The Australia v India Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test Series has firmly cemented itself as the pinnacle of Australian summer sports, reaching an astounding 13.4 million viewers across the Seven Network and 7plus Sport. The five-match series captivated cricket enthusiasts and smashed viewing records, showcasing cricket’s position as the nation’s summer favourite.
Record-breaking reach and engagement
Averaging just over 1 million viewers per Test, the series saw a 39% increase in audience compared to the 2023-24 summer. As the first men’s international cricket series available for free streaming in Australia, the matches attracted 1.29 million unique viewers exclusively on 7plus Sport, delivering 120,000 new registered users to the platform.
The series culminated in a dramatic Fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which alone reached 6.6 million viewers, including 1 million via 7plus Sport. This final showdown secured Australia’s first Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in a decade, with an average total TV audience of 1.4 million, making it the most-watched program across key demographics for three consecutive days.
Key highlights from the fifth Test
The final Test set new benchmarks, with the second session on Day 3 drawing a national audience of 1.76 million—the highest ever for a Test session on Seven. Other sessions included:
• Day 2, Session 3: 1.66 million viewers
• Day 1, Session 3: 1.47 million viewers
• Day 2, Session 2: 1.43 million viewers
• Day 3, Session 1: 1.43 million viewers
7plus Sport recorded a 230% surge in audience compared to the same period last year, further amplifying the series’ widespread appeal.
Commentary team and multilingual coverage
Seven’s coverage was bolstered by an exceptional commentary lineup, featuring cricket legends Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Sunil Gavaskar, and Matthew Hayden, alongside hosts James Brayshaw and Mel McLaughlin. For the first time, 7plus Sport introduced a secondary Hindi commentary feed, catering to diverse cricket fans across Australia.
Big Bash League and Women’s Ashes on the horizon
Building on the success of the Test series, Seven’s summer of cricket continues with the Big Bash League, which has already seen a 15% viewership increase this season. Attention now turns to the Australia v England Women’s Ashes Series, kicking off on 12 January at North Sydney Oval. The series will feature a mix of ODI, T20I, and a four-day pink-ball Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the 90th anniversary of women’s Test cricket.
What the experts say
Chris Jones, Seven Network director of sport, lauded the series as the most compelling since Seven acquired the broadcast rights. “Congratulations to both teams for captivating the country and setting new records. Seven’s Test coverage has matched the incredible on-field action.”
Joel Starcevic, Seven Network head of cricket, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the series’ edge-of-the-seat moments, including Virat Kohli’s century and Scott Boland’s heroics. “The people have spoken. Cricket is Australia’s number one summer sport, and we’re thrilled to bring more world-class action with the BBL and Women’s Ashes.”
By the numbers: Border-Gavaskar Trophy
• National reach: 13.4 million
• Average total TV audience: 1.003 million
• 7plus Sport reach: 2.45 million