The Seven Network is gearing up for an electrifying Summer of Cricket with a refreshed and star-studded commentary lineup, promising cricket fans an unforgettable viewing experience. With the inclusion of legendary names such as Aaron Finch, Ricky Ponting, Sunil Gavaskar, Mitchell Starc, and Rachel Khawaja, Seven’s 7Cricket coverage is set to deliver expert insights and compelling narratives from some of the biggest names in the sport.
Ricky Ponting Leads the Charge
Cricketing legend Ricky Ponting, who has inked a long-term deal with Seven, remains a central figure in the commentary team. Ponting, revered as one of the greatest captains and batsmen in cricket history, expressed his excitement about continuing with the 7Cricket family. “I’m so thrilled to have locked in with my 7Cricket family long term. I love the team we work with on and off air and can’t wait for an epic Test Series against India and another massive season of Big Bash,” Ponting said. His continued presence ensures that viewers will benefit from his unparalleled cricketing insights and leadership.
Sunil Gavaskar Returns for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Joining the lineup is Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar, who will lend his voice to Seven’s coverage of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gavaskar, whose name is synonymous with the series, brings decades of experience and a unique perspective as one of the most respected voices in the sport. Joel Starcevic, Seven’s Head of Cricket, emphasized Gavaskar’s significance, stating, “We are delighted to welcome back Sunil Gavaskar to Seven’s cricket coverage, where he will provide expert commentary during the Series named in his honour. Never afraid to speak his mind, not only is Sunil a highly respected voice in world cricket, but he is also cricket royalty.”
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New Faces Add Fresh Energy
The commentary team also welcomes Mitchell Starc, one of Australia’s premier fast bowlers, who will be part of the Women’s Ashes coverage. Starc’s deep understanding of the game and his on-field experience will add a dynamic edge to the commentary. Rachel Khawaja, making her 7Cricket debut, will report from Test match venues during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, offering fans an insider’s view of the action and capturing the excitement from the stadiums. Her involvement is expected to deepen the connection between viewers and the families of Australia’s cricketing stars.
Aaron Finch Brings Expertise to the Commentary Booth
Aaron Finch, a fan favorite and one of the BBL’s most popular players, will provide in-depth analysis for the first two Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the 2024-25 Big Bash League (BBL) season. Finch will also take on hosting duties for the WBBL and BBL Draft, alongside seasoned commentators Lisa Sthalekar and Andy Maher. Seven Network’s Director of Sport, Chris Jones, expressed confidence in Finch’s abilities, saying, “Having worked with Finchy across our coverage in recent seasons, we know he’s a natural commentator who can take us behind the play like nobody else.”
Looking Forward to a Blockbuster Summer
The upcoming Summer of Cricket promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a blend of veteran commentators and fresh talent. As Chris Jones remarked, “Ricky Ponting is, in our opinion, the world’s best expert commentator, and we are so thrilled to continue to share his unrivalled insights with Australian viewers. He is the captain of our commentary team and has led from the front both on and off air since his arrival at Seven.”
Joel Starcevic also highlighted the significance of this summer for women’s cricket, noting, “This summer also has the potential to be the biggest ever for Women’s International cricket, and it’s only fitting for us to have a modern-day superstar like Mitch Starc as part of our 7Cricket commentary team to add to the excitement of the Women’s Ashes.”
