England vs India Test series delivers major ratings win for Sky Sports
More than one million people tuned in to watch India’s dramatic six-run win over England in the final Test of the 2025 summer, making it one of the most-watched non-Ashes Tests in recent years on UK pay-TV.
According to a report by Sky Sports, the fourth-day coverage on August 2 alone drew almost 1.5 million viewers across its channels, while the final 56 minutes of play on Monday — a thrilling climax to the fifth Test — saw double the usual weekday Test viewership.
Meanwhile, BBC’s Test Match Special (TMS) radio coverage amassed a total of 14.3 million listens across the series, with 3.1 million tuning in for the final Test alone, and over 500,000 during the last hour of action.
“Series for the ages” rekindles love for red-ball cricket
The fifth and final Test, held at The Kia Oval, delivered an unforgettable finish. India bowled out England to win by just six runs, leveling the series 2-2 in what Sky Sports called one of the greatest contests of all time.
Pundits were unanimous in their praise.
“It was an incredible series,” former England captain Nasser Hussain told SkySports.com.
“It wasn’t just today. It wasn’t four boring games and then a thrilling climax – it was gripping all the way through.”
He added:
“We’ll wake up tomorrow and sigh that there’s no more England vs India in this Test series. This has been an incredible story: different conditions, different pitches, brilliant scenes – not just here, but across the last six weeks.”
Fellow former England captain Michael Atherton, as quoted by Sky Sports, said:
“What a series it’s been. It’s been fiery at times, with tension and needle, but these two teams have given us the most magnificent series.”
Full houses, gripping drama — a perfect advert for the format
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri summed up the spectacle by saying:
“You could not ask for anything more. Full houses, games going down to the wire.”
“For Test match cricket, there is no better advertisement than that. Nail-biting stuff, a thrilling end to the series,” he said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
The series averaged sold-out crowds across all venues, even on days when only an hour of play was expected.
Nasser Hussain pointed to the global imbalance in Test match support:
“Why do people knock this format? It’s just so wonderful,” he said.
“But I’m afraid other countries don’t have the luxuries that England, India, and Australia enjoy.
The crowds throughout the series – pretty much sold out every day. Even today, there was a sell-out crowd for just 55 minutes of play. Not every country has that privilege.”
He urged the sport’s powerhouses to take responsibility:
“England, India, and Australia must keep an eye on the future of Test match cricket. If we let this go, we’re doing the game a disservice. We need to keep pushing it forward — and look after those who aren’t as fortunate.”
“It keeps the fire burning” — Test cricket finds new energy
As franchise leagues and T20 dominance continue to challenge the traditional format, the England-India series reminded fans and stakeholders alike of what makes Test cricket unique.
“There’s so much talk about the future of Test cricket,” said Dinesh Karthik, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“But it’s series like this that keep the format alive — they keep that fire burning.”
He added:
“I spoke to KL Rahul, and he said Test cricket is well and truly alive. It means so much to them.”
What’s next for England and Sky Sports?
While Sky Sports scored big with the England-India series, the upcoming 2025-26 Ashes in Australia will not be part of its portfolio. The rights remain with TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), which also broadcast the 2017/18 and 2021/22 Ashes in Australia.
Sky’s current domestic rights deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) runs through 2028 — and with Test cricket showing its enduring draw, industry attention will now turn to how the broadcaster and stakeholders can build on this momentum.
Series summary: England vs India, Summer 2025
- 1st Test (Headingley): England won by 5 wickets
- 2nd Test (Edgbaston): India won by 336 runs
- 3rd Test (Lord’s): England won by 22 runs
- 4th Test (Old Trafford): Match drawn
- 5th Test (The Kia Oval): India won by 6 runs
With the series ending 2-2, both teams left with pride intact — and Test cricket with a powerful shot of adrenaline.
