It isn’t the grandstand finale we’d envisaged at the outset, but the 5th Test at Sydney Cricket ground could yet serve up the best of The Ashes 2025/26. Whichever way you spin it, this is a series that never really got going. The 1st Test was over in two days, the 2nd went a shade over three, the 3rd almost went the distance before the 4th gave us another two-dayer.
They’ve won 22 Tests at the SCG – more than they’ve won at the WACA, Gabba and Adelaide Oval combined – making it their happiest hunting ground on Australian soil. That said, the last of those victories came back in 2011, and the tourists have won two of their last 10 at the ground.
Since only one wicket fell to spin in the aforementioned India Test, it seems that that’s that for any shot of a late twist in fortune for the magicians. With Nathan Lyon sidelined by a hamstring injury and Shoaib Bashir out of favour, it would fall on Todd Murphy and Will Jacks to deliver against steep odds.
Read on as we explain how to watch the 5th Ashes Test between Australia and England from anywhere in the world, including free options.
How to watch The Ashes 5th Test 2025/26 for free
Use a VPN to watch any 5th Ashes Test stream
How to watch 5th Ashes Test live streams in the US
In the US, Willow TV will show the 5th Ashes Test between Australia and England.
Don’t have it as part of your cable package? you can watch Willow coverage through your choice of Sling TV’s Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans – starting from $10 per month.
If you’re visiting the US from Oz use NordVPN to watch the free stream of Australia vs England live from Sydney.
How to watch 5th Ashes Test live streams in the UK
In the UK, TNT Sports is broadcasting the 5th Ashes Test, with coverage starting at 11:30pm GMT on Saturday, January 3.
To access TNT Sports, you’ll either need to add it to your TV package, or you can take out a standalone subscription via Discovery+, starting at £30.99 per month.
Outside of the UK? NordVPN will help you gain access to TNT Sports’ Ashes stream while you’re out of the country.
How to watch 5th Ashes Test live streams in India
To watch England vs Australia at the SCG you’ll need Star Sports, or the JioHotstar app to watch on mobile devices. Prices start at Rs. 299 ($3.49) for Hotstar.
Australian resident visiting India? Use NordVPN to access 7Plus’ free stream while away from home.
How to watch 5th Ashes Test live streams in Australia
As explained above, Channel 7 is broadcasting the 5th Ashes Test for free, with live streaming available via its streaming platform 7Plus.
Fox Sports is another option. If you don’t have Foxtel, Fox Sports’ coverage is also live streamed by specialist sports streamer Kayo Sports, with plans starting from $30 a month after you’ve taken advantage of its first month from $1 offer or 7-day free trial.
Those outside of Australia for the 5th Test – get yourself a VPN to stream 7Plus from anywhere in the world.
How to watch 5th Ashes Test live streams in South Africa
Supersport is showing the 5th Ashes Test between Australia and England in South Africa.
You’ll need to get a DStv access package to watch, with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN to point your device back home and you’ll be good to go.
How to watch 5th Ashes Test live streams in New Zealand
Sky Sport NZ is broadcasting the 5th Ashes Test in New Zealand.
You can access Sky Sport through satellite TV or get a live stream with the Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
Those outside of New Zealand for the 5th Test can use NordVPN to gain access to their home streaming service.
5th Ashes Test Q+A
What are the teams for the 5th Ashes test?
Australia team: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland
England team: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue
What time does play start in the 5th Ashes Test?
Play in the 5th Ashes Test at the SCG is scheduled to start at 6:30pm ET (day before) / 11:30pm GMT (day before) / 9:30 am AEST / 10:30am AEDT / 5am IST / 1:30am SAST each day.
Australia vs England at Sydney Cricket Ground
▶︎ Played: 57
🇦🇺 Australia wins: 28
🏴 England wins: 22
❌ Draws: 7
Can I listen to 5th Ashes Test?
Yes. The UK’s iconic Test Match Special will be broadcasting ball-by-ball coverage on Radio 5 Sports Extra. Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell, Glenn McGrath and a host of other top stars will all be giving their opinions.
And if you miss the day’s play, don’t forget to listen to the TMS Podcast afterwards.
To access this you’ll need a BBC account and if you’re out of the UK at any point during the Test match series then make sure to use NordVPN.
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