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Peter Maniaty
It’s been one-way traffic in the first three Tests of the 2025-26 Ashes Series with the Australians holding an unassailable 3-0 over England heading into the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
While the chance to reclaim the Ashes may already be gone there’s still plenty of motivation for an England squad that, in many instances, are playing for their Test futures.
On the biggest day on the Australian cricketing calendar, the MCG will be packed, the Barmy Army will be in full voice and the Santa hats will be everywhere you look. Who will emerge victorious?
WATCH: Australia vs. England Ashes Test Series LIVE on Kayo
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, including how to watch the match and start times.
The Fourth 2025-26 Ashes Test between Australia and England takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from Friday December 26 to Tuesday December 30.
The first ball will be bowled at 10:30 a.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across Australia.
Date
First Ball
Australian Eastern Daylight Time
Fri, Dec. 26
10:30 a.m.
Australian Eastern Standard Time
Fri, Dec. 26
9:30 a.m.
Australian Central Daylight Time
Fri, Dec. 26
10:00 a.m.
Australian Western Standard Time
Fri, Dec. 26
7:30 a.m.
The 2025-26 Ashes series is available for live TV broadcast on Fox Cricket and Channel 7 in Australia. Streaming options are available on Foxtel, 7plus and Kayo Sports.
New users of Kayo can currently sign up for a FREE trial. This dedicated streaming service offers affordable, contract-free plans starting at just $25 per month. Plus, it’s a paradise for sports fans, streaming plenty of live action, including cricket, AFL, F1, and much more.
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The 2025-26 Ashes Test series is a part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Here is the full schedule for the five-match series:
Fixture
Date
Venue
Result
AUS vs ENG 1st Test
Nov 21-25
Perth Stadium
Australia won by 8 wickets
AUS vs ENG 2nd Test (D/N)
Dec 4-8
The Gabba, Brisbane
Australia won by 8 wickets
AUS vs ENG 3rd Test
Dec 17-21
Adelaide Oval
Australia won by 82 runs
AUS vs ENG 4th Test
Dec 26-30
Melbourne Cricket Ground
AUS vs ENG 5th Test
Jan 4-8
Sydney Cricket Ground
Peter Maniaty is a contributing Wires Writer at The Sporting News based in Sydney, Australia
