BROADCAST GUIDE: Channel 7 unveils stellar line-up for Summer of CRICKET

Australia’s cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat this summer as Channel 7 gears up to broadcast an electrifying lineup of cricket events, including BBL 13 and the Test series.

These events promise to keep viewers glued to their screens with live and free access on Channel 7, the acclaimed Home of Cricket.

The commentary team, already renowned as cricket’s best, is now enhanced with the inclusion of Waqar Younis, a legendary Pakistani fast bowler. He joins for the three-test series against Pakistan, alongside a celebrated roster of Australian cricket icons, including Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Matthew Hayden.

Also returning to Channel 7’s unparalleled cricket coverage is Ian Bishop, the former West Indian fast bowler, who will be part of the commentary team for both the Australia v West Indies Test and the Big Bash League (BBL).

This summer’s lineup is not just about the big names. Channel 7 is bringing a host of former cricket stars as expert commentators, including Greg Blewett, Lisa Sthalekar, Trent Copeland, Callum Ferguson, Holly Ferling, Damien Fleming, Brad Hodge, Simon Katich, Katey Martin, Kirby Short, and Elyse Villani.

Leading the sport presentation team are James Brayshaw and Mel McLaughlin, supported by esteemed callers Alister Nicholson, Tim Lane, and Alison Mitchell. The team is rounded off with Erin Holland, Andy Maher, Jason Richardson, and Emma Freedman.

Joining the BBL coverage are current stars Aaron Finch, Chris Green, Glenn Maxwell, and Will Pucovski, along with sports reporters Theo Doropoulos, Ryan Daniels, and Anna Hay.

A special addition to the Test commentary team is Simon Taufel, a five-time ICC Umpire of the Year, bringing his expert analysis to crucial moments.

Ricky Ponting highlighted the challenge ahead for Australian batters in Perth, emphasizing the quality of Pakistan’s fast bowling.

The BBL season ignites on 7 December at the Gabba, with a match between the Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars, marking the start of an exciting BBL|13 season.

Lewis Martin, Managing Director of Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, remarked on the stellar lineup and the unmatched coverage Channel 7 will offer this summer.

Channel 7’s commentary team is all set to bring to life the thrilling moments of cricket, with Ian Bishop and Waqar Younis adding their unique perspectives to the coverage.

The BBL season will span 34 prime-time nights, including all four finals, showcasing cricket’s most captivating competition. The action-packed schedule includes a series of live and free BBL matches leading up to the West Test between Australia and Pakistan at Optus Stadium.

The Test cricket series promises to be an unforgettable experience, with Australia set to take on Pakistan and the West Indies in back-to-back series. The commentary team, including Justin Langer, looks forward to adding more chapters to the rich history of West Indies and Australian cricket.

The Women’s International Series starts on 27 January, featuring Australia’s beloved team against South Africa. The series will be historic, marking the first multi-format series against South Africa. Holly Ferling, a former Australian cricketer and expert commentator, anticipates an exciting clash, especially with the South Africans having an advantage due to their familiarity with Australian conditions.

“This series is history in the making – the first time Australia will play a multi-format series against South Africa, and the first time we will witness the changing of the guard on home soil.” – Holly Ferling

For comprehensive cricket coverage, fans can turn to 7plus for live and on-demand content, including various shows and a new 7Cricket FAST Channel. Additionally, 7NEWS.com.au’s Cricket Match Centre will provide fixtures, live commentary, stats, and exclusive stories.

SEVEN’S COMMENTARY TEAM

Ian Bishop – Expert Commentator

Bishop is a previous Trinidadian top-of-the-line cricketer who represented the West Indies cricket team between 1988 and 1998 in Tests and ODIs. He achieved 100 Test wickets in just 21 Test matches. Bishop played his final Test against England in March 1998. He has since forged a successful career as a television commentator and joins Seven’s cricket coverage for the West Indies Test.

Greg Blewett – Expert Commentator

1. stylish right-handed stroke-maker who played both Test and One Day International cricket for Australia, Blewett’s penchant for shots square of the wicket and powerful cover drive made him a natural entertainer. He played 46 Tests in a dominant Australian team from 1995 to 2000, scoring four centuries and regularly providing a valuable back-up bowling option as a medium pacer. Having impressed as a commentator in recent years, Blewett returns to Seven this summer for Test cricket and BBL|13.

