First Test in Perth engages 70.8 Mn viewers, achieving 8.6 Bn minutes of watch-time on television
76% growth in reach and 160% surge in engagement compared to the first Test in 2020
Highest-rated bilateral away Test match since the inception of BARC in 2015
Second Test reached 29.5 million viewers, a 21% higher reach compared to the 2020 pink ball Test in Australia
Star Sports Network, the official broadcasters of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, has set new benchmarks for Test cricket viewership with the opening match between India and Australia. The contest in Perth captivated a record-breaking 70.8 million viewers—a 70% growth in reach—and generated 8.6 billion minutes of watch-time, a 160% increase over the first test during India’s previous tour to Australia on television. With a 38% growth in TVR, this match is now the highest-rated bilateral away Test in BARC’s history.
Building on this momentum, Day 1 of the second Test between Australia and India also delivered exceptional numbers, reaching 29.5 million viewers, a 21% higher reach compared to the 2020 pink ball Test in Australia. The broadcaster also recorded a watch-time of 1.87 billion minutes—44% higher than the 2020 edition.
The India-Australia rivalry, one of the ‘Toughest Rivalry’ in Test cricket, has evolved over decades of fiercely competitive and unforgettable contests. Star Sports network has captured this spirit with innovative programming and immersive storytelling, offering fans an unparalleled viewing experience that highlights the intensity and significance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Through expert analysis, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive access, the broadcaster has brought fans closer to the action while celebrating one of cricket’s toughest rivalries.
As the five-Test series stands evenly poised at 1-1, every match carries monumental importance, especially for Team India, which must avoid another defeat in the remaining three matches to secure a direct berth in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final.
With stakes higher than ever, the third Test of the Toughest Rivalry begins on December 14th, exclusively on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar, promising yet another thrilling chapter in this epic cricket saga.
