'Disgusted' Aussies dump TVs in wake of Oz Ashes horror show

As the Australians continue to lose in the Ashes series in England, many viewers are now turning their attentions away from the Test team's dismal performance, with rating numbers for free-to-air broadcaster Nine showing a dramatic audience plunge for the second Test at Lord's.

According to The Age, Nine was looking at Monday morning returns that were in stark contrast to the figures that only a week ago the network had announced, were a ratings triumph for a digital offshoot channel.

The report said that Gem's audience share was halved as compared to the last Test and the results confirmed the risks inherent in committing big resources to the live sport, without drama, tension and at least the possibility of an Australian victory.

Cricketers and broadcasters will be hoping for redemption when the historic rivals face off again in the Ashes series to come in the Australian summer, the report added.