Twitter: @blewy214 Instagram: gregblewett214

James Brayshaw – Host and Caller

Brayshaw enjoyed a distinguished cricket career at first-class level, averaging 42.53 runs across 75 matches as a top-order batsman. He was also part of two Sheffield Shield-winning teams, with Western Australia in 1987-88 and South Australia in 1995-96. Brayshaw has become a fan favourite since moving into television and radio, both as a host and commentator. This summer, he will co-host and call Australia’s Test series, plus BBL. Instagram: jamesbrayshaw

Trent Copeland – Expert Analysis

The star seamer continues to juggle his first-class career with New South Wales and commentary since joining Seven’s team in 2018-19. Copeland’s ongoing involvement in the Sheffield Shield means he brings rare insight to the commentary box, where he can draw on his first-hand knowledge of current players, many of whom he will play with or against this season. He puts this knowledge to excellent use with his plain-speaking match analysis that takes viewers inside the day’s play. Copeland will again unravel elite cricket’s tactics and strategy like no one else can during this summer’s Test series and BBL.

Twitter: @copes9 Instagram: copes9

Callum Ferguson – Expert Commentator

Ferguson represented Australia in all three forms of the game, averaging an outstanding 41.43 runs over 30 ODI matches from 2009 to 2011. The South Australian right-hander also enjoyed a decorated 18-year first-class career with the Redbacks and played in the first 10 BBL seasons, captaining Sydney Thunder from 2019-20 to 2020-21. A revelation since making his on-air debut with Seven in last year’s WBBL tournament, Ferguson will bring his fresh voice and exceptional insight to the live and free BBL coverage this summer.

Twitter: @calferguson12 Instagram: calferguson12

Holly Ferling – Expert Commentator

Becoming a cricket sensation at only 14 years old after securing a hat-trick in her first three balls of her men’s grade debut, Ferling debuted for the Australian Women’s Cricket Team at age 17, in all three formats – ODI, T20 and Test Cricket – while completing her schooling in Kingaroy in country Queensland. She will feature across Seven’s WBBL and BBL coverage for the 2023-24 Summer of Cricket.

Twitter: @Holly_Ferling Instagram: HollyFerling

Damien Fleming – Expert Commentator

Fleming compiled an impressive career for Australia as a fast-medium swing bowler, taking 75 wickets at the excellent average of 25.89 in Test matches and 134 wickets in 88 One Day Internationals at 25.38. The Victorian’s career highlights include a Test hat-trick on debut against Pakistan, 31 Test wickets over the 1999-2000 summer and his key role in the victorious 1999 World Cup team. “Flem” has been equally successful since moving into the commentary box on television and radio, where fans have loved his entertaining and insightful “bowlology” theories.

Twitter: @bowlologist Instagram: bowlologist

Matthew Hayden – Expert Commentator

One of Australia’s greatest openers of all-time, the destructive left-hander menaced opposition bowling attacks across 103 Test matches from 1994 to 2009, averaging 50.74 and scoring 30 centuries. In 2003, he recorded the then-highest individual Test innings, 380 runs against Zimbabwe, a score that remains the second highest in Test history. Hayden also enjoyed a stellar ODI career, averaging 43.80 over 161 matches. The Queensland fan favourite will join Seven’s cricket coverage again this summer.

Twitter: @HaydosTweets Instagram: haydos359

Brad Hodge – Expert Commentator

With an unbeaten Test double century to his name and a reputation as one of the world’s most consistent T20 players, viewers have more recently come to know Hodge via his insightful commentary of BBL matches. Unlucky not to play more than six Tests after averaging 55.83 as a middle-order batsman, the Victorian represented Australia in all three forms of the game. Hodge will again provide expert commentary throughout the BBL this summer.

Twitter: @bradhodge007 Instagram: bradleyhodge302

Erin Holland – Sideline Reporter and Host

Holland is a television host and presenter whose cricket experience includes working on the Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League and Canada’s Global T20 competition. Named Miss World Australia in 2013, Holland is also a classically trained soprano singer, holding a Bachelor of Classical Voice degree from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Twitter: @erinvholland Instagram: erinvholland

Simon Katich – Expert Commentator

A hardnosed left-hander whose greatest success came as an opener, Katich played 56 Tests for Australia from 2001 to 2010, averaging 45.03 runs. As a part-time left-arm wrist spinner, he also proved a handy partnership-breaker, taking 21 Test wickets at the highly respectable average of 30.23. Since retiring, Katich has showcased his keen tactical understanding of cricket as an expert commentator. He returns to Seven’s team this summer for the much-anticipated Pakistan and West Indies Test Series.

