Any England fans who'd found comfort in the notion that things could only get better probably weren't banking on Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes leaving Shoaib Bashir, out of the 3rd Test. It's not just that the Adelaide Oval is a spin-friendly venue — this is likely to be the hottest Test of The Ashes 2025/26.
You can catch every ball from the Australia vs England 3rd Test live and for free on 7Plus from anywhere in the world using a VPN.
The Australia vs England 3rd Test runs from Tuesday, December 16 to Sunday, December 21.
► Daily start time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. GMT / 10:30 a.m. AEDT (from Wed.)
• FREE live streams — 7Plus (AUS)
• Watch anywhere — Try NordVPN 100% risk free
The tourists, who are now on a 17-game winless run in Australia, must be victorious in Adelaide to stand any chance of winning back the urn. Pitiful doesn't even begin to describe England's performances so far, yet McCullum and Stokes have made just once change, replacing Gus Atkinson with Josh Tongue. That leaves all-rounder Will Jacks as their only specialist spinner.
Jamie Smith, Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley, to name only three, can consider themselves fortunate — perhaps a dubious honor — to still be in the side.
At a ground where spin masters Shane Warne, Ravi Ashwin, Johnny Briggs and Lance Gibbs have enjoyed immense success, it's Nathan Lyon who stands alone as the Adelaide Oval's record wicket-taker, and the 3rd Test is the one that the hosts have been resting him for.
Although they've coped quite adequately without him, 18-wicket man Mitchell Starc especially, it's in the City of Churches that Australia captain Pat Cummins will enter the Ashes fray.
Against all logic, will this be the turning point of the series? Read on and we'll show you how to watch The Ashes 3rd Test online from anywhere — and for FREE.
Can you watch the Ashes 3rd Test for free?
Free Ashes coverage is available through Channel 7 and 7Plus in Australia. The broadcaster is showing the 3rd Test live as part of its coverage of the entire series.
All you need is an account with a valid Australian postcode (e.g. 4102) and you'll be good to go.
Away from home? You may not be able to watch Australia vs England like you normally would due to regional restrictions. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. Use a VPN to watch The Ashes 3rd Test for free — we’ll show you how below.
The Ashes 3rd Test Team News
Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
How to watch Ashes 3rd Test from anywhere
Away from home and blocked from watching Australia vs England?
You can still watch your usual Ashes 3rd Test live streams thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software can make your devices appear as if they're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. Ideal for cricket fans away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. but you want to watch the free 7Plus coverage, you can choose 'Australia' from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to 7Plus, sign in, and watch the Ashes 3rd Test live.
How to watch Ashes 3rd Test live streams in U.K.
TNT Sports is showing the 3rd Test at the Adelaide Oval, along with the entirety of The Ashes.
Subscriptions for TNT Sports start at £18/month through Virgin Media or £25/month on Sky TV.
Alternatively, cricket fans can get a TNT Sports subscription via Discovery+ from £30.99/month.
Away from the U.K. right now? NordVPN will unblock your stream of the Australia vs England 3rd Test.
How to watch Ashes 3rd Test live streams in Australia
There are two ways to watch The Ashes 2025/26 in Australia, including a FREE option.
As explained above, free-to-air Channel 7 and 7Plus are showing Australia vs England without charge. All you need is an account with a valid Australian postcode (e.g. 4102).
You can also watch all the action online via Foxtel or Kayo Sports. A monthly subscription to Kayo Standard starts at $30 after a 7-day FREE trial, or you can pay an extra $10 for Kayo Premium and watch the Ashes 3rd Test in 4K.
Outside of Oz for the 2nd Test? Use a trusted VPN to unblock your regular stream and enjoy the cricket.
How to watch Ashes 3rd Test live streams in India
Fans in India can watch the Ashes 3rd Test on Star Sports on TV and JioHotstar digitally. The daily start time for the 3rd Test is 4:30 a.m. IST.
Subscriptions to JioHotstar cost around Rs. 299/month (around $3.50 USD), with an annual package priced at Rs. 899 ($10.50 USD).
For fans outside of India — use a reliable VPN to unblock your JioHotstar account and watch all the action just as if you're at home.
How to watch Ashes 3rd Test live streams in the U.S.
Streaming service Willow TV is showing the Ashes 3rd Test across its linear and digital platforms in the U.S..
Willow TV is available from a number of cable providers including Dish, Spectrum, Xfinity, Verizon Fios and more, or as a standalone service.
Alternatively, fans can access Willow TV via Sling TV for the Australia vs England 3rd Test:
How to watch Ashes 3rd Test live streams in Pakistan
The Ashes 2025/26, including the 3rd Test, is being shown on streaming service Tapmad in Pakistan.
For full access to Australia vs England, you just need its monthly package, which costs Rs 499 ($1.77).
The daily start time for the five-day 2nd Test is 4:30 a.m. PKT.
Traveling away from Pakistan right now? Access your free stream by using NordVPN.
How to watch Ashes 3rd Test live streams in South Africa
SuperSport has the rights to show The Ashes 2025/26 in South Africa. The five-day 3rd Test starts on Wednesday, December 17, with each day's play beginning at 1:30 a.m. SAST.
If you don't subscribe and want to watch online then you'll need to get a DStv access package to watch the game live on SuperSport with prices starting at R99/month ($5.66).
Away from South Africa at the moment? Catch the cricket through DStv by using NordVPN.
How to watch Ashes 3rd Test live streams in New Zealand
The Ashes 3rd Test is on Sky Sport in New Zealand, which is also home to Formula 1, Premier League soccer, and countless other sports from around the world.
That means you can also watch through the online Sky Sport Now platform, which costs $29.99/day, $54.99/month or $549.99/year.
Each day of the 3rd Test begins at 12:30 p.m. NZDT.
Remember. You can still tap into your Australia vs England 3rd Test stream by using one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN.
How to watch Ashes 3rd Test live streams in the Republic of Ireland
Just like in the U.K., TNT Sports is the home of The Ashes 2025/26, including the Australia vs England 3rd Test, in the Republic of Ireland.
Virgin Media customers can add TNT Sports to their package for €30/month, which also comes with Sky Sports and Premier Sports access.
NOW also has various streaming options that include access to TNT Sports. Plans start from €14.99/day and, right now, you can sign up for a year paying just $17/month.
Unfortunately, the Discovery Plus streaming-only packages that include TNT Sports in the U.K. are not available in the Republic of Ireland.
Away from the Emerald Isle while the cricket is on? You'll need one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN, to watch your regular Ashes 2025/26 streams.
What is England's record at the Adelaide Oval?
England's Ashes record at the Adelaide Oval is only marginally better than it is at the 'Gabbatoir', the team's win rates at the respective grounds being 0.27 and 0.17.
They've suffered three heavy defeats at the venue since their most recent success there, in 2010.
Ashes Tests: 33
Australia: 19 wins
England: 9 wins
Draws: 5
More from Tom's Guide
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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