What time does the Ashes start in the UK and how can I watch it on TV and online?

Everything you need to know to watch the Ashes as England head Down Under to take on Australia

England begin their tall order of trying to win back the Ashes in Australia in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The tourists, who have endured a disrupted build up to the first Test, have lost seven of the last eight Ashes series in Australia, having not won Down Under for a decade. They have not won a Test in Australia since and the last two trips have been whitewashes for the hosts, who are the holders following the thrilling series draw in 2019.

Captain Joe Root will look to take his sensational batting form of 2021 into the Ashes, where he has so far been unable to record a century on Australian soil, while the return of 2019 hero Ben Stokes is a boost to the visitors.

Here’s everything you need to know.

How to watch the Ashes

In the UK, BT Sport will be showing every ball of the Ashes with coverage of the first Test beginning at 11pm on Tuesday 7 December. Coverage starts at 11.30pm on the following nights.

BT Sport subscribers will be able to watch the action live on TV, while the Ashes will also be streamed live on the BT Sport app and online.

Fans can also buy a BT Sport monthly pass to get 30 days of live action contract free.

What are the session times?

The first Test begins at midnight in the UK, and each day’s play is scheduled at that time.

Morning session: 12am GMT.

Afternoon session: 2.40am GMT.

Evening session: 5am GMT.

What is the schedule?

• 1st Test: Dec 8-12 (Brisbane)
• 2nd Test: Dec 16-20 (Adelaide, D/N)
• 3rd Test: Dec 26-30 (Melbourne)
• 4th Test: Jan 5-9 (Sydney)
• 5th Test: Jan 14-18 (TBC)

What has England captain Joe Root said?

“Of course it will define my captaincy, I’m not naive enough to think it won’t.

“If you look how hard it’s been for English captains and English teams (to win in Australia) over the years, it has been something which doesn’t happen very often.

“But what a great opportunity. I’m very excited about it and can’t wait for the series to get going.”

Odds

Australia: 11/12

England: 9/2

Draw: 8/1

Find the latest Ashes odds on Betfair