How to watch The Ashes live stream online for free from anywhere: 2nd Test

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The second test of the 2023 Ashes begins today with Australia boasting an opening win against England in the first test last week. Hopefully, the weather will be a bit more settled this time, allowing us to show you how to watch the Ashes live stream online for free for the next five days of cricket live streams. The following viewing options all work for the remaining test dates in the series as it continues through late July.

In the UK, the Ashes live stream is behind a Sky Sports-shaped paywall, but we can help show you how to enjoy the same free live stream that the Aussies are getting. If you're not in Australia, you must use a VPN (virtual private network) to access that streaming option like a local. A VPN spoofs your device's location to match the streaming country of your choice; otherwise, you'll be blocked by the streaming site's geolocation detection. So simply set your VPN to Australia, create a free login on 9Now, and you're all sorted.

The VPN we've highlighted below is the best in the business and super simple to set up (no technical expertise required). It'll help unlock global streaming options and greatly enhance your privacy and general security across your devices, so you'll probably find a use for one long after the match.

Watch The Ashes live stream for free from anywhere

The Ashes live stream is a premium event in most countries, meaning you'll need to sign up for a paid streaming service package to watch the Ashes online. In the UK, for example, you'll find Sky Sports has the rights to it, meaning you can opt for a Sky Sports bundle or perhaps the slightly cheaper Now TV route.

Not in Australia, though, as it's being shown for free on the 9Now channel and website. If you try to watch from outside Australia, you'll be hit by a geo-block. A VPN will get around that for you, though.

Our preferred option of all the best VPN providers is ExpressVPN, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied.

How to watch The Ashes with a VPN

• Sign up for a VPN if you don't have one.
• Install it on the device you're using to watch the game.
• Turn it on and set it to any Australian location.
• Go to 9Now.
• Create a free login and sign in.
• Watch The Ashes for free.
• Starts: Today 6 a.m. ET / 11 a.m. BST / 12 p.m. CET / 8 p.m. AEST

Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.