Tim Lane – Test Match Caller

One of the best-known voices in Australian sport, Lane has earned enormous respect from sports fans over more than 40 years as an award-winning broadcaster and journalist. During that time, he has become synonymous with Australian cricket as one of the game’s leading callers. He has covered more than 100 Test matches, including the Aussies’ most recent series in Pakistan in 1998 when Mark Taylor made his famous unbeaten 334. Lane has also called more than 1500 AFL games, five Olympic Games and seven Commonwealth Games. His articulate commentary and thoughtful analysis make him an integral member of the Seven cricket team. This summer, he will call Australia’s Test matches for Seven.

Twitter: @TimLaneSport

Justin Langer – Expert Commentator

Fresh off his time as Australian Cricket Coach, Langer arrived in 2022 at Seven with an unmatched skill set. Until the announcement of his retirement from Test cricket in 2007, Langer was one of Australia’s great top order batsmen. Originally playing at number three, he moved to opener in 2001 and played 105 Test matches scoring 7,696 runs including 23 Test centuries. Few have worn the baggy green with greater pride. Along with Matthew Hayden, Langer formed a hugely successful opening partnership, which ranks as the best in Australian history and featured six double century stands.

Andy Maher – Host

Describing himself as the “unfunny one” from The Front Bar and “least swashbuckling” member of Seven’s BBL commentary team, Maher is also a highly respected journalist and sport presenter on radio and television. Maher’s extensive media commitments cover a variety of sports, including AFL and cricket. He will again host BBL matches this summer. Twitter: @AndyMaherDFA Instagram: andymaherdfa

Mel McLaughlin – Host

A leading 7SPORT presenter, McLaughlin has hosted a raft of leading sporting events on the national and world stage, including Test and BBL cricket, the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups, Winter Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and the Supercars Championship. As 7NEWS Sydney’s sports anchor McLaughlin presents the 7NEWS sport bulletin five nights a week, following a passion she has lived and breathed from a very young age as part of a sports-mad family. This summer, McLaughlin will host this year’s Test matches and blockbuster BBL games.

Twitter: @Mel_Mclaughlin Instagram: mel_mclaughlin

Alison Mitchell – Test Match Caller

An international sports broadcaster and commentator, Mitchell is an award-winning journalist and has won plaudits around the world for her polished and professional cricket commentary. She started her career at the BBC, where she has worked extensively across television and radio in broadcasting and journalism. She also has more than 10 years’ experience in ball-by-ball commentary internationally, having covered series in England, Australia, Sri Lanka and India. A meticulous researcher and lover of the game, Mitchell also has an instinctive ability to draw out the best from the experts alongside her in the commentary box.

Twitter: @AlisonMitchell Instagram: alison_mitchell00

Alister Nicholson – Commentator

Nicholson has become one of sport’s most recognisable voices over the past decade as an ABC Grandstand commentator on cricket and AFL football. His broadcasting experience extends to the NRL, A-League, Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Australia’s major golf tournaments and the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Before joining Grandstand, he was a highly respected sport journalist in Tasmania, while this summer he returns to Seven’s BBL commentary team.

Twitter: @AlisterNicho Instagram: alisternicholson

Ricky Ponting – Expert Commentator

One of the most decorated cricketers in the game’s history, Ponting has led Seven’s commentary team since its foundation in 2018-19. In 168 Test matches, Ponting bludgeoned 13,378 runs at the remarkable average of 51.85 and currently sits second on the all-time runs list, behind Indian great Sachin Tendulkar. The Tasmanian also captained Australia in 77 Tests from 2004 to 2010 – second behind Allan Border – and in One Day Internationals also led the Aussies to the 2003 and 2007 World Cup crowns. Now widely regarded as the best cricket commentator in the world, Ponting’s intimate knowledge of the game is matched by his ability to communicate to cricket fans of all levels of interest and understanding. Twitter: @RickyPonting Instagram: rickyponting

Jason Richardson – Host

An experienced broadcaster and former elite sprinter, Richardson will host BBL matches across Seven’s cricket coverage this summer. A Stawell Gift winner in 1993, he brings plenty of personality and fun to a broad range of sports on Seven. A key member of Seven’s horse racing team as a host and commentator, Richardson has also worked on the Olympic Games, Winter Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Australian Open tennis and Australian Open golf.

Twitter: @JaseRicho Instagram: jaserichardson7

Lisa Sthalekar – Expert Commentator

The former Australian women’s captain forged a stellar international career as an all-rounder from 2001 to 2013, becoming the first woman to score 1000 runs and take 100 wickets in One Day Internationals. She was named the Australian Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2007 and 2008, and was a member of the World Cup triumphs in 2005 and 2013. Sthalekar has since made a seamless transition to the commentary box and will commentate on BBL games this summer.

