Flying start for short formats

The Ashes may be over but Australians simply can’t get enough cricket in the 2013-14 summer, with a superb attendance for the opening to the Carlton Mid ODI series at the MCG yesterday and outstanding TV ratings throughout the KFC T20 Big Bash League.

The first one-day international of the summer saw a crowd of 38,068 turn out to witness another Australian success, up almost 10 per cent from the last ODI at the MCG against England in 2011 (34,854).

Cricket Australia's promotion of the series as the summer's biggest dress-up party was also a hit, with a colourful crowd enjoying the part atmosphere during Australia's six-wicket win. 

According to OzTam ratings, Nine’s coverage of the match attracted a national average audience of 2.45 million, making it the highest rating ODI since March 2008.

Check out the fans gallery here.

The KFC T20 Big Bash has been a similar success story, with an average national TV audience of 935,000 complemented by excellent crowds. Last Saturday night's Brisbane Heat versus Melbourne Stars match was watched by a record BBL Gabba crowd of 32,696.