Free-to-air cricket coverage a delight

Oh joy, what an absolute delight it has been having so much cricket on free-to-air TV this summer. Thanks so much, TVNZ for the amazing coverage provided so far – long may it continue. Also, it has been amazing only hearing from the video referees when requested by the on-field umpires. Maybe the rugby counterparts should take lessons as to who needs to be taken notice of during a game.

T. Latuala (Oamaru)

I wholeheartedly agree with other writers in TV Guide about the cricket coverage on free-to-air TV. I have enjoyed every minute of it. And having both the men’s and women’s games following on from each other was also a good move. Special thanks to the camera guys who were perched here and there on scaffolding with no shelter from the weather for hours. Without your dedication we wouldn’t be able to see the cricket. My only gripe was the commentators harping on about food every chance they got and the very little explanation for us novices as to what a powerplay is, why it is different in the men’s game to the women’s, what a Superplay over is, why a free hit is given, why at certain times only so many can be in or out of the circle, where fielders stand etc e.g. backward square leg sounds painful. Please consider the viewers who don’t really follow cricket, have no one to ask and would like some explanations. Thanks again, TVNZ. You have earned this old girl’s praise.

Di (Christchurch)

It has been wonderful seeing all the cricket and some of the tennis on freeview TV. I have really enjoyed it.

Cecilie (Whangaroa)

While I am certainly enjoying the flood of free-to-air cricket, both international and domestic, this summer – and the commentators are doing a great job – I would like to suggest they be more respectful and call the female cricketers ‘women’ instead of ‘girls’. While I appreciate how ingrained the term ‘girl’ is in our culture, I feel it is time this began being phased out.

Cricket Fan (Rolleston)