TELEVISION PLAY READY FOR SMASH AND BASH

Ponting admits he spoke way too soon on Twenty20 cricket. The former Australian Test and one day cricket captain had just taken part in the first men’s T20 international match against New Zealand in 2005. His verdict? It was high- octane fun – but would never catch on.

Fast forward 12 years and not only is the shortest form of the game arguably the most watched form of cricket being played at the moment, but Ponting is an integral part of Australia’s own successful competition, the Big Bash League.

About to enter its seventh season, the BBL has gone from strength to strength. Ponting’s co- commentator and former vicecaptain, Adam Gilchrist, says that contrary to the dire predictions, the BBL has become “very much part of the fabric of summer in Australia now”.

Indeed, both Gilchrist and Ponting believe that T20 cricket is now helping to support the one day and Test versions of the game. And just as the games themselves are different, so too is the way they are called. Test cricket coverage tends to lean heavily on analysis at a more sedate pace but the BBL commenters, who also include former players Mark Waugh and Damien Fleming as well as a roster of guests and miked- up players, are encouraged to be playful and irreverent.

Gilchrist is also excited by the prospect of this year’s Women’s Big Bash League, which kicks off in Sydney on Saturday, with the coverage hosted by respected former players Mel Jones and Lisa Sthaleker.