A landmark series with landmark coverage
The BBC has officially outlined its expansive coverage plan for the upcoming 2025–26 Men’s Ashes, promising cricket fans in the UK and worldwide complete access to every match, moment, and milestone of the much-anticipated series. The first Test is scheduled to begin on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium—the first time since 1982–83 that Australia will not open a home Ashes campaign at the Gabba.
As part of its broadcast strategy, Test Match Special (TMS) will provide ball-by-ball radio commentary, airing live across BBC 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds, while fans can also access daily highlights at 5pm on BBC iPlayer and across the BBC Sport website and app. For those following the action online or via social media, in-play video clips and real-time coverage will be available across BBC Sport’s TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook channels.
Affirming the BBC’s commitment to immersive and accessible coverage, Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski remarked, “Whether you’re staying up through the night or catching up the next morning, we have got you covered.”
He added, “The Ashes deserves coverage befitting its place in British sporting folklore and we can’t wait to bring you every big wicket, innings and story.”
All-star commentary and expert insights
The TMS commentary team will be led by Jonathan Agnew, joined by cricket legends such as Michael Vaughan, Glenn McGrath, Phil Tufnell, Simon Mann, Alex Hartley, and Jim Maxwell. Statistician Andy Zaltzman brings his trademark sharp wit, while Eleanor Oldroyd will report live from Australia and also present 5 Live Breakfast.
Although this year’s line-up is packed with expertise, notable omissions include Daniel Norcross, Jason Gillespie, Ebony Rainford-Brent, and Vic Marks, all of whom featured in past Ashes coverage.
Daily wrap-ups, special features, and fan-focused content
The BBC’s Ashes experience will go beyond live broadcasts. A daily Ashes debrief show hosted by Alex Hartley will be available on iPlayer shortly after stumps. The TMS Podcast, featuring Agnew, Vaughan, and others, will offer a comprehensive daily review of the day’s play. Andy Zaltzman will challenge listeners with a daily Ashes Quiz on BBC Sounds.
After each Test, Tailenders Ashes Specials—featuring Sir James Anderson, Radio 1’s Greg James, and musician Felix White—will offer a lighter, entertaining look back at the matches. Meanwhile, No Balls: The Cricket Podcast, hosted by Kate Cross and Hartley, will deliver special Ashes-themed episodes throughout the tour.
For a global audience, the BBC World Service will broadcast Stumped, presented by Alison Mitchell and Jim Maxwell, while For the Love of Cricket, featuring Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad, will explore the deeper cultural threads of the Ashes rivalry.
Deep dives and defining moments
Beyond the match action, the BBC will offer feature programming to explore the enduring legacy of cricket’s most iconic series. Chief cricket reporter Stephan Shemilt will curate a narrative series titled From the Ashes, diving into defining moments and rivalries with the help of legends like Michael Vaughan, Stuart Broad, and Ryan Harris.
Fans can also look forward to TMS Ashes Top 10 Moments, selected by Isa Guha, Sir Alastair Cook, and Agnew. Additionally, Cook will reflect on England’s last Ashes triumph in Australia in the feature How to Win the Ashes in Australia.
With the 2025–26 Ashes promising to be one of the most hotly anticipated series in recent memory—especially in light of James Anderson’s recent Test retirement—the BBC is positioning itself as the definitive destination for fans seeking live commentary, expert insights, and engaging cricket content across all platforms.
