BBC secures 2006-07 Ashes radio rights

BBC Sport has secured exclusive rights for radio commentary of England's tour of Australia in 2006-07. The deal consists of the five Tests and up to 15 ODIs, which will be broadcast live on Test Match Special and Five Live Sports Extra.

There will also be live audio streaming on the BBC website, and a spokesman said: "I'm delighted Test Match Special will be able to give this important tour the prominence and attention it merits."

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland told BBC Sport: "A long history of expert, insightful, live radio commentary has helped maintain the Ashes legend in Australia and England. And BBC radio and internet coverage will be an important part of serving the interest of traditional Ashes supporters and winning the interest of new fans."

England's tour of South Africa last winter was covered by TalkSport with Jonathan Agnew providing updates for the BBC. The Ashes tour will be followed by the 2007 World Cup in West Indies, which the BBC also has exclusive radio rights for.