The Ashes are a series of test cricket matches played between England and Australia. It's held once a year in either England or Australia. The first match occurred in 1877 and is still played today. This 5 game series is a best of series, although all matches are played. It's one of the most popular cricket trophy's on the global stage.
Watch the Ashes 2023
Wondering where to watch the ashes live or on demand today? Every test match is being shown on various platforms around the world including Sky Sports in New Zealand, 9Now in Australia and the iPlayer in the UK. Use a VPN to access free coverage from around the world by changing your IP address. It's on free to air channels in Australia. Full details on how to watch the ashes are below, including recommendations on how to watch for free.
Dates: Friday June 16th - Monday 31st July 2023
Free live stream: 9Now (Australia)
What is the Ashes?
Test cricket is a form of the sport with the lengthiest duration, and widely acknowledged to be the highest level of the game.
Only teams formally granted ‘test status’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC) participate in official series, which can last upwards of five days.
The first match of The Ashes occurred in 1877, in Melbourne, Australia. However, it was not until 1882 that the ‘Ashes legend’ began.
The 1882 match was particularly memorable, marked by a spectacular comeback by the Australians, in particular by the magnificence of bowler W.G. Grace, who allowed the English team only 2 runs in 4 wickets, leaving them 8 runs from what looked to be a certain victory.
The most prominent physical symbol of the series is the ‘Ashes urn’, which was given as a personal gift to the captain of the English team Ivo Bligh after their victory in a friendly game at Rupertswood mansion in Sunsbury.
It is believed that the urn, standing 11cm in height and made of terracotta, contained the remains of a burnt cricket ball.
This urn is the symbol most strongly associated with the Ashes series, and while it has spent most of its time in England, is to spend three months at the State Library of Victoria, from December 2019 to February 2020.
Throughout the course of the series, in terms of test results, Australia has had 134 wins to Englands’ 106, with 90 draws. As such, Australia has held the Ashes for roughly 79 years to Englands’ 56.
However, results between the two teams in the context of the entire series have been much closer, with Australia barely edging out England’s 32 wins to their own 33, with 5 draws between them. Draws between the teams result in the Ashes remaining at their previous location.
The host country of the Ashes series alternate between the two nations each series.
In Australia, the venues used are the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Gabba in Brisbane, Adelaide Oval and the Sydney Cricket Ground. As per tradition, Sydney hosts the New Years Test, whereas Melbourne hosts the Boxing Day Test.
In England, the venues used are far more multitudinous and too long to list here, but notably, Old Trafford in Manchester, The Oval in Kensington and South London.
The quality of both teams throughout the lifetime of the series is a primary reason as to why the series is so popular, leading to the term ‘Ashes’ colloquially referring to other sporting contents between England and Australia, such as football and cricket.
Additionally, references to the Ashes can be found in numerous films and television shows, such as the 1953 film The Final Test.
The Ashes continues to grow and develop in popularity, as the sport of cricket for both Australia and England maintain their world class quality, drawing in viewers not only from these countries, but cricket fans worldwide.
How To Watch The Ashes Live NZ
There are many TV channels showing the games worldwide including:
- New Zealand: Sky Sports, Sky Go, Sky Sport Now (Paid)
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports (Paid), Channel 5 (Highlights)
- Australia: Foxtel (Highlights), 9Now (Free Stream)
- USA: NBC Sports Gold (Paid).
Which Country Streams The Ashes Free?
According to our research, 9Now in Australia offers live coverage including mini games, replays of full games and other coverage free on their website to Australian Internet users. Anyone with an Australian VPN can also watch.
9Now streams all matches live for free to Australian internet users.
How To Watch The Ashes In Australia For Free
The tournament is on free-to-air platform 9Now in Australia. With the help of a full service VPN provider such as PureVPN you can get an Australian IP address, allowing you to watch coverage on their website.
- Signup for an account on PureVPN
- Download app for your device
- Connect to Australian server, i.e. Melbourne or Sydney
- Signup on 9now and start watching the ashes.
How To Use A VPN To Watch The Ashes Live
Step 1: Get A VPN Provider
To watch The Ashes live or on demand in New Zealand you can use 9Now Australia though you’ll need to use the best VPN provider to pretend you’re in Australia
9 Now allows you to watch for free, you just need to create an account.
They have an app in the Play/iOS store, or you can manually download the .APK file for Android.
There are many different VPN providers out there on the web, from our experience the cheapest and most affordable option is PureVPN.
You’ll be able to buy a VPN using your New Zealand credit card/Paypal.
Step 2: Download & Install VPN Application
You’ll need to decide how you plan on accessing 9Now. You could use your smart TV, Apple TV or just a computer web browser.
You’ll need to download the PureVPN Application to your device first, then their app or visit their website and create a free account on Channel 9.
Login with the details you were provided via email during signup.
Step 3: Choose Australian Server
You’ll now need to connect through to a AU based server. If you’re given an option of which city then I’d choose Melbourne or Sydney.
You’ll be advised by the VPN app once your IP has changed and you’re routing your connection via Australia.
You’ll now be able to go to the Channel 9 website/app and create a free account.
It’s 100% free to create an account. When asked for a postcode enter a random Melbourne one.
Step 4: Start Watching The Ashes Live
Search for the tournament on the website search box, although it’s likely going to be on the homepage.
You’ll now be able to play any of the on demand content available.
Keep your account and watch across all 5 test matches this summer.
Ashes 2023 schedule: dates and times
1st Test: June 16-20 一 Edgbaston, Birmingham 一 11am BST / 10pm NZT
2nd Test: June 28-July 2 一 Lord's, London 一 11am BST / 10pm NZT
3rd Test: July 6-10 一 Headingley, Leeds 一 11am BST / 10pm NZT
4th Test: July 19-23 一 Old Trafford, Manchester 一 11am BST / 10pm NZT
5th Test: July 27-31 一 The Oval, London 一 11am BST / 10pm NZT.
