What TV channel is the Ashes on and how can I watch it online?

Everything you need to know to watch the Ashes as England head Down Under to take on Australia

Sports Staff
Tuesday 07 December 2021 22:20 GMT
Comments
'Really good to see Ben back in the frame' - Root on Stokes return and first Ashes Test

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England will look to reverse their poor recent record in Australia when the Ashes gets underway in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Australia have won seven of the last eight Ashes series held Down Under, with England’s last win away from home coming in 10 years ago in 2010/11.

England have not won a Test in Australia since and the last two trips have been whitewashes for the hosts, who are the holders following the thrilling series draw in 2019.

Captain Joe Root will look to take his sensational batting form of 2021 into the Ashes, where he has so far been unable to record a century on Australian soil, while the return of 2019 hero Ben Stokes is a boost to the visitors.

Here’s everything you need to know.

How to watch the Ashes

In the UK, BT Sport will be showing every ball of the Ashes with coverage of the first Test beginning at 11pm on Tuesday 7 December.

BT Sport subscribers will be able to watch the action live on TV, while the Ashes will also be streamed live on the BT Sport app and online.

Fans can also buy a BT Sport monthly pass to get 30 days of live action contract free.

What is the schedule?

  • 1st Test: Dec 8-12 (Brisbane)
  • 2nd Test: Dec 16-20 (Adelaide, D/N)
  • 3rd Test: Dec 26-30 (Melbourne)
  • 4th Test: Jan 5-9 (Sydney)
  • 5th Test: Jan 14-18 (TBC)

What has England captain Joe Root said?

“Of course it will define my captaincy, I’m not naive enough to think it won’t.

“If you look how hard it’s been for English captains and English teams (to win in Australia) over the years, it has been something which doesn’t happen very often.

“But what a great opportunity. I’m very excited about it and can’t wait for the series to get going.”

Odds

Australia: 11/12

England: 9/2

Draw: 8/1

Find the latest Ashes odds on Betfair

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in