Twitter: @sthalekar93 Instagram: Isthalekar

Simon Taufel – Expert Analyst

After his career as a fast-medium bowler was cut short by injury, Taufel moved into umpiring, progressing so quickly through the ranks he made his first-class debut in 1994 aged just 24. By the time he retired in 2012, he was widely considered the best umpire of his generation after an international career that spanned 74 Tests, 174 ODIs and 34 T20s. He won five consecutive ICC Umpire of the Year awards from 2004 to 2008, and later worked as the ICC’s Umpire Performance and Training Manager. This summer, Taufel returns to Seven’s Test team, where viewers will enjoy his expert insights into contentious umpiring decisions.

Elyse Villani – Expert Commentator

Top-order bat Elyse Villani’s clean hitting and impeccable timing have seen her grow into one of the most damaging batters in international women’s cricket. Villani has enjoyed great success with the Australian Women’s cricket team, helping them to lift the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 trophy in the West Indies in 2010. More recently playing for the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL, Villani stepped behind the microphone for Seven’s 2023 WBBL coverage and will continue her role across Seven’s 2023-24 BBL telecast.

Twitter: @ElyseVillani Instagram: elysevillani

Waqar Younis – Expert Commentator

One of the greatest fast bowlers to ever play the game, Waqar Younis enjoyed an incredible international career which spanned 14 years and included 87 Tests and 262 ODIs for Pakistan. His ability to reverse swing the ball at lightning speeds earned him the reputation as one of the most feared bowlers in the world. With a focus on coaching and commentary following his outstanding playing career, Younis has become synonymous with cricket broadcasting and will bring his outstanding knowledge and insights to Seven’s Australia v Pakistan Test coverage in 2023-24.

“West Indies and Australian cricket each have a rich history. Let’s hope this summer adds more layers to that story.”

– Justin Langer

SEVEN’S SUMMER OF CRICKET

BBL 13

Starts 7 December

Opening Match: The Gabba, 7 December

Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars, 7.00pm AEDT live and free on Seven

BBL Returns: Adelaide Oval, 19 December

Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder, 7.00pm AEDT live and free on Seven

Super Mega Day: Boxing Day, 26 December

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars at the SCG, 6.00pm AEDT live and free on Channel 7 and 7mate

Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades at Optus Stadium, 9.10pm AEDT live and free on Channel 7

Super Mega Day: 3 January

Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat at Coffs Harbour, 6.00pm AEDT live and free on Channel 7 and 7mate

Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers at Optus Stadium, 9.10pm AEDT live and free on Channel 7

The Qualifier: 19 January, 7.00pm AEDT live and free on Channel 7 and 7mate

The Eliminator: 20 January, 7.00pm AEDT live and free on Channel 7 and 7mate

The Challenger: 22 January, live and free on Channel 7 and 7mate (time TBC)

The Final: 23 January, live and free on Channel 7 and 7mate (time TBC)

Australia v Pakistan Test series Starts 14 December

First Test: Optus Stadium, 14 – 18 December

Coverage starts at 12.30pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7mate on all five days

Second Test: MCG, 26 – 30 December

Coverage starts at 9.30am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7mate on all five days

Third Test: SCG, 3 – 7 January

Coverage starts at 9.30am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7mate on all five days

Australia v West Indies Test series Starts 17 January

First Test: Adelaide Oval 17 – 21 January

Coverage starts at 9.30am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7mate/7two on all five days

Second Test: The Gabba, 25 – 30 January (day-night)

Coverage starts at 2.00pm AEDT on Channel 7 and 7mate on all five days

Women’s International Series

Begins 27 January – Australia v South Africa

Women’s T20 Game One: Manuka Oval, 27 January Coverage starts at 10.30am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7mate

Women’s T20 Game Two: Manuka Oval, 28 January Coverage starts at 10.30am AEDT on Channel 7 and 7mate

Women’s T20 Game Three: Hobart, 30 January Coverage starts at 7.00pm AEDT on 7mate

Women’s ODI Game One: Adelaide, 3 February Coverage starts at 2.30pm AEDT on 7mate

Women’s ODI Game Two: North Sydney Oval, 7 February Coverage starts at 2.30pm AEDT on 7mate

Women’s ODI Game Three: North Sydney Oval, 10 February Coverage starts at 2.30pm AEDT on 7mate

Test Match: WACA, 15– 18 February

Coverage starts at 1.30pm AEDT live and free on 7mate on all four days