Channel 4 Cricket Coverage

I'd forgotten how brilliant it was. Truly top class again today, the punditry and coverage is always fantastic. It'll be a shame when it goes to Sky.

Does anyone know if Mark Nicholas, Simon Hughes, Richie Benaud and the others will cross over to Sky or not? They are all excellent presenters, would be a shame to see it wasted.

The sponsorship bumpers have Big Cook and Little Cook in them.

Thank you.

its moving to sky Noooooooooo! When was this anounced? That really is bad news Have BBC still got the rights to radio?

My relatives in India say there was Sky commentry there, I presume they are getting the Sky coverage live and not C4's.

Alec Stewart's a new addition to Channel Four for this season. I suspect he's the replacement for Dermot Reeve, who, I assume, is missing due to his revelations in last Sunday's papers.

I'm afraid I just CAN'T get on with Simon Hughes. He's another of the "talk down to you" brigade.

I could cope with all the others moving to add to the Sky team, though I prefer the bulk of Sky's existing people, given the choice.

The London Evening Standard today said that Alec isn't a permanent replacement, and Channel Four are looking for someone else to work full time.

Also noticed that the font on the cricket graphics has been changed to be the same as the rest of Channel 4.

Sky have rights to ALL test matches from next year, with highlights being on five.

Having said that, the C4 cricket people are employed by Sunset & Vine not C4 I think so maybe they will be presenting the new highlights.

I thought I recognised the ginger guy's hair...

The Sky Sports cricket commentary team for England and Domestic matches is very strong. Experienced ex-players and coaches. Can the critics please tell me what's wrong with them?

Not sure anyone's criticised, Stuart, in this thread at least.

I think we've got a pretty good team, right across all of radio and television at the moment.

I'd only query Simon, for reasons given above, and possibly Henry on Test Match Special. Much as I love listening to the "dear old thing", his mistakes are starting to outweigh his entertainment value as he joins me deep in the pension book.

Richie Benaud is retiring after the Ashes. I guess that Mark Nicholas has improved since he started on TV that he'll certainly will be taken on by Sky or Five (he was also on Australian TV this winter). Not sure about Simon Hughes though.

Still on cricket, I'm surprised that neither Channel 4 or Sky (or even Meridian) were showing Hampshire v England today, and that England fans had to resort to internet radio for any live match commentary.

Mark Nicholas was the main anchor on Sky until he left for C4. I can't imagine David Gower standing aside for him to return. Channel Five may be a possibility. However, wouldn't it be logical for Sky to produce the highlights package for Five and use their current team?