Just weeks after predicting a record year ahead, Cricket Australia is facing a loss of millions of dollars from the fast-paced two-day Ashes opener.
A combination of Travis Head’s stunning Ashes century and England’s aggressive Bazball approach to batting led to the first game of the blockbuster series in Perth ending late on day two.
Cricket Australia is heading for an estimated loss of more than $3 million in ticket revenue for days three and four.
A record 101,514 Test attendances – 51,531 on Friday and 49,983 afterwards – surpassing the record of 96,463 in Perth last year, when India won in four days.
Day three was also almost sold out.
Head said the Perth Test was a “great two days” but he sympathized with fans who had tickets for day three.
“I feel sorry for the people who can’t come tomorrow. I think it was a full house again,” he told the Seven Network after the match.
People who had single-day Test tickets for days that are canceled are entitled to a full refund, according to Cricket Australia’s refund policy.
Speaking before the game on Saturday, when Australia’s first innings had not even finished, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Green half-joked that he was worried the Test would not make it to day three.
“It’s difficult for a number of different groups,” Greenberg told SEN when discussing the financial implications of a match ending early.
“First of all, our broadcasters.
“Certainly us, in terms of ticket sales and our partners and sponsors.
“There is a major economic impact on this series.”
At its annual general meeting last month, Cricket Australia announced a loss of $11.3 million and was strongly criticized by Cricket Victoria chairman Ross Hepburn for its financial performance.
The loss came in a summer that included a five-Test tour from Goliath India.
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“In a normal schedule you would have white-ball cricket as part of that (Test) tour, but that will be played this financial year,” Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird said after the October meeting.
“If they were in the same financial year, you would have seen a different position.
“We are in a position where there is a significant increase, an improvement of over $20 million.
“Hold on to your hats because next year we are going to have a record year in cricket.
“You will see the most attendance, the most viewers and the most sponsorship.”
Foxtel said their broadcast on Friday was the most watched first day of a first Test in their history.
The Seven Network also reported strong ratings for their coverage on day one.
With Australian Associated Press
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