The fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England wasn't just a thriller on the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground; it became a record-breaking phenomenon on screens across the nation. Broadcast on the Seven Network and its streaming platform 7plus Sport, the Boxing Day clash has set a new benchmark as the highest-rated Test match in the network's history.
Unprecedented Audience Numbers for a Marquee Event
The two-day encounter, which saw England claim a memorable victory, captivated an average national total TV audience of 1.52 million viewers. This figure represents a significant 16 per cent increase compared to last year's Boxing Day Test. The digital audience growth was even more staggering, with an average of 245,000 viewers tuning into each session on 7plus Sport—a massive 93 per cent year-on-year surge. Overall, the Test reached a cumulative audience of 6.3 million Australians over its two days.
Session-by-Session Dominance
Key sessions drove the extraordinary ratings performance. The third session on Day 1 (Friday) became the highest-rated session ever for cricket on Seven and 7plus Sport, topping the charts across all key demographics. It reached 3.2 million people nationally, with 1.84 million watching on TV and a record 302,000 streaming on 7plus—a 114 per cent jump from 2022.
The momentum continued on Day 2. The final session on Saturday again ranked as the number one program across multiple demographics, drawing a national audience of 1.6 million. Streaming numbers remained exceptionally strong, with 251,000 viewers on 7plus. Earlier that day, Session 2 attracted 1.51 million TV viewers and 247,000 streamers, the latter marking a 96 per cent year-on-year increase.
A Historic Series for Seven's Cricket Coverage
This record-breaking match has cemented the 2023-24 Ashes series as Seven's highest-rated Test series ever. To date, the coverage has reached a staggering 12.6 million Australians. Across the four Tests played so far, the average national TV audience sits at 1.21 million, up 22 per cent on the previous year, while streaming on 7plus Sport has skyrocketed by 129 per cent.
Joel Starcevic, Seven Network's Head of Cricket, highlighted the event's success. "An action-packed two days at the MCG delivered massive audiences on Seven and 7plus," he said. Starcevic noted that despite Australia having already retained the Ashes and the match finishing early, the ratings proved cricket's enduring status as Australia's premier summer sport. He praised the "unmissable viewing" provided by England's breakthrough win and the energetic insight from commentator Stuart Broad.
Starcevic also looked ahead, stating, "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."
The Full Ashes Ratings Story
The series has consistently drawn huge numbers:
- First Test: Reached 6.2 million; average TV audience of 1.15 million (up 57%).
- Second Test: Reached 8.06 million; average TV audience of 1.21 million (up 36%).
- Third Test: Reached 7.64 million; average TV audience of 1.08 million (up 35%).
- Fourth Test: Reached 6.3 million; average TV audience of 1.52 million (up 16%).
The coverage featured Seven's top commentary team, including Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Damien Fleming, and Alison Mitchell. Cricket action continues on Seven with the BBL, before the Ashes finale—the Fifth Test at the SCG—begins live and free on January 4.
