BBC secures live radio commentary rights for 2013, 2014 Ashes in Australia

The BBC has obtained the rights to provide exclusive live ball-by-ball radio commentary of the 2013/14 Ashes in Australia (21 Nov-7 Jan). The broadcaster’s cricket portfolio also includes live commentary of the New Zealand Test Matches and ODIs, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy.

In addition, there is the recently announced ongoing ball-by-ball commentary of the entire county cricket season via BBC online and BBC Local Radio, plus live coverage of county matches on 5 live sports extra.

There will also be coverage of the Women’s Ashes including commentary of the England Australia Test, ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals.

Barbara Slater, director, BBC Sport, says: “We’re very pleased to have added the Ashes in Australia to our existing cricket rights portfolio, and there’s no one better to deliver it to audiences than the esteemed Test Match Special team. We’re looking forward to a fantastic summer and winter of cricket which we will be covering through TMS, Radio 5 live and our digital platforms.”