Seven has bolstered its commentary credentials ahead of the 2019 cricket season, appointing former opener Michael Slater to the team.
He joins former captain Ricky Ponting after Seven snatched the cricket rights, alongside subscription television provider Foxtel, from long-term broadcaster Nine, in a deal worth close to $1 billion over six years.
Seven beings broadcasting the cricket next year
Seven will broadcast test matches and 43 of the 59 Big Bash League games from next year, with Slater to commentate across both formats.
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Seven’s head of cricket Dave Barham – who moved across from Ten after spearheading its game-changing Big Bash League coverage – said Slater’s appointment was a win for the network.
“We’re absolutely rapt to have Slats join our team. He is a class broadcaster who will bring experience to our Test coverage, and all his trademark energy to our BBL,” he said.
Slater added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Channel Seven. I’ve been a long-time fan of their sports coverage – particularly live sport – and can’t wait to join the new team and help give Test cricket and the Big Bash a fresh look and approach.”
Slater joins Ponting as well as Damien Fleming on the team.
Rival network Nine recently came under fire for adding disgraced test cricketer and former vice captain of the Australian team, David Warner, to its commentary line-up for the second one-day international (ODI) against England.
On July 5, the Mumbrella Sports Marketing Summit will host a session on trust in sport, featuring executive chairman of sportswear brand Skins, Jaimie Fuller – who feels so passionately about the cricket cheating scandal, he took out a full-page ad in The Sydney Morning Herald calling on Cricket Australia to do better. Tickets can be purchased here.