If you ask a cricket fan to name the biggest rivalry in the sport, chances are they’ll say two words: The Ashes. This isn’t just a series of matches—it’s a battle of national pride between England and Australia, dating all the way back to 1882. Think of it as the Super Bowl of cricket, only it lasts for five intense test matches, across weeks, and spans continents in viewership.
The 2025 edition is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated yet—and the best part? You can stream it live, for free, from almost anywhere in the world… if you know how.
🏏 What Is The Ashes – And Why Does It Matter?
The Ashes is a five-match test series played between England and Australia, rotating host countries every two years. It’s long, tactical, and wildly emotional.
- The name “Ashes” comes from a satirical newspaper obituary published in 1882 after Australia beat England at The Oval, which claimed English cricket had died, and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.”
- The actual Ashes trophy is a tiny urn, rumored to contain the ashes of a cricket bail or ball. Iconic? Completely.
- Matches are played in traditional whites, with red balls, over five days per test. For casual fans: it’s not like T20. It’s chess with cricket bats.
🗓️ The Ashes 2025 Schedule (Expected)
The series kicks off on November 21, 2025, and spans five test matches across major Australian venues:
| Test | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Nov 21–25 | Gabba, Brisbane |
| 2nd Test | Nov 29–Dec 3 | Adelaide Oval |
| 3rd Test | Dec 7–11 | MCG, Melbourne |
| 4th Test | Dec 15–19 | SCG, Sydney |
| 5th Test | Dec 27–31 | Optus Stadium, Perth |
Expect sold-out crowds, beach weather, aggressive sledging, and a few “accidental” run-outs.
📺 Where to Stream The Ashes 2025 (Official Broadcasters)
Here’s how it looks by region (most are paywalled):
| Country | Broadcaster | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 7Plus | Free ✅ |
| UK | Sky Sports | Paid ❌ |
| India | Sony LIV | Paid ❌ |
| USA | Willow TV / ESPN+ | Paid ❌ |
| Canada | DAZN / Willow | Paid ❌ |
| Rest of Europe | Varies / none | Usually blocked ❌ |
If you want a free and legal option, 7Plus (Australia) is the best choice. It offers live coverage of The Ashes 2025 completely free—but is geo-blocked outside Australia.
How to Watch The Ashes from Anywhere in the World
The good news is: you don’t need to be in Australia to use 7Plus. You just need a VPN.
How VPNs Help You Watch The Ashes (Even If You’re Abroad)
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you change your IP address. By connecting to a server in Australia, you can “trick” 7Plus into thinking you’re in Sydney, not Slovakia.
No ads, no sketchy illegal sites—just the official free stream.
🔁 Step-by-Step: Watch The Ashes 2025 for Free on 7Plus
- Choose a VPN that works with 7Plus (see tested picks below).
- Install the app on your device.
- Connect to an Australian server.
- Go to 7plus.com.au or download the 7Plus app.
- Start watching live. No account needed.
Best VPNs for The Ashes 2025 (Tested & Working)
Here are five VPNs that work great with 7Plus:
- NordVPN – Superfast, reliable, and one of the best for streaming.
- ExpressVPN – Known for its smooth playback on all platforms, including smart TVs.
- PIA VPN – Affordable and allows unlimited device connections.
- CyberGhost – Has Aussie servers labeled for streaming.
- Proton VPN – Great for both privacy and streaming 7Plus in HD.
All of these offer money-back guarantees. If one doesn’t work for your device, you can try another risk-free.
📱 Devices You Can Use to Watch The Ashes
- Web browser (PC/Mac)
- Android and iOS phones/tablets
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Android TV)
- Firestick, Roku, Chromecast
- Apple TV (via Smart DNS or router VPN)
- Xbox and PlayStation (via browser)
🌍 Tips by Country
🟢 UK:
Skip the Sky subscription. Use a VPN + 7Plus combo to watch for free in HD.
🟢 India:
Avoid Sony’s paid plans. 7Plus is free and faster with a VPN.
🟢 USA & Canada:
Willow TV is pricey. Use VPN with 7Plus instead.
🟢 EU countries:
Most don’t have local coverage. VPN is your only reliable option.
🎯 Bonus: Use the Same VPN to Unblock Other Sports
Once you’ve got your VPN set up, you can also watch:
- Premier League (via BBC iPlayer or ITVX)
- NFL & NBA (via US streaming)
- Cricket World Cup (via Hotstar/7Plus/ESPN+)
- UFC, F1, and more
🏁 Final Over
The Ashes 2025 is more than just cricket—it’s five tests of grit, strategy, and pure sporting theatre. Whether you support Stokes or Smith, Broad or Boland, one thing’s for sure: you don’t want to miss a single delivery.
Set up your VPN, connect to Australia, and enjoy the best rivalry in cricket history—wherever you are in the world.
