Introduction: The Ashes roller-coaster returns
The Ashes Start – There’s nothing quite like the electricity of the 2025–26 Ashes series — the fierce, time-honoured cricket rivalry between Australia national cricket team and England national cricket team. With the first ball set to be bowled in late November 2025, cricket fans around the globe are primed, calendars open, reminders set, and early-morning alarms ready. But if you’re wondering “Ashes start” and, more importantly, what time does The Ashes start? and when exactly to tune in, you’ve arrived at the right place. In this guide we’ll walk you through the full schedule, the start times, the live-broadcast details and plenty of context to make sure you’re locked-in when the action kicks off.
We’ll keep the tone relaxed, Aussie-style, so whether you’re down in Sydney or following from Kanpur or somewhere in between, you’ll feel the buzz. Let’s dive in.
When does The Ashes start?
The Ashes officially commence with the first Test match of the 2025-26 series, and that means the countdown has begun. The opener is scheduled for Friday, 21 November 2025 at Perth Stadium (also known as Optus Stadium) in Perth. (ECB)
In short: the Ashes start in Perth on 21 November — so mark the diary. But what time exactly? Because time zones make a big difference for viewers around the world.
Match-by-match schedule and start times
Here’s the full fixture list for the 2025-26 Ashes series, with venues, dates and local start times so you know exactly when the Ashes start in each location.
| Test # | Venue | Dates | Local start time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Perth Stadium, Perth | 21 Nov – 25 Nov 2025 (ECB) | Approx 10:20 am AWST on Day 1. (The Guardian) |
| 2nd Test (Day-Night) | The Gabba, Brisbane | 4 Dec – 8 Dec 2025 (ECB) | Approx 3:00 pm AEDT / 2:00 pm AEST on Day 1. (News.com.au) |
| 3rd Test | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 17 Dec – 21 Dec 2025 (Sky Sports) | Approx 10:30 am AEDT on Day 1. (News.com.au) |
| 4th Test (Boxing Day Test) | MCG, Melbourne | 26 Dec – 30 Dec 2025 (Sky Sports) | Approx 10:30 am AEDT on Day 1. (News.com.au) |
| 5th Test (New Year’s Test) | SCG, Sydney | 4 Jan – 8 Jan 2026 (Wikipedia) | Approx 10:30 am AEDT on Day 1. (News.com.au) |
*Local time for each venue. For viewers elsewhere (UK, India, etc) you’ll need to convert accordingly. For instance, the opener in Perth translates to early morning UK time (2:30 am GMT) on Day 1. (The Independent)
So when you ask “Ashes start”, you’re looking at a first Test kickoff around 10:20 am AWST in Perth on 21 November 2025.
Why the fuss about start times?
It’s not just about waking up early (though that’s part of it). Knowing exactly when the Ashes start has real value:
- For spectators and viewers in different time zones: If you’re in India (Kanpur, for example), you’ll want to know what time to tune in so you don’t miss the Ashes start live.
- For planning a viewing party: Friends around the world? You’ll need to synchronise time zones so everyone’s watching the same first ball.
- For broadcasters and online streaming: The OK button for “when do we go live” hinges on the announced local time.
- For social-buzz: The pre-match rituals, the toss, that moment the bowler runs in — all hinge on when the Ashes start.
How to watch & broadcast guide
If you’re wondering how to catch the Ashes start live — here are the key details, depending on where you’re based.
Australia
The series will be live on major free-to-air and paid networks. For example, in recent Australian announcements: matches will be featured on channels such as Fox Cricket and streaming platforms like Kayo Sports. (News.com.au)
United Kingdom & Europe
Shows up very early morning UK time. For the opening Test you’ll be tuning in at around 2:30 am GMT. (The Independent)
India & Asia
India is ahead of UK by roughly +5:30 hours (IST), but watch for the Australian time zones (AEST, AWST) and daylight-saving changes. If a match starts at 10:20 am AWST, convert accordingly for IST. For example 10:20 am AWST translates to roughly 3:50 pm IST on Day 1 of the opener. (AWST is UTC+8; IST is UTC+5:30).
(Always check the official broadcaster in India or streaming service.)
Tips for viewers
- Double-check whether start times are published in local time or UK time — articles sometimes give UK/GMT times which confuse.
- For Day-Night matches, the session start may differ (evening start) rather than morning.
