Ratings | Fourth Test spins biggest Test audience ever for Seven – The highly anticipated fourth instalment of The Ashes Test series between Australia and England delivered a winning innings, recording the highest ever total TV and streaming audience for a Test on Seven and 7plus Sport.
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG bowled up an average national total TV audience of 1.52 million, up 16% on last year’s Boxing Day Test. On 7plus Sport, a record 245,000 tuned in on average to each session, which was up 93% year-on-year. The Test reached 6.3 million across the two days.
Standout sessions included:
- Day 1, Session 3 (Friday):Highest rated session ever on Seven and 7plus Sport. #1 program in all people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s and grocery shoppers. National reach 3.2 million, national audience 1.84 million – up 18% year-on-year. 302,000 tuned in on 7plus Sport, which was a record cricket streaming audience and up 114% on last year.
- Day 2, Session 3 (Saturday):#1 program in all people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s and grocery shoppers. National reach 3.12 million, national audience 1.6 million – up 18% year-on-year. 251,000 tuned in on 7plus Sport – up 92%.
- Day 2, Session 2 (Saturday):National reach 2.64 million, national audience 1.51 million – up 18% year-on-year. 247,000 tuned in on 7plus Sport – up 96%.
- Day 1, Session 2 (Friday): National reach 2.63 million, national audience 1.59 million – up 2% year-on-year. 238,000 tuned in on 7plus Sport – up 71%.
Seven’s coverage of The Ashes this summer is its highest rated Test series ever, reaching 12.6 million Australians so far. The four Tests have had an average total TV audience of 1.21 million nationally, up 22% year-on-year, while streaming on 7plus Sport is up 129%.
Seven Network Head of Cricket, Joel Starcevic, said:
“An action-packed two days at the MCG delivered massive audiences on Seven and 7plus, as England claimed their first Test victory on Australian soil since the 2010-11 Ashes.
“Despite Australia already retaining the Ashes and the Test wrapping up far quicker than we would have liked, the record-breaking attendance figures and ratings once again proved cricket remains Australia’s number one summer sport.
“England’s breakthrough win made for unmissable viewing, with a buoyant Stuart Broad adding to the energy and insight across the two days as the contest unfolded at a relentless pace.
“After a whirlwind Test, attention now turns to Sydney for the final chapter of an epic Ashes series, as we celebrate the vital work of the McGrath Foundation throughout the Test and on Jane McGrath Day, from Sunday 4 January live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport,”
– he said.
The Boxing Day Test starred cricket’s #1 commentary team, which included world-leading expert, Ricky Ponting, unmatched insights from Stuart Broad, the expertise of Justin Langer, Damien Fleming, Greg Blewett, Trent Copeland and Simon Katich, and the brilliant Alison Mitchell, Tim Lane, Mel McLaughlin and James Brayshaw.
The cricket action continues tonight with the Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars BBL clash at Manuka Oval at 7.00pm AEDT live and free on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
The Ashes continues on 4 January, with the Fifth Test, headlined by Jane McGrath Dayat the Sydney Cricket Ground live and free on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport. Coverage starts at 9.30am AEDT on all five days.
The Ashes ratings:
- First Test: reached 6.2 million Australians and had an average total TV audience of 1.15 million, up 57% on last year. An average of 186,000 people streamed each session on 7plus Sport, up 232% on last year.
- Second Test: reached 8.06 million Australians, with an average total TV audience of 1.21 million, up 6% on the First Test and 36% on last year. An average of 195,000 people streamed each session on 7plus Sport, up 180% year-on-year.
- Third Test: reached 7.64 million Australians and had an average total TV audience of 1.08 million, up 35 % on last year. An average of 182,000 people streamed each session on 7plus Sport, up 201% on last year.
- Fourth Test: reached 6.3 million Australians and had an average total TV audience of 1.52 million, up 16% on last year. An average of 245,000 people streamed each session on 7plus Sport, up 93% on last year.
Media Release – Seven
Link to 7plus HERE
TV Central Cricket content HERE
Ratings | Fourth Test spins biggest Test audience ever for Seven
