what time does the ashes start today

The Ashes Today: Your Complete Guide to Start Times, Session Schedules, and How to Watch in Australia

The relentless drama of the Ashes series continues to grip the nation, with the iconic Gabba Test currently underway. For cricket fans across Australia searching for "what time does the Ashes start today," the need for clear, accurate information is paramount. As the battle between Australia and England heats up in Brisbane, understanding the unique schedule of a day-night Test match is crucial to catching every wicket and boundary.

The current narrative unfolding at the Gabba is one of high stakes and intense scrutiny. Following a rain-affected opening day, Australia finds itself in a commanding position, thanks to a heroic century from Alex Carey. However, the tourists are facing a wave of criticism from their own legends back home, creating a pressure-cooker environment for the crucial days ahead.

The Ashes Today: Kick-Off Times and Session Breakdown

With the second Test of the 2025/26 series being a day-night encounter at the Gabba, the start times are different from a traditional Test match. It is essential for viewers to note that play concludes under the floodlights, creating a unique atmosphere.

• Daily Start Time: 2:00 PM AEST (Brisbane Local Time)
• Session 1: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Lunch Break: 4:00 PM - 4:40 PM
• Session 2: 4:40 PM - 6:40 PM
• Tea Break: 6:40 PM - 7:00 PM
• Session 3: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Approx.)

For viewers in other states, the start times are: * Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra/Hobart: 3:00 PM AEDT * Adelaide: 2:30 PM ACDT * Perth: 12:00 PM AWST * Darwin: 12:30 PM ACST

This schedule means the final session is played under lights, often the most challenging time for batsmen and the most exciting for bowlers.

Recent Updates: Day 3 Drama and England's Crisis

The current state of play at the Gabba is a direct result of a dramatic Day 3. Australia, having resumed play at 6-343, saw Alex Carey score a magnificent century before being dismissed for 118. Pat Cummins provided valuable support, and Australia were eventually bowled out for 444, a massive total given the early rain interruptions.

England's reply began disastrously. They slumped to 3-67, with opener Ben Duckett falling for a duck. The situation has prompted a scathing response from English pundits.

As reported by News.com.au, former England captains have turned on the current team, with one commentator describing their performance as "lobotomised." This harsh assessment highlights the growing panic within the English camp. The report notes that the tourists are facing a "damning" set of questions after a "gruesome" day at the Gabba.

Furthermore, analysis from Nine.com.au reveals the depth of the criticism, with legends like Nasser Hussain questioning the team's preparation and mindset. The consensus among English experts is that their team is being out-thought and out-battled.

Contextual Background: The Gabba Fortress and Day-Night History

To understand the significance of the current Test, one must appreciate the history of the venue and the format. The Gabba in Brisbane has long been considered Australia's "fortress." For decades, touring sides have found it almost impossible to win here. England, in particular, has a woeful record at this ground, not having won a Test at the Gabba since 1986. This historical dominance adds immense psychological pressure on the visiting team.

The decision to schedule this as a day-night Test adds another layer of complexity. Day-night Tests, pioneered in Australia in 2015, are designed to improve spectator viewership by shifting play into the evening. However, the "twilight session" – the period just before and after sunset when the pink ball is under floodlights but the conditions are still changing – is notoriously difficult. The pink ball can swing and seam dramatically, making it a graveyard for batsmen and a golden hour for fast bowlers.

Australia has historically been the master of this format, leveraging the unique conditions at venues like the Gabba and Adelaide Oval to overwhelm opponents. This strategic advantage is a key part of the Ashes narrative in the modern era.

Immediate Effects: A Series on the Line

The immediate impact of the current Test is enormous. Australia is aiming to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, which would put them on the fast track to retaining the Ashes. For England, another heavy defeat would not only put them in a 0-2 hole but would also shatter their confidence ahead of the remaining Tests.

The batting collapse on Day 3 has exposed England's fragility against quality pace bowling. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood have been relentless, while the Australian batsmen have shown more application than their counterparts.

The public criticism from their own media and former players is already having an effect. It creates a narrative of a team in crisis, which can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The pressure on England captain Ollie Pope and coach Brendon McCullum is immense. They must find a way to rally their team and salvage pride, if not the match, in the coming days.

How to Watch the Ashes in Australia

For those looking to follow the action, the broadcast details are straightforward. In Australia, the Ashes series is broadcast exclusively on Fox Cricket (Channel 501) and Kayo Sports. This provides comprehensive coverage of every ball, with expert commentary from former players and pundits.

For fans looking for free-to-air options, the daily highlights shows are available on Channel 9 and the 9Now streaming service. This ensures that key moments from each day's play are accessible to all Australians.

Future Outlook: What's Next?

Based on the current trajectory, Australia is in the box seat to win this Test. England's top order has shown vulnerability, and chasing a target of over 400 on a wearing Gabba pitch against a world-class attack is a monumental task. If Australia can secure victory, the momentum will be firmly with them for the rest of the series.

However, cricket is a fickle game. A courageous century from a player like Joe Root or Ben Stokes could change the complexion of the match. The key for England will be to bat long into Day 4 and hope the pitch deteriorates to offer their bowlers some assistance on Day 5.

Strategically, Australia will look to bowl England out quickly and secure a series lead. For England, the goal shifts from winning to survival and building a platform for the next Test. The psychological scars from this match could linger for the remainder of the tour.

The Ashes is more than just a cricket series; it's a cultural event that defines the summer in Australia. The drama at the Gabba is a perfect reminder of why this contest holds such a special place in the hearts of fans on both sides of the Tasman.

Interesting Fact

The Ashes urn is a small terracotta trophy, said to contain the ashes of a cricket bail, that has been contested between Australia and England since 1882. It is one of the most famous and iconic trophies in world sport.

Verified References:

• Grandstand At Stumps: Caught and bowled - Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• ‘Lobotomised’: England greats turn on Poms - News.com.au
• Nasser Hussain's damning questions for England after 'gruesome' Gabba day - Nine