Exclusive: TNT Sports to send broadcast team to Ashes this winter
TNT Sports are planning to send their own commentary and presentation team to the Ashes later this year after signing an exclusive one-year rights deal with Cricket Australia earlier this month.
The broadcaster’s coverage of recent England tours, such as the women’s Ashes campaign and the men’s Test series in India last winter, was largely based on taking the local host commentary with studio presentation done off-site in Europe.
Morning Wire has learned that TNT Sports will deviate from their usual practice for the Ashes however, as it is such a big series and having secured the rights well in advance they have time to prepare properly.
The timing of the series in November, December and January will also enable TNT to cross-promote their other big properties, particularly rugby union’s Autumn Internationals, with Australia visiting the Allianz Stadium at Twickenham on 1 November, three weeks before the start of the Ashes. Australia will also take on Italy, in Udine, as well as Ireland in Dublin and France in Paris as part of their Autumn Internationals campaign.
Sky Sports last broadcast the Ashes from Australia in 2013-14, with the series Down Under being on TNT Sports and its predecessor BT Sport since.
TNT Sports also has long-term deals in place which will see the broadcaster show white-ball series in New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
England vs NZ white-ball series
- 1st T20I, Hagley Oval, Saturday, 18 October
- 2nd T20I, Hagley Oval, Monday, 20 October
- 3rd T20I, Eden Park, Thursday, 23 October
- 1st ODI, Bay Oval, Sunday, 26 October
- 2nd ODI, Seddon Park, Wednesday, 29 October
- 3rd ODI, Sky Stadium, Saturday, 1 November
England Ashes schedule
- First Test, Optus Stadium in Perth: 21-25 November
- Second Test, Gabba in Brisbane: 4-8 December
- Third Test, Adelaide Oval in Adelaide: 17-21 December
- Fourth Test, MCG in Melbourne: 26-30 December
- Fifth Test, SCG in Sydney: 4-8 January