Few rivalries carry the weight of history like England vs Australia, from the Ashes cricket to rugby league. This guide covers the 2025‑26 clashes: Test match dates, TV channels, and kick‑off times for both codes.
Ashes Tests: 5 ·
Rugby League Ashes Tests: 3 ·
First Ashes Test: 21 Nov 2025 ·
Rugby League Kick-off: 2:30pm GMT
Quick snapshot
- Ashes 2025‑26 runs from 21 Nov 2025 to 8 Jan 2026 in Australia (England and Wales Cricket Board (official fixture announcement))
- Rugby League Ashes consists of three Tests on 25 Oct, 1 Nov and 8 Nov 2025 (Rugby Football League (official series guide))
- Rugby League Ashes are broadcast live on BBC TV (Rugby Football League (official series guide))
- Exact start times for each Ashes Test day (not yet announced)
- Whether a separate England vs Australia football match will be played in 2025
- Specific broadcast details for the Rugby League Ashes beyond BBC
- Rugby League Ashes: 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov 2025 (Rugby Football League)
- Ashes cricket: 21 Nov 2025 – 8 Jan 2026 (England and Wales Cricket Board)
- Boxing Day Test: 26‑30 Dec 2025 at MCG (England and Wales Cricket Board)
- England’s men aim to win the Ashes away for the first time in 15 years (Sky Sports (sports broadcaster))
- Rugby League Ashes return for first time since 2003 (Rugby Football League)
- Five Ashes Tests rotated across five Australian venues (Sky Sports (sports broadcaster))
Five venues, five Tests, one epic summer: here are the key facts for the England vs Australia clashes across both codes.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Ashes first Test date | 21 November 2025 (ECB) |
| Ashes first Test venue | Perth Stadium (ECB) |
| Ashes second Test (day‑night) | Gabba, 4‑8 Dec 2025 (ECB) |
| Ashes third Test | Adelaide Oval, 17‑21 Dec 2025 (ECB) |
| Ashes fourth Test (Boxing Day) | MCG, 26‑30 Dec 2025 (ECB) |
| Ashes fifth Test | SCG, 4‑8 Jan 2026 (ECB) |
| Rugby League Ashes first Test | Wembley, 25 Oct 2025 (RFL) |
| Rugby League Ashes second Test | Hill Dickinson Stadium, 1 Nov 2025 (RFL) |
| Rugby League Ashes third Test | Headingley, 8 Nov 2025 (RFL) |
| Rugby League Ashes kick‑off | 2:30pm GMT (RFL) |
| Rugby League Ashes broadcaster | BBC TV (RFL) |
Is the England v Australia on TV?
Which channels broadcast England vs Australia matches?
Coverage depends on the sport. The Ashes cricket series will be broadcast by Sky Sports in the UK, a pay‑TV channel that holds long‑term rights to England’s overseas Test matches (Sky Sports (sports broadcaster)). For the Rugby League Ashes, all three Tests will be shown live on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer, providing free‑to‑air access (RFL).
Is the Ashes on BBC TV?
The rugby league version is – the BBC is the exclusive home of the Rugby League Ashes 2025 (RFL). For the cricket Ashes, BBC does not hold television rights; the matches are on Sky Sports. BBC Radio does provide ball‑by‑ball commentary, though that service is not confirmed for this specific series at the time of writing.
What time does Ashes coverage start on TNT?
This question likely conflates different sports. TNT Sports broadcasts Premiership Rugby and some rugby union internationals, but it is not the broadcaster for the Ashes cricket series or the Rugby League Ashes. For cricket Ashes coverage, Sky Sports is the go‑to channel.
The split means supporters of both codes need to plan their viewing – and subscriptions – ahead of the packed schedule.
When is the fourth test and what are the session times?
What is the start date of the fourth Ashes test?
The fourth Test of the 2025‑26 Ashes series is the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, running from 26 to 30 December 2025 (ECB).
What are the session times for a day of Ashes cricket?
While exact session times for each Test are announced closer to the match, typical Ashes days in Australia follow a standard pattern: play begins at 11:00 AM local time, with sessions from 11:00–1:00, 1:40–3:40, and 4:00–6:00. However, day‑night Tests (like the second Test at the Gabba) start later, usually at 2:30 PM local time (ECB).
England’s tourists will face the unique challenge of adjusting to different start times across the series, especially the pink‑ball Test under lights.
Those variations can affect viewer habits – particularly for UK fans waking to early‑morning sessions.
Why is England rugby on TNT?
What is the TNT Sports deal with Premiership Rugby?
TNT Sports acquired the rights to broadcast Premiership Rugby in a long‑term deal starting in 2024 (source not directly available – this is context from content plan without verified URL). However, this article focuses on England vs Australia internationals, which – for rugby league – are on BBC.
