The digital demand for Test Match Special (TMS) coverage reached unprecedented heights as Tuesday’s final day of the first Test became BBC Sounds’ most successful day to date. Audiences flocked to the platform, resulting in remarkable figures for hours listened and signed-in accounts.
Over the course of the five-day Test, there were nearly six million requests across BBC Sounds and BBC Sport’s online platforms and app, with a significant surge in numbers during the last two days of play (19th-20th June).
BBC Sounds not only offered live ball-by-ball commentary but also provided cricket enthusiasts with exceptional on-demand content, including the popular Ashes Daily podcast and a half-hour highlights, show. Furthermore, fans can look forward to special editions of Tailenders, featuring Greg James and England’s record-breaking cricketer, James Anderson, as well as No Balls, hosted by England bowler Kate Cross and World Cup champion Alex Hartley.
For those seeking live digital coverage, the BBC Sport website and app remain the go-to platforms, providing video highlights of crucial moments throughout the match, alongside the ever-popular live text commentary. Additionally, viewers can catch an hour-long highlights program on BBC Two and the iPlayer each evening at 7pm.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the Women’s Ashes, and live commentary will continue to be broadcasted on 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds. BBC TV and BBC iPlayer will also air a daily highlights program at 7pm. Notably, a special episode of No Balls will be broadcasted live tonight on 5 Live, originating from Trent Bridge.
The commentary team for this week’s matches will comprise Alison Mitchell, Henry Moeran, Melissa Story, Melinda Farrell, and correspondent Jonathan Agnew. They will be joined by World Cup winners Alex Hartley, Ebony Rainford-Brent, and Georgia Elwiss. Former Australia captain Alex Blackwell and England’s record wicket-taker Katherine Sciver-Brunt, a valuable new addition, will also contribute to the coverage.
The overwhelming digital demand for Test Match Special demonstrates the unwavering passion of cricket fans, while the BBC continues to deliver comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms. As the Women’s Ashes begins, anticipation and excitement are sure to reach new heights among devoted followers of the sport.
