As the festive season kicks in, Seven’s Summer of Cricket has already begun delivering the goods, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy now in full swing. Cricket fans across the nation are tuning in to see Australia and India lock horns in one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries, with every ball live and free on Seven and streaming for the first time on 7plus Sport.
With the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Internationals just around the corner and the Women’s Ashes to follow in January, Seven’s comprehensive coverage ensures viewers won’t miss a moment of cricket this summer.
A new era of cricket broadcasting
Chris Jones, Seven Network’s director of sport, said this summer will set a new benchmark:
“There is something for everyone this summer, and fans can see it all live and free, on Seven and, for the first time, 7plus Sport. We’ve assembled a world-class team to deliver the most exciting cricket coverage Australia has ever seen.”
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy headlines the season, with Australia and India facing off in a five-Test series steeped in history and fierce rivalry. Adding an edge to this year’s coverage, 7plus will offer two distinct alternative commentaries:
• Hindi Commentary, catering to Australia’s vibrant Indian community.
• The Grade Cricketer, bringing a light-hearted, irreverent take aimed at younger audiences.
Summer of cricket 2024-2025.
Seven’s strategy: Cricket as content king
Seven’s cricket coverage underscores its broader strategy to cement its position as the destination for live sport. The decision to offer cricket live and free on 7plus signals a move to capture streaming audiences and broaden accessibility. The addition of alternative commentaries and behind-the-scenes content like The Spin and Stars TV reflects the network’s commitment to diversifying how fans engage with the game.
In a crowded marketplace of sports content, Seven is banking on cricket’s mass appeal, paired with a superstar commentary team, to win eyeballs across both linear TV and digital platforms.
Upcoming matches and schedule
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Australia vs. India Test Series)
3rd Test: Thursday, 14 December – Monday, 18 December
Venue: The Gabba
Coverage starts: 10:30am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
4th Test: Thursday, 26 December – Monday, 30 December
Venue: MCG (Boxing Day Test)
Coverage starts: 9:30am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
5th Test: Friday, 3 January – Tuesday, 7 January
Venue: SCG
Coverage starts: 9:30am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Big Bash League (BBL 14)
Opening Match: Sunday, 15 December
Perth Scorchers vs. Melbourne Stars
Venue: Perth Stadium
Coverage starts: 7:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Boxing Day Doubleheader: Thursday, 26 December
Sydney Sixers vs. Melbourne Stars
Venue: SCG
Coverage starts: 6:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Perth Scorchers vs. Brisbane Heat
Venue: Perth Stadium
Coverage starts: 9:10pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Doubleheader: Friday, 3 January
Sydney Sixers vs. Brisbane Heat
Venue: Coffs Harbour
Coverage starts: 6:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Perth Scorchers vs. Sydney Thunder
Venue: Perth Stadium
Coverage starts: 9:10pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
BBL Finals:
The Qualifier: Tuesday, 21 January
Coverage starts: 7:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
The Knockout: Wednesday, 22 January
Coverage starts: 7:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
The Challenger: Friday, 24 January
Coverage starts: 7:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
The Final: Monday, 27 January
Coverage starts: 7:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Women’s One Day International Series (Australia vs. India)
Game 1: Thursday, 5 December
Venue: Allan Border Field
Coverage starts: 3:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Game 2: Sunday, 8 December
Venue: WACA
Coverage starts: 10:30am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Game 3: Wednesday, 11 December
Venue: Allan Border Field
Coverage starts: 3:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Women’s Ashes Series (Australia vs. England)
ODI Series:
Game 1: Sunday, 12 January
Venue: North Sydney Oval
Coverage starts: 10:00am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Game 2: Tuesday, 14 January
Venue: CitiPower Centre
Coverage starts: 10:00am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Game 3: Friday, 17 January
Venue: Blundstone Arena
Coverage starts: 10:00am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
T20I Series:
Game 1: Monday, 20 January
Venue: SCG
Coverage starts: 7:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Game 2: Thursday, 23 January
Venue: Manuka Oval
Coverage starts: 7:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Game 3: Saturday, 25 January
Venue: Adelaide Oval
Coverage starts: 7:00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Pink-Ball Test: Thursday, 30 January – Sunday, 2 February
Venue: MCG
Coverage starts: 2:30pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7plus
Seven is pulling out all stops to ensure every format, from Tests to T20s, gets premium treatment. Supercharged by features like live highlights, full match replays, and additional streaming channels, Seven is set to deliver more cricket content than ever before.
(L to R) Damien Fleming, Ricky Ponting, Mel McLaughlin, Trent Copeland.
Commentary that sets Seven apart
Cricket isn’t just about the players; it’s about how the story is told. Seven’s commentary team reads like a who’s who of cricketing royalty, with experts including Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Mitchell Starc offering insights only legends can provide.
Adding fresh voices, Seven has also recruited Alexandra Hartley and Rachel Khawaja, ensuring diverse perspectives resonate with a broader audience. And for those who love to geek out over the finer points of the game, Simon Taufel returns to break down the most contentious umpiring calls.
Watch live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.