Does TNT broadcast England rugby internationals?
Some England rugby union internationals, such as the Quilter Nations Series, have been shown on TNT in the past. For the 2025 autumn match against Australia, the broadcast partner remains unconfirmed. Fans should check official announcements closer to the match date.
Where is the 5th Ashes Test match?
Which venues host Ashes tests?
The fifth Test of the 2025‑26 Ashes series is scheduled at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from 4 to 8 January 2026 (ECB). The SCG has a capacity of approximately 48,000 and is one of cricket’s most iconic grounds. The five Ashes Tests rotate between Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.
What is the capacity of the venue?
The Sydney Cricket Ground has a seating capacity of around 48,000. It will host the traditional New Year’s Test, the final match of the series.
Is Ashes on BBC TV?
What BBC channels show the Ashes?
BBC TV will broadcast the Rugby League Ashes 2025 live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer (RFL). For the cricket Ashes, BBC does not hold TV rights; those are with Sky Sports.
Is there free‑to‑air coverage of the Ashes?
The Rugby League Ashes are completely free‑to‑air on BBC. Cricket fans without a Sky subscription will need to rely on highlights or radio coverage – although no free‑to‑air cricket TV option is confirmed for this series.
For viewers who value both, this means two different viewing habits depending on the code.
Timeline: Key England vs Australia dates
- 25 October 2025 – Rugby League Ashes first Test, Wembley (RFL)
- 1 November 2025 – Rugby League Ashes second Test, Hill Dickinson Stadium (RFL)
- 8 November 2025 – Rugby League Ashes third Test, Headingley (RFL)
- 21 November 2025 – Ashes first Test, Perth (ECB)
- 4 December 2025 – Ashes second Test (day‑night), Gabba (ECB)
- 17 December 2025 – Ashes third Test, Adelaide (ECB)
- 26 December 2025 – Ashes fourth Test (Boxing Day), MCG (ECB)
- 4 January 2026 – Ashes fifth Test, SCG (ECB)
The packed schedule means England’s athletes will be in action across two hemispheres within weeks. Fans of both codes should plan their diaries carefully.
The overlapping fixtures demand strategic attention – especially for those wanting to follow both series live.
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Ashes 2025‑26 schedule announced by ECB (ECB)
- Rugby League Ashes schedule and BBC coverage confirmed (RFL)
- Sky Sports covering Ashes cricket (Sky Sports)
What’s unclear
- Exact start times for each Ashes Test day (TBC)
- Whether a separate England vs Australia football match will be played in 2025
- Specific broadcast details for rugby union international
Quotes from the key players
“The 2025‑26 Men’s Ashes series will be a huge occasion for cricket fans, with five Tests across five iconic Australian venues.”
– England and Wales Cricket Board (official statement)
“The Rugby League Ashes 2025 will be shown live on BBC TV, giving millions of fans free access to this historic series.”
– Rugby Football League (series guide)
Summary: What it means for fans
The England vs Australia rivalry in 2025‑26 offers a rare double‑header of elite sport: cricket’s Ashes and rugby league’s Ashes. With Sky Sports covering the cricket and BBC providing free‑to‑air coverage of the rugby league, fans have clear options. For the dedicated supporter planning to follow both, the key is knowing which channel to turn to on each day. For fans in the UK, the choice is straightforward: subscribe to Sky for the cricket, or mark the rugby league dates for BBC. Missing either would mean missing a slice of sporting history.
For those specifically interested in the oval-ball contests, our rugby coverage details breaks down the union and league fixtures separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ashes on free‑to‑air TV?
The Rugby League Ashes are on BBC (free‑to‑air). The cricket Ashes are on Sky Sports (subscription).
How can I watch England vs Australia rugby league?
All three Tests are live on BBC TV and iPlayer. Kick‑off is 2:30pm GMT.
Are there any England vs Australia football matches scheduled?
As of now, no official England vs Australia football match is confirmed for 2025.
What is the history of the Ashes?
The Ashes originated in 1882 after Australia defeated England at The Oval. The term “Ashes” was coined by a British journalist.
How long does a test match last?
A Test match is scheduled for up to five days, with play each day.
What time zone are the Ashes played in?
The 2025‑26 Ashes are played in Australian time zones (AWST, ACDT, AEDT). UK viewers will need to adjust for time differences.
Can I stream England vs Australia matches online?
Yes: Sky Go for cricket Ashes; BBC iPlayer for rugby league Ashes.
When is the Boxing Day Test?
The fourth Ashes Test is the Boxing Day Test, 26‑30 December 2025 at the MCG.
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Liam O'Brien covers Australian politics and public affairs for Australian News Desk.