Cricket fans, the first Ashes Test begins this Friday, launching another chapter in one of sport’s most iconic rivalries. Here’s how you can keep up with the ball from Spain.
The Ashes is a famed cricket competition between England and Australia, which dates all the way back to 1882. It all started when England lost a Test match to Australia for the first time.
The loss, prompted a British newspaper to write a mock obituary declaring that English cricket had died and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia”.
Later that year, England headed to Australia to reclaim those ashes. A few decades later, they were symbolised by a small urn rumoured to contain the ashes of a bail from the stumps, and the competition has continued ever since.
The two teams now battled it out roughly every two years to bring “the Ashes” back home.
When is the 2025/26 Ashes?
This year’s edition is going to be particularly interesting as Australia are the current holders, and England are determined to reclaim the urn in a five-match series played at some of Australia’s most iconic grounds.
As the matches are all being played Down Under, it could mean some very unsociable times for viewers in Spain.
The first Test starts on Friday, November 21st, with each Test lasting up to five days. Due to the time difference, most matches will begin at night or in the very early hours of the morning in Spain.
Two of the best games for viewers in Spain are those held in Melbourne (December 26th–30th) and in Sydney (January 4th–8th), which start at half past midnight.
Here’s the schedule:
- First Test: Perth, November 21st–25th (starts 3.30 am Spanish time)
- Second Test: Brisbane, December 4th–8th (starts 5.30 am Spanish time)
- Third Test: Adelaide, December 17th–21st (starts 1 am Spanish time)
- Fourth Test: Melbourne, December 26th–30th (starts half past midnight Spanish time)
- Fifth Test: Sydney, January 4th–8th (starts at half past midnight Spanish time)
Each Test can last up to five days, but they sometimes finish sooner depending on the match.
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Can I watch the Ashes on TV in Spain?
As cricket is not hugely popular in Spain, the matches won’t be screened on normal TV and it’s unlikely they’ll be on specialist sports channels here either. Having said that there some local amateur and semi-professional leagues here, so it’s gaining in popularity.
To watch the games, your best option is to stream via a foreign sports service using a VPN, so that you’re able to virtually change your location on your device. You may need to shell out for a subscription to a foreign sports service though as well as paying for a VPN.
It’s worth nothing that some foreign services will actively try and block any VPN users, so it’s worth considering the risk and doing your research before you pay.
Here are some of the foreign channels that will be showing it.
- TNT Sports in the UK (streamed via Discovery+, subscription required)
- 7Plus in Australia (free-to-air, but geo-restricted)
- Foxtel or Kayo Sports in Australia (subscription-based)
- YuppTV (subscription-based as well as some content for free with ads.
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Is it legal to use a VPN in Spain?
Yes, using a VPN is completely legal in Spain. You should be aware, however, it maky breach the terms of service of the streaming platform you’re accessing, so it’s best to check first.
Can I watch it in a pub or bar?
The early starts for many games matches that few bars or pubs will be open and showing them, but you could try contacting your local sports bar, English pub or Irish bar to ask if they’d be willing to show part of the matches taking place within standard opening hours.
How else can I follow the action?
If you’re unable to access a live stream or find a bar showing the matches, there are still ways to keep up with the games. The England Cricket Board (ECB) website and app offer live scorecards, highlights and behind-the-scenes content, or you can follow written ball-by-ball commentary and highlights on the BBC Sport website and app.
If you know of anywhere in Spain that is screening the Ashes, please share in the comments section below and we’ll update the article.
