Cricket Australia Hails India's Upcoming Five-Test Series as Comparable to the Ashes in Commercial Terms

Strategic Insights -

Australia's cricket calendar has been highlighted by the massive tours featuring India and the Ashes series, with both set to draw in huge crowds and broadcast audiences. India's upcoming five-test series in Australia is considered comparable to the Ashes in commercial terms, according to Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley. The series, scheduled to begin on November 22 at the Perth Stadium, presents a significant opportunity for tourism, trade, and investment, with the large Indian diaspora in Australia expected to contribute to the commercial appeal. The series also marks a historic opportunity for India to win a hat-trick of series in Australia, following their previous successes in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

Key Takeaways:

  • India's upcoming five-Test series in Australia is comparable to the Ashes in commercial terms, with Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley stating that both series have "fantastic crowds and huge broadcast audiences".
  • The series is expected to draw in large crowds and high broadcast audiences, with ticket sales from India already six times greater than for the previous non-COVID series.
  • India is seeking a historic hat-trick of series wins in Australia, having successfully turned the tables over Australia (2-1) in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
  • The series will feature two day-night Tests, with the hosts having a clear edge having won 11 of the 12 pink-ball Tests at home.
  • The Indian selectors will get to watch India A compete in a shadow tour (two four-day matches) scheduled between October 31 and November 10 to firm up the squad.
  • A three-day intra-squad match between the A team and the main squad will also be held, starting November 15 at the WACA.

Statistics:

  • India's ticket sales in Australia are already six times greater than for the previous non-COVID series.
  • Australia has won 11 of the 12 pink-ball Tests at home, with the force of their pace battery under lights.
  • India has successfully turned the tables over Australia (2-1) in both 2018-19 and 2020-21.
  • The Ashes series is one of the two massive tours on the Australian cricket calendar, along with the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
  • The Indian diaspora in Australia is expected to contribute to the commercial appeal of the series.

Sources:

  • Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley's statement in an e-mail interview published by Hindustan Times on August 9.
  • India's upcoming five-Test series in Australia schedule, announced by Cricket Australia on August 9.