The Ashes is a historic cricket competition between England and Australia, dating back to 1882. It began when England lost a Test match to Australia for the first time, prompting a British newspaper to publish a mock obituary declaring that English cricket had died and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” Ever since, the two sides have battled it out roughly every two years for symbolic possession of “the Ashes.”
When is the 2025/26 Ashes?
This time, the series is being hosted by Australia, meaning match times are tricky for viewers in Europe.
The first Test starts on Friday, November 21st, with each Test lasting up to five days. Due to the time difference, most matches will begin in the early hours of the morning in Austria. Here's the schedule:
First Test: Perth, November 21st–25th (starts 3.30 am CET)
Second Test: Brisbane, December 4th–8th (starts 5.30 am CET)
Third Test: Adelaide, December 17th–21st (starts 1 am CET)
Fourth Test: Melbourne, December 26th–30th (starts 12.30 am CET)
Fifth Test: Sydney, January 4th–8th (starts 12.30a m CET)
Each Test can last up to five days, but they sometimes finish sooner depending on the match.
Can I watch the Ashes on TV in Austria?
There are currently no Austrian broadcasters showing the Ashes. Channels like ORF, Sky Austria or Servus TV are not expected to carry cricket coverage. Austria does have a small but growing cricket scene, but the sport remains niche.
To watch the games, your best option is to stream via a foreign sports service, possibly using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions. Popular options include:
TNT Sports in the UK (streamed via Discovery+, subscription required)
7Plus in Australia (free-to-air, but geo-restricted)
Foxtel or Kayo Sports in Australia (subscription-based)
Be aware that some streaming platforms actively block VPN usage, and success may vary depending on the service.
Is it legal to use a VPN in Austria?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in Austria. However, it may breach the terms of service of the streaming platform you’re accessing, even if it’s not illegal under Austrian law.
Can I watch it in a pub or bar?
It’s unlikely that bars in Austria will be screening the Ashes due to the time difference and the sport’s relatively low profile locally. That said, it’s worth contacting international pubs or sports bars in Vienna or major cities to ask if they might consider streaming a match – especially the Brisbane Test, which starts at a more reasonable 5.30 am.
Pubs like Charlie P’s, Dick Macks, Flanagan’s, or Vienna’s Aussie Pub might be open to showing it if there's demand and if matches fall during extended holiday hours.
Consider reaching out in advance, especially if you can round up fellow fans.
How else can I follow the action?
If streaming isn’t possible, you can still stay in the loop with live scorecards, text commentary, and highlights:
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) offers updates and behind-the-scenes content via its website and app
BBC Sport provides ball-by-ball commentary and match analysis on its website and app
Found a cricket-friendly venue in Austria? Let us know and we’ll update this guide so other cricket fans can join in.
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