The Seven Network has announced its star-studded line-up heading to The Oval in London for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) World Test Championship Final between Australia and India, set to be seen on Seven and 7plus from Wednesday, 7 June.
Broadcasting live on site from The Oval with a star-studded commentary panel, 7Cricket commentators Justin Langer and James Brayshaw will meet a cavalcade of Australian and Indian cricket greats – including Seven’s own Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden – to deliver every ball of the highly anticipated final between the world’s two highest-ranking sides. Full in play match coverage will be produced by ICC TV.
With an exceptional contingent of former Indian cricket greats, viewers will also hear from a voice familiar to the 7Cricket audience, fearless opening batsman and iconic broadcaster, Sunil Gavaskar. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri and fan-favourite broadcaster and former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik will also be part of the commentary team.
Former English cricket captain Nasser Hussain also joins the team, alongside Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara and accomplished cricket broadcasters, 7Cricket’s Alison Mitchell and the iconic voice of Harsha Bhogle.
In a huge coup for Australian cricket fans, Seven’s agreement with the ICC will see the eagerly anticipated ultimate Test shown both exclusively on Seven and live on 7plus bringing the game closer to the fans than ever before.
The gripping final will be shown here in prime time from 7 June to 11 June, with a reserve day in place (12 June). The coverage will also include a 30-minute pre-game show each night, from 7.00pm AEST on 7mate and 7plus, where viewers will be greeted by many of 7Cricket’s favourite faces.
As Pat Cummins’ side looks to taking home the World Test Championship mace, Rohit Sharma’s men – headlined by the incomparable Virat Kohli – will be looking for redemption following a loss in the inaugural World Test Championship Final in 2021 to New Zealand.
Managing director Seven Melbourne and head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, said: “The contest between Australia and India is shaping up to be one of the great international sport events of 2023, and we’re rapt to be able to deliver every moment to Australians, live, free and exclusively on Seven and 7plus.
“The ICC World Test Championship is the premier competition in Test cricket and we are honoured to partner with the ICC to deliver this spectacle to fans all over Australia. This match will decide who is the best Test cricket nation in the world and we can’t wait to deliver the spectacle into the homes, phones and tablets of every Australian.
“Much like the Summer of Cricket on Seven, Australians will again hear from an exceptional team of cricket experts, as we eagerly watch the fierce rivalry between the two premier cricket nations in the world,” he said.
“Once again, three greats of Australian cricket – Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden – will be side-by-side as our national team meets the best in the world, not to mention the remarkable line up of Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and Dinesh Karthik.
“This is an event not to be missed and the only place to see it all is right here on Seven, Your Home of Cricket.”
ICC chief commercial officer, Anurag Dahiya said: “We are now in the final planning stages of the ICC World Test Championship Final and eagerly await to see who will be crowned the new world champions. The second edition of the Ultimate Test is shaping up to be an enthralling sporting showdown that’s sure to captivate fans across the globe.”
–
Top image: Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer