EXCLUSIVE: England’s dramatic defeat to Australia sets record viewing figures for Sky…with 2.1 million viewers to thrilling Edgbaston conclusion
- England lost to Australia in the roller coaster’s first Ashes Test
- The closure in Edgbaston gave Sky Sports record viewing figures
- The broadcaster’s peak audience narrowly surpassed their previous record set in 2019
England’s dramatic defeat to Australia in the first Ashes Test produced record viewing figures for Sky Sports, with over 2.1 million people tuning into their live coverage as Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon successfully chased 281 at Edgbaston.
Sky’s largest crowd is believed to have narrowly eclipsed their previous record Test cricket viewing figures on that unforgettable Sunday in 2019 when Ben Stokes’ extraordinary 135 not led England to a one-wicket victory in the third Test at Headingley.
Sky’s viewing figures for the past five days are said to have set records for both their average and peak audiences for Test cricket, an impressive feat considering they have held the rights to all home Test matches since 2006.
The peak crowd is especially noteworthy as the riveting series opener climaxed on a Monday night, with Cummins hitting the winning runs at 7:21 p.m.
England’s defeat to Australia in the first Ashes Test set a record viewing figure for Sky
More than 2.1 million people listened to the coverage and watched Ben Stokes’ side suffer an embarrassing defeat
Pat Cummins (above) and Nathan Lyon successfully chased the 281 target at Edgbaston