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McGrath joins Seven's commentary team

Free-to-air network add star former Australia quick to broadcasting team ahead of 2018-19 summer

Legendary former Test fast bowler Glenn McGrath will join his former skipper Ricky Ponting in headlining Channel 7's new-look coverage of Test cricket this summer.

McGrath will join Ponting as well as former teammates Damien Fleming and Michael Slater in the Seven commentary box for Australia's six Tests this season, four against India and two against Sri Lanka.

"No one speaks with more authority about fast bowling than Glenn and fans will be treated to his unique insights and vast knowledge all summer on Seven," said the free-to-air network's head of cricket, Dave Barham

McGrath will reunite on camera with Fleming after the pair worked together during the 2015 Ashes tour of the UK, producing videos for cricket.com.au as part of 'Fast Bowlers Cartel TV'.

FBC TV, 2015 Ashes: McGrath, Fleming discuss Edgbaston opener

Seven will broadcast both men's and women's internationals as well as BBL matches for the next six years after signing an historic agreement with Cricket Australia earlier this year, while Fox Sports also signed on as a broadcaster.

Fox have already secured Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, Shane Warne, Mike Hussey, Michael Vaughan, Mel Jones and Isa Guha, while Allan Border and Brendon Julian have long been associated with the subscription network's cricket coverage.

McGrath made several commentary appearances on Channel Nine's coverage over the years and has also worked on radio with Macquarie and the BBC.


The new $1.182 billion broadcast deal has seen Seven take over free-to-air rights from the Nine and Ten networks and will broadcast all men's Test matches and all Commonwealth Bank women's internationals.

Seven will also broadcast 43 KFC Big Bash League and 23 Rebel Women's BBL games each season.

The Gillette men's one-day and T20 internationals will be shown exclusively on Fox Sports, as will the remaining 16 men's BBL matches not shown on Seven.

Fox will also simulcast the matches that will be broadcast by Seven – all men's Tests, all women's internationals, the 43 BBL matches and 23 WBBL games – as part of a deal that includes a dedicated Fox Sports cricket channel.