Didn't see much of the in studio coverage live but thought it was strange they'd shove in the thoughts of bt pundits over the coverage when the play had stopped for drinks or whatever else just to use them really.

BT cricket tweeted out Greg saying Alison has had a operation so is recovering and will be back soon.

Looking at her twitter she's recovering from an operation.

You forgot Mr. Wilkins. It isn't Star's call anyway. It's BCCI TV. Star is just another broadcaster like Sky. the broadcaster for subcontinent if you like. They don't even control the output.

She had to have surgery for a Collapsed Lung apprarently

Agree with you 100% - was thinking the same yesterday as I watched the insightful lunch and tea break analysis provided by Vaughan, Ponting and Swann.

Sky's non england coverage is so poorer as a result of their cutbacks - very shoddy at times in fact now when they just finish a days play without even showing presentations on occasions.

Wilkins not working on the series, he mentioned in a tweet that Star didn't choose him for the tour and he will be watching the series from Wales.
Commentators work for Star, although BCCI do have a say on the commentators.
BCCI TV only provide the pictures and the production.

The commentators don't work or get paid for by the bcci, they hired by Star and pay for by Star.

BCCI TV just provide the pictures and production, they have no official say on the commentators, the commentators are chosen or working for Star but that not to say BCCI doesn't have some say on it.

Yeah coverage quite poor now, they don't even show the full world feed anymore which is the least they should be showing now.

Very good Aus v SA highlights show this morning. They included nine's end of play interview which I don't think we got yesterday.

With Sir Ian Botham becoming Durham Chairman, does that mean the Indian tests will be his last work for sky. If So I hope Rob Key gets the position.

What is Paul Allots role at Lanacashire, he seems to be able to combine both

This is from the BT press release upon acquiring the Australian rights:

"BT Sport has also acquired a free-to-air rights package that includes daily highlights of international matches and the Big Bash League, as well as one Big Bash League ‘match of the round’ broadcast live and free each week."

Does anyone know what happened to the free daily highlights? I was looking forward to this when announced but has failed to materialise.

I wouldn't have thought being Durham chairman would preclude Botham from also working for Sky. Gary Neville managed to be England assistant manager along with his Sky pundit role.

Botham doesn't exactly bring a laser-like focus towards his Sky gig, but I am willing to cut him some slack because of his big match expertise and for single-handedly winning the 1981 Ashes (well, and Bob Willis).

But you're right, Rob Key is pretty good.

Sports Agenda (Charles Sale) clarified it in a subsequent column:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/art...y-vehicle.html

It's all well and good BT having first rate coverage of this series, but I'd love to know the cost effectiveness of spending whatever it is they are spending vs what must be extremely modest viewing figures.

I think we have all got a little spoiled by Sky's coverage over the years. Personally, so long as they show the live action and have some replays at convenient times I'm not that bothered how many people they take and whether they have a studio presence on tour or back in Blighty.

Their twitter page shows highlights and i think its also on their website too.

Thanks Cricketblade. I had seen the clips on the BT website but was disappointed not to see the sixty minute highlights show available on there or via Showcase. I guess it was an assumption on my part that this would be the case.

That Channel 9 scoreboard is hideous were's the overs on the overlay?

Channel 9 seem to have gone back to have 2 commentators at a time rather than 3 like they had done for a while. There still using a similar number of commentator though.

BT have had Swann on a retainer ever since he retired so they needed something for him to do.

I think it's a statement from BT to say they are serious about covering cricket to both the public and ECB ahead of the big upcoming tender.

Also allows them to test a few things ready to iron out coverage ready for Ashes next year. Best do it now while less people are watching.

Which is great news and has improved the quality of commentary massively IMHO. Much less 'banter' and shouting.

Still awful though.

My only wish is that KP could remember the wise words of Richie Beanud and that sometimes silence is a good thing. He never seems to stop talking!!

I'd be interested to see if BT persist with the studio in 2 years after they've shown the Ashes. Clearly at the moment they're trying to build a bit of momentum and hype ahead of the big one next year.

I've enjoyed watching the 6 minutes or so of highlights available on the app, I dont always have time to sit down and watch a full hours recap each day so its great just to be able to quickly see the wickets and key points from each session. Also great to see the "enhanced" player in use for the series on the app, again allows me to watch the key clips on my way to work.

Always the thing with new coverage (on any channel) make it look amazing then quietly drop parts, like BT's European Football had studio for everything when launched. Now it is just Sunday nights.

Seems like BT have moved into a different part of the studio today. Not as ludicrously large!

Assume it's because they are using it for Score later.