A deal has been struck which will see C4 carry all four Tests, starting from Friday
Channel 4 will become the first terrestrial broadcaster in the UK to show an England overseas Test tour in its entirety after finalising a deal for England's series in India.
A deal has been struck which will see C4 carry all four Tests, starting from Friday, on an exclusive basis.
The broadcaster will not employ a bespoke commentary team for the games, with their coverage adopting the world feed.
Matches will also be available to view via C4's dedicated streaming platform, All 4, with highlights also hosted online.
The Telegraph claims Sky and BT Sport lodged late bits this week, but global rightsholders Star Sports - a Disney subsidiary - opted to stick with Channel 4.
Rishi Persad - the vastl experienced sports anchor - will front the terrestrial coverage, with Sir Alastair Cook and Sir Andrew Strauss providing studio analysis.
C4 has not hosted Test cricket since the famous Ashes series of 2005, with Sky Sports holding a near-monopoly over rights at home and abroad for the past 15 years.
The channel enjoyed tremendous success simulcasting the 2019 men's World Cup final, with 15.4million viewers watching the match between England and New Zealand, and they will be hoping to tap into substantial appetite for live sport during the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in the UK.
Three of the Tests start in the early hours of the morning, but the third is a day-night match which begins each day at 9am, while the white-ball leg of the tour could prove particularly popular.
No deal has yet been stuck for the limited-overs matches - five T20Is and three ODIs - though C4 remain confident of securing the rights to the entire tour.
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Posted by PHILIP CHALK on 06/03/2021 at 13:57
I'm praying that you get the rest of the Indian tour, the coverage so far has been brilliant
Posted by Tom on 14/02/2021 at 11:41
Great coverage of India v England Cricket Test Matches by Channel 4. However , it’s a shame and unfair that the umpires are all Indian. Already it is clear that split wicket decisions appear to be awarded in favour of the Indian team. Each such decision should without fear or favour be investigated to confirm whether or not impartiality has been upheld at all times by both the on field umpires and the 3rd umpire determining DRS reviews. Also the studio panel Strauss and Co should give more on air consideration of these potential incorrect decisions, equally without fear or favour. Twice during day 2 Joe Root has rightfully frustrated by the Umpire’s decision subsequently proven to be incorrect and for one such error the 3rd umpire re instated a England review because of his incorrect decision , although India still retained the wicket and runs that the player , who have been out on the review, made until he subsequently lost his wicket. Thank you , Tom Lancs / tdcuk@sky.com
Posted by Luke on 09/02/2021 at 11:23
It's so nice to be able to watch live cricket on a free to air channel, like the old days. I have memories of watching John Player league on Sunday afternoons, way back in the 60s. I hope Channel 4 gets the contract for T20 and ODIs, too. Good luck.
Posted by Deepak on 07/02/2021 at 21:12
Does anyone know which channel is broadcasting the highlights of this series please?
Posted by Joe Jackson on 07/02/2021 at 15:36
Channel 4s broadcast of the test matchis the best we have had for many years.The commentators are the the best. They say what is happening on the pitch.
Posted by Val on 06/02/2021 at 12:26
How about some free to air highlights please. Not fair, given the time difference, to hide them away on a paid for demand channel
Posted by Pavel on 05/02/2021 at 17:37
The live coverage is adequate imo, but where are the highlights from day one please? Its the weekend, let's have some cricket on now please, 'jaldi jaldi!'
Posted by Allan D on 05/02/2021 at 13:52
Anybody tell me where and when the highlights are being shown. Can’t find them listed anywhere on the All4 site.
Posted by Phil Jones on 05/02/2021 at 09:43
Nice to see Cricket back on terrestrial. Missing Bumble though, that's a shame!
Posted by George East on 05/02/2021 at 08:53
No doubt I will be attacked as racist but where are the professional former England players who usually commentate? Strauss and Cooke are competent between -over pundits but where are the former England players who are such demonstrably excellent commentators? As I said, I am not racist, just hard of hearing like three million Britons. The awful and totally unnecessary music does not help and the ambient sound capture appears to be as loud as the commentary. We are surely not children who need extra stimulation to make watching cricket bearable. I sense PC credo and obsession with 'yoof' appeal has trumped common sense and professionalism viavis coverage Or am I off- target?
Posted by Imogen on 04/02/2021 at 21:00
Thank you Channel 4! I have such great memories of Richie in the 2005 Ashes. This series could be fantastic too and I'm so pleased it's free to air. I became a cricket fan watching with my dad 40 years ago and I can't imagine how much I've paid Sky over the years ... it's just really exciting to have cricket as part of the terrestrial schedule.
Posted by Mohinder rana on 04/02/2021 at 18:52
I was wondering who is going to cover the cricket coverage but I was pleasantly surprised you guys are covering it good luck to ch 4 may you get the right to white ball as well as it will very nice for majority people's will be able to watch ashamingly i have sky channels but honestly very pleased that you are covering it you might hear from me in future as I am not very good with technology telephone number will be very nice if there is one available thanks sorry to go on I will be a very good contributed just give me a chance thanks
Posted by Paul Connor on 04/02/2021 at 18:27
Do we know what time we can watch highlights on all4 cheers Paul
Posted by michael burberry on 04/02/2021 at 13:24
Thankyou Channel 4 for showing the Cricket Test Matches! This is a national game. Shame on the sell out to Sky! Shame on the BBC for not continuing its responsibility towards us!
Posted by Mr Rakesh Patel on 04/02/2021 at 11:42
Well done too Channel 4 hope you guys have record viewings, from Rakz of Bolton
Posted by Andrew on 03/02/2021 at 15:17
Delighted. Alarm clock set!
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