Day Four of the second Test of the Ashes dominated the ratings overnight with 3,175,000 viewers tuning in to watch two thoroughbreds in Steve Smith and Jofra Archer lock horns.
When fill-in captain, Smith walked into the crease late in the evening on day four Australia already had the match secured. Coming in following the loss of two wickets, Smith took guard with a mere 24 runs to chase, and eight wickets still in the shed—giving him the licence to play freely and aggressively.
Even though the match was practically over, that did not stop English pace bowler, Jofra Archer from charging into the crease to bowl consistently over 150 km/h. This lead to a fiery altercation between the stand-in captain and the ferocious quick.
A total TV national average audience of 956,000 people played witness as Archer had a few choice words for Smith as he tried to hit a bouncer for six, but ultimately missed the ball. Smith who was not in the mood for Archer’s games replied with “bowl fast when there’s nothing going on champion.” Which was a direct reference to Archer bowling his quickest spell in the match when it was already too little, too late.
Unfortunately, for Archer this just motivated Smith to go even harder, proceeding to belt the next two of his deliveries for six and four.
Smith would also go on to smash a six off Gus Atkinson to win the match and claim a comprehensive eight wicket victory.
There’s a fair bit of history between the two going back to when Smith got hit at Lord’s in 2019. But Smith is always keen to point out that Archer has never got him out in Test cricket.
Over on Nine, 2025: The Year That Was attracted 1,599,000 people in the timeslot that usually showcases 60 Minutes. Ex-Seven journalist, Samantha Armytage looked back on the highs and lows of 2025 and the moments that brought Australia together. She was joined by a national average audience of 594,000.
Ten’s Big Brother slumped to 17th in the evening ratings with a reach of 949,000 and an average of 592,000.
Friday and Saturday evening told a similar story with the second Test Match at the GABBA absolutely dominating all weekend long. The same could be said on field with the Aussies continuing their dominance over the Brits on Aussie soil.
