Test cricket a hit: Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy breaks digital viewership records

India Today

5 days ago

At a time when the future of Test cricket is under intense debate, the five-match series between England and India has set a new benchmark for viewership. The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy has become the most-watched Test series on a digital platform, broadcaster JioHotstar announced in a statement on Tuesday, 12 August.Reflecting the enduring appeal of marquee Test contests, more than 170 million viewers logged on to the platform over the course of the five matches, played from 20 June to 4 August. According to the broadcaster, this represents the highest reach for any Test series on a digital platform.advertisementThe fifth day of the final Test at The Oval recorded a peak concurrency of 13 million viewers on JioHotstar – the highest ever for a Test match streamed online. Fuelled by nail-biting finishes and dramatic twists, the England–India series captivated audiences in India, generating a staggering 65 billion minutes of watch time on the platform.
'The extraordinary response to India's tour of England reinforces Test cricket's ability to produce compelling narratives in almost every session of every match. Reaching over 170 million viewers and setting new concurrency records is testament not only to the thrilling cricket on display, but also to our commitment to delivering an immersive storytelling and viewing experience,' said Siddharth Sharma, Head of Content – Sports, JioStar.All five Tests in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy went the distance, with packed crowds the norm at every venue. The Oval Test was carried into a fifth day after rain curtailed the final hour's play on the Sunday. Despite England needing only 35 runs and India requiring four wickets, a record crowd returned on Monday morning for the concluding session of the series. Even though many knew play might last no longer than an hour, thousands still turned up, ensuring another blockbuster day of cricket in England.The fans were richly rewarded as India and England served up fiercely contested cricket that ebbed and flowed throughout the series. On the final day, India clinched victory by six runs, claiming the last four wickets to level the series.THE HOT DEBATEOver the years, five-Test series between India and England, Australia and India, and the Ashes have consistently delivered blockbuster cricket. Yet concerns remain about the viability of Test cricket, particularly its inclusivity for lower-ranked teams. While such series involving the so-called 'Big Three' – England, India, and Australia – continue to thrive, they highlight a widening gap in opportunities.England's hosting of another thrilling series, coming so soon after the 2023 Ashes, follows comments by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Thompson opposing a proposed two-tier World Test Championship (WTC). He argued that England risk missing out on the Ashes and other high-profile series should they be relegated and fail to face Australia or India.Although the WTC has added significance to bilateral series, there are growing concerns about the uneven distribution of fixtures, with the 'Big Three' dominating the most lucrative and high-profile contests.In July 2025, the ICC formed an eight-member working group to assess the feasibility of introducing a two-tier WTC. The committee, headed by the ICC's newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta, was established during the ICC's annual general meeting in Singapore, presided over by Chair Jay Shah.- EndsTune InMust Watch