Kayo's Summer of the Century: "An unprecedented level of first-class cricket all the way until March.”

Kayo Sports’ Summer of the Century which begins on Friday with white-ball action against England.

Speaking at Kayo Sports’ launch on Tuesday, cricketing icon Adam Gilchrist was one of a host of Fox Cricket’s star-studded group that kicked off what shapes as to be a blockbuster summer, which begins with a white-ball series against England that kicks off on November 13.

During the launch, Fox Cricket experts alongside Aussie stars Mitchell Starc and Ellyse Perry fronted a panel as fans got up close and personal with the game’s biggest stars.

Fox Cricket commentators Alyssa Healy, Kerry O’Keeffe, Michael Vaughan, Brendon Julian, Mark Waugh, and Mike Hussey.

Foxtel Group CEO – Streaming and Advertising Mark Frain was also in attendance, and spoke to Mediaweek.

"Today is the real start for the summer, the Summer of the Century. 

"For us, cricket's been running for a couple of months already with the one-day tests, but it never really gets to the massive crescendo until you get to the first domestic game, which is Australia versus England in Perth.

“Personally, coming from England many years ago, I cannot wait to see them take on Australia.”

When asked whose side he will be on, British-born Frain said, “I've been here for 20 years, but I'm still backing England.”

Speaking of Indian cricket fans which are often featured in broadcasts, Frain said “both the local fans and those who come in from overseas, bring something else to the game.”

As for the Summer of the Century, Frain called it “An unprecedented level of first-class cricket all the way until March.”

“The validation point for us is, on the advertising side, we've go the big brands coming on that journey. All the brands that were on board last year for theAshes, that gives us great confidence.”

Frain added that a number of smaller brands have also joined; “But what we continue to see is that with the innovation that we bring, we've been able to bring in a number of new smaller brands, which is exciting.”

Mark Howard, Adam Gilchrist, Michael Vaughan, and Mark Frain. Image: Foxtel

At the event, Gilchrist, who will be commenting, said enthusiastically, “I thought what we were able to do for that historic fifth day of the final Test in  South Africa was brilliant given England is back on our shores, no doubt looking for some payback after last year’s Ashes defeat, I thought every Aussie should be able to start their weekend by seeing the first innings – free.

"The company proved they  could do it once, let’s make it happen again!

“There are always fireworks when we come up against England and these eight games of white ball cricket will be no different."

Sports commentators Elouise Sohier, Megan Barnard, Alyssa Healy, Mel Jones, and Grace Hayden. Image: Foxtel

Frain responded to Gilchrist, “I am 100% on board. I love his passion for  letting Australian sports fans share in the start of what is going to be a historic  series.”

“It’s always on our mind about what we can do in this space and on the back of the  success we had in offering it during the fifth Test of the South Africa series, this  presents us that chance and also allows us to show sports fans across Australia why our cricket broadcast is unrivalled.” 

Cricket fans looking to take up this FREE offer, simply need to log on to  Kayo SPORTS, register their details and follow the prompts to Kayo Freebies

In the next chapter of The Summer of The Century, Australia and England will meet  in three ODIs and five T20Is starting this Friday (13 November) at Optus Stadium,  Perth.