This may be the Boxing Day Test, but England are the gift that keeps on giving. In the aftermath of their series defeat, confirmed after just 11 days of play, it's emerged that some players partied for six days straight between the Brisbane and Adelaide Tests, the Barmy Army managed to book a pitch that the team apparently wasn't able to, and relieving Brendon McCullum of his duties would cost seven figures.
You can catch every ball from the Australia vs England 4th Test live and for free on 7Plus from anywhere in the world using a VPN.
The Australia vs England 4th Test runs from Thursday, December 25 to Tuesday, December 30.
► Daily start time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. GMT / 10:30 a.m. AEDT (from Fri.)
• FREE live streams — 7Plus (AUS)
• Watch anywhere — Try NordVPN 100% risk free
McCullum, for his part, has made it clear that he won't be walking away, although his flippant description of the job as "a pretty good gig," "good fun," and "travel[ing] the world with the lads" has further enraged supporters who can be forgiven for thinking they'd already hit their limit.
All things considered, however, England's record at Melbourne Cricket Ground isn't bad. They've suffered two bruising defeats — one by an innings and 14 runs, the other by eight wickets — since they last tasted victory at the MCG, but their win rate of 0.34 compares favorably with other grounds.
Australia have announced that Pat Cummins is one and done for The Ashes 2025/26, and that Nathan Lyon has undergone surgery on the hamstring injury he sustained last time out. Steve Smith returns as captain while Michael Neser, Brendon Doggett and Jhye Richardson are vying for the final two spots in the XI. England, meanwhile, have made two changes to their side with Jacob Bethell replacing Ollie Pope and Gus Atkinson coming in for the injured Jofra Archer.
Read on and we'll show you how to watch The Ashes 4th Test online from anywhere — and for FREE.
Can you watch the Ashes 4th Test for free?
Free Ashes coverage is available through Channel 7 and 7Plus in Australia. The broadcaster is showing the 4th 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 4th Test for free — we’ll show you how below.
How to watch Ashes 4th Test from anywhere
Away from home and blocked from watching Australia vs England?
You can still watch your usual Ashes 4th 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 4th Test live.
How to watch Ashes 4th Test live streams in U.K.
TNT Sports is showing the 4th Test at the MCG, 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 4th Test.
How to watch Ashes 4th Test live streams in Australia
There are two ways to watch The Ashes 4th Test 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 4th Test in 4K.
Outside of Oz for the Boxing Day Test? Use a trusted VPN to unblock your regular stream and enjoy the cricket.
How to watch Ashes 4th Test live streams in India
Fans in India can watch the Ashes 4th Test on Star Sports on TV and JioHotstar digitally. The daily start time for the 4th 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 4th Test live streams in the U.S.
Streaming service Willow TV is showing the Ashes 4th 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 4th Test:
How to watch Ashes 4th Test live streams in Pakistan
The Ashes 2025/26, including the 4th 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 4th Test is 4 a.m. PKT.
Traveling away from Pakistan right now? Access your free stream by using NordVPN.
How to watch Ashes 4th Test live streams in South Africa
SuperSport has the rights to show The Ashes 2025/26 in South Africa. The five-day 4th Test starts on Friday, December 26, 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 4th Test live streams in New Zealand
The Ashes 4th 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 4th Test begins at 12:30 p.m. NZDT.
Remember. You can still tap into your Australia vs England 4th Test stream by using one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN.
How to watch Ashes 4th 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 4th 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 MCG?
England's Ashes record at Melbourne Cricket Ground is relatively good in the context of the otherwise pretty miserable time of things they've had Down Under. Their win rate at the MCG is 0.34, compared to 0.27 at the Adelaide Oval and 0.17 at the Gabba.
They've suffered two heavy defeats at the venue since their most recent success there, in 2010, the other clash ending in a draw.
Ashes Tests: 59
Australia: 30 wins
England: 20 wins
Draws: 9
Abandoned: 1
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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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