Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

TV ratings for Australian cricket have taken a huge hit recently and usually full stands have been empty over the summer as the game suffers something of a "disconnect" with the public.

The Nine Network, Australian cricket's exclusive broadcaster of international matches since 1979, suffered a 40 percent drop in audience on 12 months ago for last Sunday's one day international against Pakistan.

Media analysts agree that the figures were so poor Channel Nine would be offering make-up spots to advertisers.