because Ashes matches in Australia start in the late evening or early morning UK time, the "Watch Next" feature on our homepage is essential for tracking sessions as they happen.
The Venues
An Ashes series in Australia visits the "Big Five" grounds, each with its own character and challenge:
The Gabba
Brisbane. Historically a fortress for the Australians, known for its bounce and humidity.
Adelaide Oval
Adelaide. Often hosts the Day/Night pink-ball Test under the lights.
WACA / Optus
Perth. Home to the fastest pitches in the world, favoring aggressive pace bowling.
MCG
Melbourne. The Boxing Day Test. Can hold over 90,000 fans for a single day of play.
SCG
Sydney. The New Year's Test. Traditionally favors spin bowlers as the pitch wears.