ECB and BBC agree four-year radio deal

The ECB has agreed a four-year deal with the BBC to broadcast live ball-by-ball commentary on England's international cricket.

"BBC's radio coverage of international cricket has set the standard for broadcasting across the world," John Perera, the ECB commercial director, said. "Test Match Special is an iconic programme which has become a part of the very tapestry of British life. We are extremely pleased that we have been able to conclude this deal with BBC Radio and look forward to working with them for the next four years."

The deal seals ECB's media rights up until and including 2013, following its contract extension with BSkyB in August worth £300 million. There were mumblings of discontent that the BBC did not submit an application to challenge Sky's dominance in the television market, and a rumour that the ECB chairman, Giles Clarke, attacked both the BBC and Channel 4 for ignoring the opportunity.

BBC's Test Match Special, or TMS as it is more fondly known as, has been on the air since 1957 and became the first broadcaster to offer live ball-by-ball commentary. In 2007 its producer, Peter Baxter, stepped down after 34 years in charge, handing over to Adam Mountford.

"Test Match Special is one of the crown jewels of BBC Sport," Roger Mosey, the director of BBC Sport, said. "We're delighted that it will continue for four more years. With the Ashes this summer and then a new contract from 2010, the BBC is proud to be a partner with the ECB in bringing cricket to millions of listeners."