The Ashes return this week when Australia take on England in sport’s oldest rivalry. Five test matches will decide whether the urn remains in Australia or returns to England with Ben Stokes and his team.
But while watching is easy enough on 7Plus (AUS), what if you want to listen to The Ashes? UK listeners are in luck as the iconic BBC channel Test Match Special (TMS) will broadcast ball-by-ball coverage of each match.
How to listen to The Ashes on Test Match Special
To access TMS’ Ball-by-ball coverage, you have a variety of different options. A digital radio is of course an option, but if you don’t have one, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app (iOS/Android) are also available.
The programming will appear on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.
To listen, you’ll need a BBC account; register here.
And if you miss any of the action, you’ll be able to listen to the TMS Podcast, which will be posted shortly after each game day.
Can I access The Ashes on BBC Sounds from abroad or while on holiday?
Yeah. UK Residents Looking to Listen Test Match Special Those traveling abroad can still access the BBC Sounds app via a VPN. We recommend NordVPN, which comes with a 75% discount and 3 extra months free this Black Friday…
How to unblock The Ashes on BBC Sounds with a VPN
If you’re outside the UK right now and can’t use BBC Sounds, you can still access the app thanks to the wonders of a VPN (virtual private network).
The software allows your devices to appear as if they are in your home country, regardless of where you are in the world. It’s ideal for listeners who are away for work or vacation and want a taste of home.
NordVPN is our favorite:
Tips to fix BBC sounds problems
If you still If you can’t access BBC Sounds, even with the help of a VPN, there are a few more things you can try.
Please ensure your BBC account is associated with a valid UK postcode such as W1A 1AA.
The BBC Sounds app (iOS/Android) won’t appear on the Play Store or App Store outside the UK, but you may be able to prevent this by changing your phone’s region in the settings menu.
The BBC, like most broadcasters and networks, is engaged in a never-ending cat and mouse battle with VPN providers.
Although we’ve ranked the best VPNs for iPlayer, something we’ve resolved through extensive testing, if one of them works today there’s no guarantee that the same will happen tomorrow, in which case you can raise the issue with your VPN provider’s customer support team and ask them to recommend the best server to connect to.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or tolerate illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Future Publishing does not endorse or approve the consumption of paid pirated content.