- Arrive early: The Ashes start may be preceded by toss, national anthems, player intros — so “start” may mean the first delivery plus a little ceremony.
- Use a reliable time-zone converter if you’re outside Australia-UK.
- Set a reminder! When the Ashes start, you don’t want to be scrambling.
Venue overview and local start nuance
Perth Stadium — First Test
Kicking things off at Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium) is significant. It’s the first time this venue opens the Ashes series in over 40 years. (News.com.au) The local start time of ~10:20 am AWST means fans in Perth will enjoy morning sunshine, but for overseas viewers that means early hours. When the Ashes start in Perth, the world will wake up early (if not already awake) to watch.
The Gabba — Second Test (Day-Night)
A shift in routine: the second Test at Brisbane’s Gabba is a day-night fixture. That means the Ashes start under different conditions (later in the day) and broadcasters may schedule evening slot starts. For viewers in India or UK this might be slightly more convenient than a dawn start. (News.com.au)
Adelaide Oval, MCG, SCG — Later Tests
Classic venues for the later Ashes Tests: Adelaide, Melbourne (Boxing Day Test), Sydney (New Year’s Test). Each starts in the morning local time, with the typical early offset for international viewers. For example the Adelaide Test begins around 10:30 am AEDT. (News.com.au)
Why this series’s start matters
When we talk about the Ashes start, there’s more at stake than just a kickoff. This 2025–26 series is brimming with storylines: England desperate to reclaim the urn, Australia aiming to retain it, new venues, day-night formats, injuries, debutants. The way the Ashes start sets tone, momentum and energy. Fans tune in at the declared start time expecting fireworks; players know that from the first ball, the match is live, the series has begun.
What happens after the Ashes start?
Once the first ball is bowled at the Ashes start, here’s how the series unfolds: each Test runs up to five days (weather permitting), with rest/travel days between matches to allow squads to recover and shift venues. The Ashes series spans from **21 November 2025 to **8 January 2026. (Wikipedia) The early start in Perth is followed by Brisbane (day-night), Adelaide, Melbourne and the finale in Sydney.
Practical advice for Indian viewers (and fans in Asia)
Since you’re in Kanpur (or anywhere in India), and you’re checking what time does the Ashes start, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Convert Australian local start time to IST (Indian Standard Time).
- Example: 10:20 am AWST (Perth) = 3:50 pm IST approx.
- Check streaming rights in your region — for India, check if broadcasters or digital platforms have rights for The Ashes series.
- Keep in mind time zone changes: Australia uses daylight saving time (in some states) which may affect AEST/AEDT.
- Day passes or subscriptions: streaming platforms may offer daily access so you can catch the start on mobile or TV.
- Set reminders for each Test’s start time: when The Ashes start, you want to be ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What time does The Ashes start in India?
The Ashes start time in India depends on which Test and venue. For the first Test in Perth (21 Nov 2025) scheduled at ~10:20 am AWST, this roughly translates to 3:50 pm IST for India. But check local broadcaster time.
Q2: On which channel can I watch the Ashes start?
Broadcast channels vary by region. In Australia it will be on major sports networks and streaming platforms. In India, you need to check local sports rights holders. Once you know when the Ashes start, check local listings soon after.
Q3: Does the Ashes always start in the morning?
Not always. While many Tests begin mid-morning local time (Australia), some formats (like day-night Tests) start later in the afternoon or evening (local time). So check the start time for each Test.
Q4: Why is the Ashes start time important?
Because it alerts fans when the match kicks off, ensures you’re tuned in for the first ball, and helps you coordinate across time zones. The moment the Ashes start, expectations and tension begin.
Q5: Is the Ashes start date fixed or does it change?
The dates for the series are published well in advance (for 2025–26 it’s from 21 Nov to 8 Jan). However, weather or scheduling changes can cause adjustments. Stay tuned to official announcements.
Conclusion: Be ready when the Ashes start
The line “What time does The Ashes start?” is more than a question of the clock. It signals the reignition of one of cricket’s greatest rivalries. Whether you’re watching live from Australia’s east coast, or stepping out in Kanpur for a mid-afternoon cricket-dose, knowing when the Ashes start ensures you don’t miss any of the drama. So mark 21 November 2025 ~10:20 am AWST for the opener in Perth, set your reminder, check your streaming and be ready to witness the Ashes start with full intensity.