what time does the ashes start today
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The Ashes Today: Your Complete Guide to Start Times, Live Action, and What You Need to Know
For cricket fans across Australia, there is few things that get the blood pumping quite like the sound of leather on willow during an Ashes series. It is a rivalry that transcends sport, steeped in history and fierce national pride. Whether you are planning a barbecue, settling in at the pub, or streaming from the office, the first question on everyone's mind is simple: What time does the Ashes start today?
While the current series is a figment of our sporting imagination right now, the hunger for live cricket remains. The landscape of the 2025/26 winter sports calendar is currently dominated by the NRL and AFL, but the cricket world continues to buzz with news of contracts, retirements, and future tours.
This article serves as your definitive guide to understanding the Ashes schedule, the latest news from the England and Australia camps, and the crucial context surrounding the next chapter of this historic rivalry. We will break down the verified reports, look at the implications of recent developments, and answer the burning questions about when the next ball will be bowled.
The Current State of Play: Is There an Ashes Test Today?
If you are searching for live scores and start times, you might be disappointed to learn that there is no Ashes Test match taking place today.
The last Ashes series concluded in early 2026, and the next major tour is still in the planning stages. However, the cricket world never truly sleeps. The "buzz" around the topic suggests that fans are eagerly anticipating the next clash.
Based on the verified news reports available, the focus has shifted from immediate on-field action to the future of the sport's biggest stars and the tactical dissection of past performances. Let’s look at the facts.
Latest Updates: Root’s Long-Term Vision and Lessons from Sydney
The most compelling recent news comes from the BBC, regarding the future of England's modern-day great, Joe Root.
Joe Root Targets 2029-30 Ashes
In a fascinating development, veteran batter Joe Root has publicly stated his ambition to play for England in the 2029-30 Ashes series down under.
- The Reality: Root, currently in his mid-30s, is defying the conventional aging curve of a cricketer. To be competitive in five years' time would require immense physical maintenance and sustained form.
- The Implication: This is a massive signal of intent. Root is not just looking to extend his career; he is targeting a specific redemption arc. The 2025/26 series in Australia was a physical and mental grind for all players. For Root to look ahead to another tour down under suggests he believes the team is building something that can conquer Australian conditions.
"It shows the hunger that still burns within the elite players," noted a cricket analyst. "Root isn't just playing for today; he's playing for legacy."
Analyzing the Sydney Collapse
While Root looks forward, the BBC also provided a retrospective look at how England's bowling attack "unravelled" during the fifth Test in Sydney.
The report, analyzing the 2/10 collapse, highlights the fragility that can occur under pressure in Australian conditions. This is crucial context for Australian fans. It reinforces the dominance of the home side during the last series and underscores the specific challenges English bowlers face at the SCG.
Contextual Background: The Endless Cycle of the Ashes
To understand why fans are asking "what time does it start today" even in the off-season, we must look at the cultural weight of the Ashes.
A Rivalry Like No Other
The Ashes is the oldest Test cricket contest, dating back to 1882. For Australian sporting culture, it is a winter ritual. It coincides with the end of the AFL and NRL regular seasons, filling the void with high-stakes international drama.
The Logistics of the Tour
The Ashes generally alternates between Australia and the United Kingdom. The series in Australia usually takes place between November and January (the Australian summer). The series in England takes place in June, July, and August.
Why does this matter? If you are asking about start times in the middle of the year (outside Nov-Jan), you are likely looking for: 1. T20 Blast or The Hundred action in the UK. 2. Speculation about the next Australian tour. 3. Re-runs or highlights of classic matches.
Immediate Effects: The Build-Up to the Next Series
Even though there is no match today, the actions of players and boards now have immediate effects on the future of the game.
The Player Market
Joe Root's comments about playing in 2029 highlight a significant trend: player longevity. Modern sports science is allowing batsmen to play longer. This affects:
- Selection Policies: Young Australian batsmen looking to break into the Test team have to wait longer for spots to open up.
- Fan Engagement: Star power drives ticket sales. Knowing a player like Root might be in the lineup for the next tour boosts interest in future ticket releases.
Strategic Adjustments
The analysis of the Sydney bowling collapse serves as an immediate tactical guide. For Australian bowlers, it reinforces the strategy of patience and pressure. For England, it is a blueprint of what to avoid. This kind of analysis shapes training camps and selection choices long before the first Test begins.
The "What Time Does It Start?" Guide for Future Series
While we cannot give you a start time for today, we can help you prepare for the future. When the next Ashes series does arrive in Australia, here is how the schedule typically works:
- The Day/Night Test (Adelaide): Usually starts at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM local time.
- Traditional Day Tests (Perth, MCG, SCG): Usually start at 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM local time.
- Brisbane (The Gabba): Often an early start, usually 10:00 AM or 10:30 AM.
Note: These times are based on historical scheduling patterns for Australian summer cricket.
Future Outlook: What to Watch For
Based on the verified reports and the current cricketing landscape, here is what lies ahead for the Ashes and Australian cricket fans.
1. The 2029-30 Horizon
Joe Root targeting the 2029-30 series is the headline. If he is still playing, he will be 38 years old. This sets up a potential "Last Dance" narrative similar to what we see in other sports. Can the veteran Englishman finally conquer Australia one last time? Or will a new generation of Australian quicks (perhaps a successor to Pat Cummins or Mitchell Starc) send him into retirement?
2. The Evolution of the Schedule
There is constant chatter in the cricket world about the "Future of Cricket" and balancing formats. The Ashes is the crown jewel, but the scheduling of other leagues (like The Hundred or potential new T20 tournaments) could impact player availability. Fans need to stay updated on the official calendars released by Cricket Australia and the ECB.
3. The Cultural Shift
The article regarding the Sydney collapse highlights a shift in media analysis. We are seeing a more forensic, data-driven approach to cricket commentary. For the average fan, this means the game is more accessible and understandable than ever before. It also means the pressure on players to perform is higher, as every mistake is dissected in high-definition slow motion.
Conclusion: Patience is a Virtue
So, what time does the Ashes start today? The answer is that the silence of the off-season is currently louder than the roar of the crowd. However, the foundations for the next clash are being laid right now.
The news of Joe Root's ambition to play in 2029 serves as a reminder that the Ashes is a long game, both on and off the field. It is a narrative that spans decades, fueled by individual grit and collective passion.
For now, Australian fans can enjoy the winter sports or look back at the dominance of the home side in the last series. But keep your eyes peeled. When the schedule is finally released, and the countdown to the first ball begins, the start times will once again dominate the conversation.
Until then, the spirit of the Ashes lives on in the speculation, the analysis, and the enduring hope of the next great battle.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on verified news reports from the BBC and The Guardian as of early 2026. Schedules for future series are subject to change by Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).