EXCLUSIVE: England’s dramatic Ashes defeat by Australia brings in record viewing figures for Sky… with 2.1m tuning in to thrilling Edgbaston conclusion
- England fell to an agonising loss by Australia in the rollercoaster first Ashes Test
- The conclusion at Edgbaston brought in record viewing figures for Sky Sports
- The broadcaster’s peak audience narrowly topped their previous record in 2019
England’s dramatic defeat to Australia in the first Ashes Test brought record viewing figures for Sky Sports, with over 2.1million tuning into their live coverage as Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon successfully chased down 281 at Edgbaston.
Sky’s peak audience is understood to have narrowly eclipsed their previous record viewing figures for Test cricket on that unforgettable Sunday in 2019 when Ben Stokes’ extraordinary 135 not out led England to a one-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley.
Sky’s viewing figures over the last five days are understood to have brought records both in terms of their average and peak audiences for Test cricket, an impressive achievement given they have held the rights for all home Test matches since 2006.
The peak audience is particularly noteworthy as the compelling series opener reached its climax on a Monday evening, with Cummins hitting the winning runs at 7:21pm.
England’s defeat to Australia in the first Ashes Test brought record viewing figures for Sky

Over 2.1million tuned in to the coverage and watched Ben Stokes’ side fall to an agonising loss

Pat Cummins (above) and Nathan Lyon successfully chased down the 281 target at Edgbaston
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