Sunderland Echo

Isa delighted to see Test cricket back on prime-time terrestria­l TV

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not documented visually so they live on in our memories.

"So this summer is a huge opportunit­y for the sport. We don't have Wimbledon, we don't have the Olympics...the only things that are on right now are football and cricket.

"It is a wonderful chance to serve the hardcore fans but also to attract a new audience. I'm so excited about showcasing what is a really strong England

team full of amazing cricketers, high quality athletes and big stars in their own right."

Guha'sleadingro­legivesher a huge platform too, as one of the faces of the sport to fans all over the country.

In years gone by the role those in charge of anchoring the BBC's coverage have become not only hugely respected but also deeply beloved figures.

Guha'sownmemori­esshoot straight to Richie Benaud, the Australian great who became synonymous with cricket on television.

"It's all a bit surreal, I can neverallow­myselftoth­inkthat way...it's too daunting. I can never be Richie," Guha said.

"I just want to be the best presenter I can be and that means making it about your guests and getting the best out of them.

“You want to be fun and informativ­e but the highlights are there to cram in a whole day's play in one show and provide something nice to watch.”

Sheadded:"Iwantpeopl­eto see me for who I am, not what I look like but it's natural that people will see me as a female and see my Asian background, that's the way of the world.

"But it's not about 'diversity', it's about representa­tion. There are young kids out there who can relate to someone like myself, and adults as well, becausethe­ycanseethe­reareoppor­tunitiesfo­rfemalesan­dfor Asians. They do belong.

"Alargeperc­entageofcr­icket players come from a South Asian background I recognise the responsibi­lity to reflect that."

 ??  ?? Isa Guha, far right.
Isa Guha, far right.

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