Australian cricket fans witnessed a historic double victory this weekend, as the national team secured a commanding 1-0 Ashes lead against England in front of a record-breaking television audience. The first Test of the 2025/26 series, held at Perth's Optus Stadium, proved to be an unmissable event, captivating millions across the nation.
Unprecedented Viewership for a Historic Clash
The sheer scale of public interest was undeniable. The West Test reached a colossal television audience of 5.8 million people across Australia. The thrilling conclusion on Saturday evening was a major drawcard, with a record 1.6 million viewers tuning in for the third session on day two, making it the largest cricket audience for the broadcast.
Nationwide, an average audience of 1.17 million watched the two-day match on Channel Seven and its streaming platform, 7plus Sport. This figure represents a massive 60 per cent increase compared to the viewership for the first Test against India last year. In Perth alone, 155,000 locals were glued to their screens as Steve Smith hit the winning run at 5:30pm on Saturday.
A Fitting Stage for an Elite Performance
The action on the field was as spectacular as the numbers on the screen. A record crowd of 101,515 attendees packed into Optus Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere. The Perth pitch lived up to its formidable reputation, proving too hot for the English side to handle.
The match culminated in a stunning Australian run chase, overcoming a target that had seemed far out of reach earlier in the day. The victory was sealed, sending players like Marnus Labuschagne into celebrations and setting a powerful tone for the rest of the summer series.
Setting the Tone for an Unforgettable Summer
The resounding success of the broadcast has cemented The Ashes' status as a premier sporting event. Joel Starcevic, Seven’s head of Cricket, stated that the results reinforce that The Ashes remains the biggest stage in world cricket. He praised the elite sport on display and noted that fans are choosing Seven and 7Plus in extraordinary numbers.
Starcevic emphasised the significance of the comeback, saying, "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." He concluded that the performance and atmosphere at Optus Stadium have set the stage for an unforgettable summer of cricket for Australian viewers.
