The third Ashes Test in Adelaide proved a massive hit for broadcasters, with the Seven Network revealing a staggering 7.65 million Australians tuned in across its television and digital platforms over the five-day contest.
Adelaide Test Drives Unprecedented Audience Growth
The match, which saw Australia retain the Ashes, captivated the nation. It scored an average national total TV audience of 1.08 million viewers, representing a significant 35 per cent increase compared to last year's Third Test against India.
The digital audience on 7plus Sport exploded, with an average of 181,000 viewers streaming each session across the five days. This figure marks an extraordinary 199 per cent surge year-on-year. The final day was particularly strong, reaching a total of 3.46 million viewers and pulling a TV audience of 1.28 million.
Key Sessions Dominate Ratings
Several sessions emerged as outright winners in the ratings battle. The standout was the third session on Day 4 (Saturday), which became the number one program across all key demographics, including all people, 25 to 54s, 16 to 39s, and grocery shoppers.
This session achieved a national reach of 2.91 million and a total TV audience of 1.48 million, up a massive 94 per cent on the previous year. Day 2's third session (Thursday) also topped the ratings in all the same demographics, reaching 2.7 million people.
"The Adelaide Test delivered outstanding viewing figures, with Australians again turning to Seven and 7plus in huge numbers to watch a thrilling contest and another dominant Australian performance at Adelaide Oval," said Seven Network Head of Cricket, Joel Starcevic.
"Record crowds were treated to a brilliant display from hometown heroes Alex Carey and Travis Head, as Australia retained the Ashes in unforgettable fashion."
Seven's Summer of Cricket Breaks Records
The network is enjoying its best-ever start to a cricket summer, having already reached 11.6 million Australians. The average total TV audience for the first three Tests stands at 1.14 million nationally, up 44 per cent year-on-year, while streaming on 7plus Sport has skyrocketed by 206 per cent.
The momentum began with the First Test in Perth, which reached 6.2 million viewers. The Second Test at The Gabba in Brisbane built on that success, reaching 8.06 million Australians.
The Big Bash League (BBL) has also started strongly, with its total TV audience up 3 per cent and streaming on 7plus up a remarkable 120 per cent. The highest-rated match so far was the Melbourne Stars versus Hobart Hurricanes clash, which reached 2.35 million people.
All attention now shifts to the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. "With momentum firmly on their side, all eyes now turn to the Boxing Day Test, where Australia will look to maintain their dominance and England will be desperate to avoid a 5-0 result, all live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport," Starcevic added.
The Fourth Test begins at 9.30am AEDT on December 26, with the Fifth Test scheduled for the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4.
