Ratings | The West Test delivers a winning innings for Seven – The highly anticipated first showdown between Australia and England in The Ashes has captivated the nation, reaching 5.8 million people across Seven and 7plus Sport.
- Total TV audience up 60% year-on-year
- Record cricket audience on 7plus Sport
- Test reaches 5.8 million Australians
The First Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, which saw Australia defeat England in a spectacular two-day test, bowled an average total TV audience of 1.17 million, which was up 60% on last year’s First Test between Australia and India, and higher than the start of the last Ashes series.
Across the two days, an average of 190,000 people tuned in to each session on 7plus Sport, which was up 238% on last year. Day 2, Session 3 was watched by a record cricket audience on 7plus Sport, with 245,000 tuning in.
Standout sessions included:
- Day 2, Session 3 (Saturday):#1 program in all people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s and grocery shoppers. National reach 2.97 million, national audience 1.6 million – up 100% year-on-year.
- Day 1, Session 3 (Friday): #1 program in all people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s and grocery shoppers. National reach 2.67 million, national audience 1.18 million – up 18% year-on-year.
- Day 2, Session 2 (Saturday): #2 program in all people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s and grocery shoppers. National reach 2.45 million, national audience 1.26 million – up 64% year-on-year.
- Day 1, Session 2 (Friday): #2 program in all people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s and grocery shoppers. National reach 2.17 million, national audience 1.05 million – up 42% year-on-year.
Cricket’s #1 commentary team presented the West Test, including world-leading cricket analyst Stuart Broad, the sport’s most astute caller Ricky Ponting, fellow Australian champion batsman Matthew Hayden and the man who last coached Australia to an Ashes series victory, Justin Langer.
Seven’s Head of Cricket, Joel Starcevic, said:
“These results reinforce that The Ashes remains the biggest stage in world cricket, and fans are choosing Seven and 7plus in extraordinary numbers.
“What unfolded at Optus Stadium was elite sport at its absolute best. Travis Head producing a once-in-a-generation innings under immense pressure, while Starc and Boland turned the match on its head with world-class spells.
“To see Australia chase down a target that looked far out of reach earlier in the day shows exactly why audiences are flocking to this series. The performance and the atmosphere at this Test match have set the tone for an unforgettable summer of cricket on Seven and 7plus Sport.
“But it doesn’t stop there. All the action continues today with a comprehensive recap of the historic opening Test match live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport from 1.00pm AEDT, followed by the WBBL Brisbane Heat and Melbourne stars match from 8.00pm AEDT,”
– he said.
Seven’s Summer of Cricket continues today with an Ashes Special at 1.00pm AEDT on Seven and 7plus, followed by the Women’s Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars from 8.00pm AEDT live and free on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
Media Release – Seven
Link to 7plus HERE
TV Central Cricket content HERE
Ratings | The West Test delivers a winning innings for Seven
