what time does the cricket start

The Ultimate Guide to The Ashes 2025/26: Kick-off Times, Schedules, and How to Watch in Australia

The anticipation is palpable. The rivalry is fierce. The Ashes 2025/26 is upon us, and cricket fans across Australia are gearing up for a summer of thrilling Test cricket. Whether you are planning a BBQ around the television or tuning in from the office, the number one question on everyone's mind is simple: What time does the cricket start?

Navigating the schedules for the modern game—featuring day-night fixtures, different start times for each state, and broadcasting nuances—can be confusing. This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for Australian audiences to cut through the noise. We will break down the exact start times for every match, provide venue-specific details, and explain how to stream the action live.

The Big Question: What Time Does the Cricket Start?

For the uninitiated, Test cricket in Australia does not adhere to a single start time. Unlike a standard 7:00 PM footy game, cricket schedules shift based on the state, the format (Day vs. Day/Night), and broadcasting agreements.

Here is the golden rule for the 2025/26 Ashes series: * Standard Day Tests: usually start at 10:30 AM AEDT/AEST. * Day/Night (Pink Ball) Tests: usually start at 2:00 PM AEDT/AEST or 3:00 PM AEDT/AEST (depending on the state).

However, local times vary. If you are in Queensland, you need to know Queensland time. If you are in Perth, you need to account for the time difference.

Let’s look at the verified schedule for the series.

The Ashes 2025/26 Official Schedule and Start Times

Based on the standard cricketing calendar and verified reports regarding the Brisbane Test, here is the breakdown of when the action begins.

1. The First Test: Perth (Optus Stadium)

• Date: November 21 – 25, 2025
• Format: Traditional Day Test
• Start Time: 10:30 AM AWST (Perth Local Time)
• Broadcast Window: 1:30 AM AEDT (Melbourne/Sydney)

Note for East Coast Viewers: This is an early start for those in the eastern states. If you are in Sydney or Melbourne, the first ball will be bowled in the very early hours of the morning.

2. The Second Test: Brisbane (The Gabba) – The D/N Pink Ball Test

This is the fixture that has generated significant buzz. The Gabba returns to hosting a Day/Night Test for the Ashes, a shift from the traditional morning start.

• Date: December 4 – 8, 2025
• Format: Day/Night (Pink Ball)
• Start Time: 4:00 PM AEST (Brisbane Local Time)

Why this time? According to verified reports from the ABC News regarding the Gabba Test, the 4:00 PM start is designed to maximize the "twilight" period where the pink ball is most difficult for batsmen to see. It also ensures a prime-time finish for television audiences.

• Timezone Conversions:
  • Brisbane/Sydney/Melbourne: 4:00 PM
  • Adelaide: 4:30 PM
  • Perth: 1:00 PM
  • Hobart: 4:00 PM

3. The Third Test: Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)

• Date: December 17 – 21, 2025
• Format: Day/Night (Pink Ball)
• Start Time: 3:00 PM ACDT (Adelaide Local Time)
• Timezone Conversion: 3:30 PM AEDT (Sydney/Melbourne)

4. The Fourth Test: Melbourne (MCG)

The Boxing Day Test is an institution. * Date: December 26 – 30, 2025 * Format: Traditional Day Test * Start Time: 10:30 AM AEDT (Melbourne Local Time)

5. The Fifth Test: Sydney (SCG)

• Date: January 4 – 8, 2026
• Format: Traditional Day Test
• Start Time: 10:30 AM AEDT (Sydney Local Time)

How to Watch and Stream The Ashes in Australia

Knowing the start time is only half the battle; you need to know where to find the broadcast. In Australia, cricket broadcasting rights are primarily held by the Seven Network and Fox Cricket.

Free-to-Air (Channel 7 and 7plus)

For the 2025/26 season, the Seven Network holds the rights to broadcast the Ashes. * TV: Channel 7 or 7mate. * Streaming: 7plus is the official free streaming platform. This is the go-to for Australians who do not have a cable subscription. * Coverage: Usually, Channel 7 will pick up the broadcast from Fox Cricket, meaning you still get the high-quality commentary of the Fox team (including the likes of Shane Warne’s legacy commentary team and international experts) for free.

Subscription TV (Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports)

If you want uninterrupted coverage, expert analysis, and no ads during play (except for the Seven broadcast breaks), this is the option. * Fox Cricket (Channel 501): The dedicated home of cricket. * Kayo Sports: The streaming arm of Fox Sports. A popular choice for younger Australians or those watching on tablets and phones. Kayo often offers "SplitView" allowing you to watch two streams at once.

Radio Coverage

If you are driving or working during the start times, ABC Grandstand is the traditional home of radio cricket in Australia. You can listen via the ABC Listen app.

Understanding the "Buzz": Why Start Times Matter

The search volume for "what time does the cricket start" spikes massively during the Ashes. This isn't just about punctuality; it's about a cultural shift in how Australia consumes sport.

The Day/Night Factor

The introduction of the Pink Ball Day/Night Test has revolutionized the start times. The Second Test in Brisbane is a perfect example. By starting at 4:00 PM, the match aligns with the commute home and dinner time. This has increased viewership numbers significantly, as reported in various cricket circles.

The "Travis Head" Factor

As highlighted in recent news updates regarding the Gabba Test, Australian players like Travis Head and Steve Smith are pivotal to the narrative. Fans want to be tuned in at the exact start time to see if Australia can strike early with the pink ball under lights. The drama of the "twilight session" is a major talking point, and missing the start could mean missing the collapse of the English batting lineup.

What to Expect from the Gabba Test (The Second Test)

The second Test at the Gabba is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the series.

The Venue: The Gabba is traditionally considered a fortress for the Australian cricket team. However, the dynamics change under lights. The pink ball swings more, and the drop-in pitch in Brisbane can be unpredictable as the game progresses into the evening.

The Narrative: * England's Approach: After the traditional opener in Perth, England will be looking to adapt quickly to the pink ball. Reports suggest they will be practicing under lights in the days leading up to the match. * Australia's Strategy: The Australian pace attack (likely featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood) will be looking to exploit the twilight session. If you are tuning in at the 4:00 PM start time, expect the ball to move off the seam immediately.

Off-field Drama: The Ashes is never short of drama off the field. Recent news reports have touched on the intense media scrutiny surrounding the series. From player form to off-field controversies (such as the "Grace Hayden" reports mentioned in recent news cycles), the atmosphere is electric. Being tuned in at the start time ensures you are part of the conversation as it happens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the first ball always at the same time?

No. As detailed above, Perth (First Test) starts early morning local time. Brisbane (Second Test) starts late afternoon local time. Melbourne and Sydney (Fourth and Fifth Tests) are traditional morning starts.

2. What happens if it rains?

If rain delays the start of play, the scheduled start time is pushed back. If the rain persists, overs may be lost. However, in Day/Night Tests, there is often a provision to extend the day's play into the evening (subject to light conditions) to make up for lost overs.

3. Can I stream the cricket for free?

Yes. Through the 7plus app and website, Australian residents can stream the cricket for free, provided you have a stable internet