Channel 7 has celebrated a significant win in viewership, thanks to its live and complimentary broadcast of the West Test at Optus Stadium, where Australia claimed a historical triumph over Pakistan.
The coverage, which was broadcast live and free, captivated a significant audience, with a daily peak reaching 894,000 viewers.
This four-day cricket spectacle saw the Australian team, often referred to as the Aussies, demonstrate sheer dominance over the visiting Pakistani side, breaking several records during the event. The first day was particularly notable with David Warner delivering a striking performance, achieving an impressive century, only to be dismissed for a duck in the second innings.
A momentous occasion was witnessed when Nathan Lyon, the skilled Aussie offspinner, joined an elite group of cricketers by taking his 500th wicket in Test cricket. This achievement places him alongside the likes of Australian legends Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.
The broadcast’s average audience was an impressive 631,000 viewers, leading its timeslots across various demographics – ranking first among all viewers, ages 25 to 54, and 16 to 39. This marked a 24% increase from last year’s opening Test. The fourth day’s second session drew the highest viewership, with 885,000 viewers nationally.
Lewis Martin, Managing Director of Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, expressed his excitement:
“Following an historic first Test headlined by Nathan Lyon’s incredible feat, Seven’s summer of cricket still has so much more to deliver, live and free to all Australians.
As we await the next instalment of the Australia v Pakistan series at the Boxing Day Test, the excitement continues as the Big Bash League makes its triumphant return at 7.00pm AEDT tomorrow night for the first of three consecutive prime time nights, live and free on Seven.
Big crowds, big names and big audiences, BBL is back and bigger than ever. From breaking bats to bucket hats and huge celebrations in front of roaring crowds – this isn’t your grandfather’s game.
From cricket’s traditional format straight through to the fiery action of the Big Bash for the next three nights – there is no better place to be than Seven, Your Home of Cricket.”
The excitement is set to continue with the upcoming Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan, starting on 26 December at the MCG, broadcast live on Channel 7 and 7mate.
The third Test is scheduled for 3 January at the SCG. Furthermore, from 14 January, the Seven cricket team will move to the Adelaide Oval for the first of two Tests between Australia and the West Indies, a rivalry dating back to 1930.
