what time does the cricket start

The Ashes 2025: What Time Does the Cricket Start? Your Ultimate Guide to the Gabba Test

The question on every cricket fan's mind across the country is simple: what time does the cricket start? With the Ashes series currently gripping the nation, the schedule has become a trending topic, driven by the specific demands of the Day/Night format at the Gabba.

As Australia fights to assert its dominance over a struggling England side in the Second Test in Brisbane, understanding the match timings is crucial for fans wanting to catch every boundary, wicket, and dramatic moment. This guide breaks down the schedule, the context of the series, and where the match stands right now.

The Current Situation: Australia Seizes Control

The Second Test of the Ashes series is currently underway at the Gabba in Brisbane, and it has been a rollercoaster of emotions for fans. According to verified reports from cricket.com.au and the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Australia has surged into a commanding position, largely thanks to a frenetic second day where England’s fielding woes came to the fore.

England dropped five crucial catches, allowing the Australian batting lineup to recover and build a substantial total. This "familiar tale of English woe," as described by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), has set the tone for the match. Australia managed to claim a precious lead, putting them in the driver's seat as the Test progresses.

For Australian fans, this resurgence is a source of national delight. However, to fully appreciate the tactical battle—including England's wayward bowling and Australia's fierce batting—knowing the exact start times is vital.

The Official Schedule: When Does the Action Begin?

To answer the burning question of what time the cricket starts, we must look at the specific format of this Test. The Second Test at the Gabba is a Day/Night match, utilizing the pink ball under lights. This format dictates a slightly later start time compared to traditional red-ball cricket.

While the specific start time for the remaining days is dependent on the current state of play, the standard schedule for the Ashes Day/Night Test at the Gabba is as follows:

• Local Time (Brisbane): 2:00 PM AEST
• Eastern Standard Time (Sydney/Melbourne): 3:00 PM AEST
• Australian Western Standard Time (Perth): 1:00 PM AWST

It is important to note that on a "Super Saturday" or during weekends, broadcast coverage often begins earlier with build-up shows, but the actual play commences at the times listed above.

Contextual Background: The Gabba Fortress and The Pink Ball

To understand the significance of the timings, one must appreciate the unique environment of the Gabba. Historically, the Gabba has been a "fortress" for the Australian cricket team, having gone decades without a Test match loss at the venue. However, the introduction of the Day/Night format has added a new layer of unpredictability.

The pink ball behaves differently than the red Kookaburra. It swings more under lights and can keep a bit lower during the evening session. This makes the "twilight session"—the period roughly between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM local time—the most dangerous for batters and the most exciting for bowlers.

The current series reflects a broader trend in cricket politics and scheduling. Hosting England in a Day/Night Test in Brisbane is a strategic move by Cricket Australia. It leverages the unique conditions of the venue to unsettle the visiting English side, who have historically struggled in Australian conditions.

The "Marnus" Factor and Batting Resilience

One of the most interesting pieces of information coming out of the verified reports is the mention of "frenetic" batting. This likely refers to the approach of Australian players like Marnus Labuschagne or Steve Smith, who have adapted their games to the pink ball. Unlike the patient accumulation of runs often seen in traditional Tests, the Day/Night format often encourages a more aggressive tempo to maximize the use of the better batting conditions during the day before the ball starts hooping around under lights.

Immediate Effects: The Impact on the Series and Fans

The current trajectory of the match has immediate implications. By capitalizing on England's dropped catches, Australia has demoralized the opposition. Reports from the ABC highlight that England's fielding errors are part of a "familiar tale," suggesting a psychological edge for the Australians.

For fans, the Day/Night timing is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows working Australians to attend the match after school or work, or to watch the crucial evening sessions on TV. On the other hand, the late finish—often pushing past 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM local time—can be exhausting for those trying to stay up to watch the conclusion of a thrilling day's play.

The economic and social ripple effects are also visible. Pubs and bars across the eastern states are packed during the 3:00 PM start time, creating a communal viewing experience that drives significant hospitality revenue. The trending nature of "what time does the cricket start" on search engines reflects this collective desire to sync social calendars with the match schedule.

Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead?

Based on the reports from cricket.com.au and the AFR, the outlook for the series is heavily tilted in Australia's favor. If Australia maintains this lead and goes on to win the Second Test, it will be incredibly difficult for England to claw their way back into the five-match series.

However, the pink ball remains a variable. If England can restrict Australia's lead in the remaining innings, the match could swing back. The "future outlook" for the remainder of this Test will hinge on:

1. The Fourth Innings Chase: How the pink ball behaves under lights on days four and five will determine the difficulty of any run chase.
2. England's Mental State: Can they recover from the "fumbling" performance mentioned in the AFR reports?
3. Weather: Brisbane weather can be humid and stormy, which aids swing bowling.

The Broader Ashes Narrative

This match is more than just a single game; it is a continuation of the fierce rivalry that defines cricket in the Southern Hemisphere. The "English woe" mentioned by the ABC is not just about this specific match but reflects the struggle of English cricket to conquer Australian soil, a feat they have rarely achieved in recent decades.

Conclusion

So, what time does the cricket start? For the remainder of the Second Test at the Gabba, you need to tune in at 2:00 PM local Brisbane time (or 3:00 PM AEST for those in the eastern states).

But the time is just the beginning. With Australia surging into the lead and England reeling from dropped catches and wayward bowling, the current Ashes series is proving to be a classic tale of Australian dominance meeting English frustration. Whether you are watching from the Gabba or from a living room in Perth, the timing is perfect for an afternoon and evening of high-stakes cricket.

Stay tuned to the verified updates from Cricket Australia and the ABC for the latest developments, as the drama of the Ashes continues to unfold.