Sky Sports gearing up for the Ashes with rebranded channel

In the build-up to the start of the Ashes series on 10 July Sky Sports is rebranding one of its main channels and dedicating it exclusively to cricket. Sky Sports 2 HD will become Sky Sports Ashes HD as the broadcaster offers ball-by-ball coverage of the England and Australia tests, along with county matches, Women’s Twenty20 internationals and youth games from 30 June to 31 August.

The always eagerly anticipated Ashes games are the centrepiece of the ‘new’ channel’s offerings but this will be supported by a range of domestic and international coverage. This will include live county matches, with highlights, plus all three Twenty20 games between the England and Australia female sides, which form part of the Women’s Ashes series.

Also featured will be Live YB40 and Friend’s Life t20 fixtures, plus the England against Pakistan under-19s international. Live broadcasts will be supported by archive shows and magazine programmes.

“With Sky Sports Ashes HD, it couldn’t be easier for viewers to enjoy their live cricket,” comments Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports. “The channel will be the home of televised cricket for the summer with an unrivalled schedule. We’re also pleased to continue our commitment to women’s cricket with live coverage of all three T20 internationals between England and Australia. I’m sure these will provide an exciting conclusion to the Women’s Ashes in August.”