what time does the cricket start

The Ashes 2025: What Time Does the Cricket Start in Australia?

The unmistakable sound of leather on willow, the roar of the Gabba crowd, and the age-old rivalry renewed; the Ashes is back on Australian soil. For cricket fans across the country, the question dominating watercoolers and living rooms isn't just who will win, but crucially: what time does the cricket start?

With the 2025/26 series currently underway, navigating the different time zones and session times across Australia can be a challenge. Whether you are tuning into ABC Grandstand for the classic radio call or streaming the action live, knowing the precise start time is essential to catch the first ball.

This guide provides a verified, up-to-date breakdown of the start times for the ongoing second Test at the Gabba, along with a look at the schedule for the rest of the series.

The Second Test: Gabba Showdown

The current focus of the cricketing world is the second Test of the series, taking place at the famous Gabba in Brisbane. This venue has long been a fortress for the Australian cricket team, and the stakes are incredibly high.

According to live coverage from The Age and The Guardian, the second Test started on Thursday, December 4, 2025. For those asking "what time does the Ashes start today?", the standard start time for a non-Day/Night Test at the Gabba is 10:00 AM local time (AEST).

However, Australia is a large country with multiple time zones. To ensure you don't miss a moment of the action, here is the start time converted for every major Australian capital city:

• Brisbane (AEST): 10:00 AM
• Sydney / Melbourne / Hobart (AEST): 11:00 AM
• Adelaide (ACDT): 11:30 AM
• Perth (AWST): 8:00 AM
• Darwin (ACST): 9:30 AM

If you are wondering about the specific start time for the second Ashes Test, these times are consistent for the first ball of each day's play, barring any weather interruptions.

A Look at the Series Schedule

While the second Test is the main event right now, the Ashes series is a marathon of five grueling matches. Understanding the schedule for the entire series helps fans plan their viewing, especially with the inclusion of a Day-Night Test.

Based on supplementary research from sources like ESPNcricinfo and DAZN, the 2025/26 Ashes schedule is as follows:

1. 1st Test: November 21 - 25, 2025 - Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium), Perth.
2. 2nd Test (Current): December 4 - 8, 2025 - The Gabba, Brisbane.
3. 3rd Test (Day-Night): December 17 - 21, 2025 - Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.
4. 4th Test: December 26 - 30, 2025 - Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne.
5. 5th Test: January 4 - 8, 2026 - Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney.

The Day-Night Factor: A Crucial Time Change

The third Test in Adelaide is the Day-Night encounter, and this significantly changes the start times. Unlike the standard 10:00 AM start, a Day-Night Test typically begins later in the afternoon.

For the Adelaide Test, the first ball is expected to be bowled at 3:00 PM local time (ACDT). This means: * Adelaide: 3:00 PM * Sydney / Melbourne: 3:30 PM * Brisbane: 2:30 PM * Perth: 12:00 PM (Midday)

This later start time is designed to capture a prime-time audience and often brings the pink ball and floodlights into play, creating a unique spectacle.

How to Watch and Listen in Australia

Knowing the time is only half the battle; knowing where to watch is the other. The Ashes is a major broadcasting event in Australia, with coverage available across multiple platforms.

• Free-to-Air TV: Channel 7 holds the broadcast rights for the Ashes in Australia, showing live coverage of all five Tests.
• Radio: For the quintessential Australian cricket experience, ABC Grandstand provides live radio coverage across the country. As highlighted in their recent reports, their "Grandstand at Stumps" podcast and live broadcasts are a favourite for purists.
• Subscription Streaming: For those who prefer streaming, Kayo Sports and Foxtel offer comprehensive live coverage, including multi-cam views and in-depth analysis.

The Cultural Significance of the Start Time

In Australia, the start of an Ashes series is a cultural event that marks the beginning of summer. The specific start time, particularly for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, becomes a fixed point in the national calendar.

The Gabba, as the venue for the current Test, holds a special place in Australian sporting lore. As noted in supplementary reports, England's last victory at the ground was in 1986, making it a formidable challenge for the visiting team. The 10:00 AM AEST start on December 4th wasn't just a time; it was the commencement of another chapter in this historic rivalry.

The fact that fans are actively searching for "what time does the cricket start" demonstrates the deep engagement Australians have with the sport. It’s not just about watching; it’s about being part of the national conversation.

Conclusion: Never Miss a Ball

The Ashes 2025/26 series is proving to be a classic encounter, and staying on top of the start times is key to enjoying every over. For the remainder of the second Test at the Gabba, the action resumes daily at 10:00 AM local time in Brisbane.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Day-Night Test in Adelaide, which begins at 3:00 PM local time, and the iconic Boxing Day Test at the MCG, which traditionally starts at 10:30 AM local time in Melbourne.

By keeping this schedule handy, you can ensure you are glued to the screen or radio from the first delivery to the final stumps, witnessing every moment of what is shaping up to be an unforgettable Ashes series.