What Time Does the Sydney Test Start? Your Complete Guide to the Ashes Finale
The roar of the crowd, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the battle for the Ashes urn reaches its climax at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. If you’re planning your day around the final Test, you need to know exactly when the first ball is bowled. We’ve cut through the noise to give you the definitive start time and session details for the must-watch New Year’s Test.
This fifth and final Ashes Test is more than just a match; it’s a historic event at one of Australia’s most beloved sporting cathedrals. Whether you’re heading to Moore Park or watching from your lounge room, here’s everything you need to schedule your viewing perfectly.
Official Sydney Test Start Time and Session Details
Video Correlato: 2024/25 Australia v India Test Series | FOX Cricket Montage
For all days of the Sydney Test, play will commence at 10:30 AM AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time). This is the local time in Sydney. The day’s play is divided into three sessions with standard breaks for lunch and tea.
| Session | Time (AEDT) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Session | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 2 Hours |
| Lunch Interval | 12:30 PM – 1:10 PM | 40 Minutes |
| Afternoon Session | 1:10 PM – 3:10 PM | 2 Hours |
| Tea Interval | 3:10 PM – 3:30 PM | 20 Minutes |
| Evening Session | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM* | 2 Hours* |
*Note: The evening session may be extended if overs are lost earlier in the day due to weather or slow over rates. Stumps are typically called at 5:30 PM AEDT.
Key Match Information at a Glance
Before the first ball, get up to speed with the essential details of this crucial fixture.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | The Ashes 2025-26, 5th Test |
| Teams | Australia vs England |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney |
| Match Dates | 3 – 8 January 2026 |
| Daily Start Time (Local) | 10:30 AM AEDT |
| Series Status | Final match of the five-Test series |
Converting the Sydney Start Time for Other States
Living outside New South Wales? Don’t get caught out. Here’s how 10:30 AM AEDT translates across Australian time zones.
- Queensland (AEST): 9:30 AM
- South Australia (ACDT): 10:00 AM
- Northern Territory (ACST): 9:00 AM
- Western Australia (AWST): 7:30 AM
- Victoria, Tasmania, ACT (AEDT): 10:30 AM
Why the Sydney Test is a Must-Watch Event
The SCG Test is a staple of the Australian sporting summer, often dubbed the “New Year’s Test.” It’s renowned for its vibrant, festive atmosphere and has been the stage for countless historic moments in Ashes folklore. With the series on the line or a whitewash in play, every session in Sydney carries immense weight. The pitch traditionally offers something for spin bowlers as the game progresses, making for a fascinating tactical battle over five days.
Getting to the ground? Plan to arrive well before the 10:30 AM start. Gates typically open two hours before play, allowing plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere, find your seat, and grab a famous SCG pie before the national anthems.
How to Watch and Follow the Action
If you can’t make it to the SCG, you won’t miss a moment. The Test will be broadcast live and free on the Seven Network across Australia. For comprehensive coverage, including expert commentary and in-depth analysis, Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports will have every ball covered. Live radio commentary is available on ABC Sport and SEN.
For digital fans, live scores, video highlights, and ball-by-ball updates will be available via the Cricket Australia Live app and major sports news websites. Set your reminders now – this is one sporting event you won’t want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Sydney Test start in Western Australia?
The Sydney Test starts at 7:30 AM AWST in Western Australia, as there is a three-hour time difference behind Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).
Can play start earlier than 10:30 AM at the SCG?
Yes. According to playing conditions, there is a provision to start play earlier, at 10:00 AM AEDT, if overs were lost on a previous day. This decision is made by the match officials to maximise playing time.
What is the scheduled finish time each day?
The scheduled close of play is 5:30 PM AEDT. However, the umpires can extend play by up to 30 minutes to make up for lost time, meaning stumps could be called as late as 6:00 PM on some days.
Is this the final match of the Ashes series?
Yes, this is the fifth and final Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series held in Australia. The result here will determine whether Australia retains the urn or England pulls off a historic away series win.