Even though Australia is getting a drubbing at the hands of the Poms in the Ashes so far, with England taking the first Test in Cardiff, Network Ten has pledged to bring even more cricket to TV screens this year and expand its deal with the Big Bash League.
Big Bash has been one of the surprise sports successes of recent years with audiences exceeding expectations. Ten will air eight of the matches in the the first ever Women's Big Bash series on prime time, and has scheduled to air all 35 matches of the men's 2015/16 KFC Big Bash league over 39 days in December and January.
The women's matches, including the final, will be broadcast live and free on ONE. The women's tournament will be in line with the KFC Big Bash League structure, with the same colours and team names adopted.
Some of the best Aussie women players including Ellyse Perry, Julie Hunter, Jess Cameron, Meg Lanning, Megan Schutt, Holly Ferling, Rene Farrell and Sarah Elliott, will play as well as international talent.
Network Ten head of sport, David Barham, said: “Network Ten is delighted to be broadcasting the inaugural season of the Women’s Big Bash League live and free on ONE.
“Australia has some of the best players in the world and we are delighted to support Cricket Australia with this exciting initiative. The Women’s Big Bash League is a fantastic concept which will appeal to a broader television audience and gain greater exposure for the sport,” he said.
The commentary team for the men's league will be led by Mel McLaughlin and Adam Gilchrist and include Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Damien Fleming, Mark Howard and Andy Maher.
The Ashes are currently airing on Nine and Ahses-fever is sweeping the antion. Sportsbet is pumping up the rivalry with its 'Pommel the Poms' campaign encouraging punters to take their best shot at the poms - with $20,000 up for grabs.
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