How to Live Stream the 2023 Ashes Series Safely
For all cricket fans who are unable to watch the Ashes live in-stadium, you’re probably kicking yourself for missing out on the year’s hottest sporting event. The Ashes will be broadcast on several platforms but you shouldn’t watch it outside of each platform’s broadcast region.
Even though in theory a VPN could be used to get an IP address and access the matches from another country, this goes against each platform’s terms of service. My team and I don’t condone using a VPN to break copyright regulations or circumvent geo-blocks.
However, a VPN is still useful, and will protect your entire connection while streaming The Ashes. I found ExpressVPN to be the best, as it provides reliable security without compromising speeds. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can claim a refund if you think it’s not good for you.
Watch the Ashes with ExpressVPN
3 steps to watching the Ashes on Channel 9 (Australia)
Channel 9 (also known as 9Now) will be live-streaming all 5 Tests for free to fans in Australia, so if you’re there and want to watch safely in UHD, follow these steps:
- Get a VPN. We highly recommend ExpressVPN for live-streaming sports.
- Connect with an Australian-based server.
- Go 9now.com.au and watch Channel 9 safely.
Watch the Ashes with ExpressVPN
Important! While you could theoretically use a VPN to get an Australian IP from anywhere, doing so for the purpose of streaming and/or signing up for 9Now goes against the streaming platform’s Terms of Service and could also constitute copyright infringement. We don’t condone this activity.
3 steps to watching the Ashes on Sky Sports (UK)
If you don’t have a subscription to Sky Sports you can sign up for a Sky Sports Pass through NowTV. They offer daily, weekly, and monthly packages to suit your needs.
- Get a VPN. We highly recommend ExpressVPN for live streaming sports.
- Connect with a UK-based server.
- Log onto Sky Sports or get NowTV and crack open a pint! It’s time for cricket!
Watch the Ashes with ExpressVPN
Important! While you could theoretically use a VPN to get a UK-based IP from anywhere, doing so for the purpose of streaming and/or signing up for Sky Sports, NowTV, etc. goes against the streaming platform’s Terms of Service and could also constitute copyright infringement. We don’t condone this activity.
Top 2 VPNs for watching the Ashes
1. ExpressVPN – Stream without buffering or lagging

- Tested and proven to work with both Channel 9 and Sky Sports
- Multiple servers to choose from in AU and UK
- Set up time is less than 5 minutes
- Unlimited bandwidth and speed
- 30-day money-back guarantee
2.CyberGhost – Works well with Sky Sports

- Easy setup experience and user-friendly interface
- Has four dedicated streaming servers in the UK
- Unlimited data usage for streaming
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Can I use free VPNs to watch the Ashes?
While we don’t recommend you use a free VPN for streaming live video content, there are certainly some safe and free VPNs on the market for other online uses.
Yet, if you’re seeking consistent streaming and download speeds ensuring high-quality audio and video, the modest cost of a subscription-oriented VPN is truly justified. You definitely wouldn’t wish to jeopardize the chance of enjoying the essential Ashes moments due to sluggish buffering or prolonged loading periods linked with free VPNs. It’s wiser to prioritize safety over potential regrets!