The Reverse Sweep finds it strange that cricket fans in the UK are able to watch two live matches a day of an Indian domestic competition on ITV4, but not a single ball all summer of the County Championship. The closest you can get is the excellent ECB site - thanks @AndyinBrum.
Whilst it is perhaps understandable that Sky (or any other broadcaster for that matter) is reluctant to show live matches of a competition that is unfortunately scheduled whilst most of us are at work, what about producing a nightly highlights programme?
The County Championship equivalent of Match Of The Day could show an hour and a quarter's worth of highlights from the featured game of the day and then fill a further 45 minutes with analysis, a round-up of the other matches and features on the county game.
We'd certainly watch it even if we would incur the undoubted wrath of Mrs Reverse Sweep.
It's not as if Sky doesn't have enough channels, and if they don't want to do it why not ITV4 or BBC 3/4?
One thing though Sky, whilst we'd dearly love you to incorporate the County Championship Match Of The Day into your schedule, please, please don't let Charles Colville be the anchor.
Where next?
County Championship XI of the week #4
Ten to watch in 2011: Adam Lyth, Jade Dernbach, Rory Hamilton-Brown, Samit Patel, Alex Hales, Danny Briggs, Ben Stokes, James Harris, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid
Cricket Zeroes: Charles Colville
If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep
I was having a conversation on similar lines recently. Though I do think Sky have enough channels to actually show a bit of a competition I am pretty sure they hold the rights to. Surely t can't get fewer viewers than some of the crap they fill their schedules with.
Posted by: MartDawg | Wednesday, May 04, 2011 at 18:47
Assuming the rights are sorted, half an hour would be good. 2 hours? I'm a cricket fanatic but I can't spare that long each day.
I can't help thinking the counties don't make enough of highlights packages to be viewed online. I'd be up for the quick highlights of all other counties but might want to watch Sussex highlights in more depth. And I'd pay a small amount for the privilege...
Posted by: Ed Lamb | Thursday, May 05, 2011 at 07:19
I'd imagine that due to broadcasting rights it would have to be Sky, that's down to Gile$ Clarke and his big cheque for exclusive rights.
But at the same time it is a disgrace that there is not even a weekly round up.
They do one on ITV 4 (I think it is) for Premiership Rugby Union, ITV don't cover Rugby Union, so that proves a deal can be struck if they really want too.
And after the end to last years season and the start of this one, the county championship hasn't been this entertaining for years.
Posted by: Dean @ Cricket Betting Blog | Thursday, May 05, 2011 at 08:55
The problem would be the camera setup at a ground - it's all well and good having 1 camera like Sky Sports News have at a ground but you couldn't use that for a highlights show because the camera is never behind the bowlers arm, etc. It works in football and rugby because the main cameras are set in that position also - if you're going to do this with cricket it'd have to be a proper setup like a live match and I guess Sky don't feel it's worth it sadly otherwise they'd show matches live?
Posted by: DJB | Thursday, May 05, 2011 at 11:11
It seems that a lot of us agree. The CC deserves some exposure on TV. The campaign starts here!
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Friday, May 06, 2011 at 12:47
Me too Ed as far as Sussex is concerned. Id prefer two hours, but lets face it beggars cant be choosers and county cricket fans are definitely beggars when it comes to CC matches on TV...
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Friday, May 06, 2011 at 12:50
Im hearing you there MartDawg. Sky Sports 3 just has drivvle on mainly
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Friday, May 06, 2011 at 12:51
What's happening here? Is Sky Sports 3 being compared to ITV4, BBC3, etc?
Posted by: Dean @ Cricket Betting Blog | Saturday, May 07, 2011 at 09:15
This is one of two things needed to properly liven up the CC. The other, obviously, is cheerleaders. Implimenting both ASAP sshould be the ECB's priority.
The brilliant thing about this plan is that Charles Colville could be relied on to provide both roles.
Posted by: Howe zat | Saturday, May 07, 2011 at 14:44
You forgot one thing Howe_zat: DLF maximums
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Monday, May 09, 2011 at 08:47
Sixes are a bit too far between to bring in enough sponsorship revenue. And no-one really knows who DLF actually are, so both the sponsor and the sponsored event could be better suited to county audiences.
How about the Jacob's Creek Dot Ball?
The Waitrose Well-Judged Leave?
Posted by: Howe zat | Monday, May 09, 2011 at 21:42
The Jacobs Creek Dot Ball. Brilliant.
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Friday, May 13, 2011 at 15:16
what about producing a nightly highlights programme
Posted by: pembe maske fiyatı | Thursday, September 01, 2011 at 22:33