The fierce rivalry of the Ashes has once again captured the nation's attention, with a massive television and streaming audience tuning in to watch Australia's second clash with England at The Gabba. Over the four-day day-night Test, a staggering 8.06 million Australians watched the action across the Seven Network and its streaming platform, 7plus Sport.
Record-Breaking Ratings for Seven
The Brisbane Test proved to be a ratings bonanza for Seven. It achieved an average national total TV audience of 1.21 million viewers, marking a 6 per cent increase on the first Test in Perth and a huge 36 per cent jump compared to last year's second Test against India. This broadcast became Seven's highest-rated Gabba Test ever and the highest-rated Day-Night Test in the network's history.
The shift to digital viewing was equally impressive. On average, 194,000 viewers streamed each session on 7plus Sport, representing a monumental 178 per cent surge compared to the same period last year. The pinnacle of the broadcast was the second session on Day 4, which became the number one program across multiple key demographics on Sunday, including all people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s, and grocery shoppers. This session reached 2.51 million people nationally and attracted a total TV audience of 1.54 million, while setting a new 7plus Sport Test record with an average of 238,000 streamers.
A Summer of Cricket Dominance
Seven Network is celebrating its best-ever start to a summer of cricket. The first two Ashes Tests have averaged 1.19 million viewers nationally in total TV, up 50 per cent year-on-year. Streaming on 7plus Sport has skyrocketed by an incredible 212 per cent.
The opening Test in Perth set the stage, reaching 6.2 million Australians and pulling an average total TV audience of 1.15 million per session, a 57 per cent year-on-year increase. Streaming for that match was up 232 per cent.
Seven's Head of Cricket, Joel Starcevic, hailed the Gabba spectacle. "Brisbane delivered another unforgettable chapter of the Ashes, with Mitchell Starc producing a performance for the ages," he said. Starcevic also highlighted the reignited rivalry between Steve Smith and Jofra Archer, building excitement for the Adelaide Test. He praised the commentary team, including Stuart Broad, Ricky Ponting, and Alison Mitchell, for guiding viewers through every moment.
What's Next on Seven's Cricket Calendar
The action continues at a relentless pace. The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) Finals Series begins next, with the Perth Scorchers facing the Melbourne Stars, live and free on 7mate and 7plus Sport.
The cricket schedule for the coming days is packed:
- WBBL Final: Saturday, 13 December, live on Seven, 7mate and 7plus sport.
- BBL Opening Match: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers, Sunday, 14 December, live on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
- The Ashes Third Test: Adelaide Oval, Wednesday, 17 December, live on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.
The Ashes series then moves to the MCG for the Boxing Day Test starting 26 December, concluding at the SCG from 4 January. All coverage starts at 9.30am AEDT and is streamed free on 7plus.
