Sport on Television: Wasim called up to Channel 4's Test team (20 February 1999 )

20 February 1999

Sport on Television: Wasim called up to Channel 4's Test team

By Paul Fox

WASIM AKRAM, the Pakistan captain, is the latest big name to be lined up by Channel 4 for their coverage of this season's Test matches.

Since their 'scoop' last autumn when they snatched the television rights away from the BBC after 40 years, Channel 4 executives have been considering a host of cricketing stars to join Richie Benaud and Mark Nicholas in the commentary box.

Wasim, the former Lancashire all-rounder, is a plum choice. Young, charismatic and a player on the world stage, he will bring a 'dressingroom' feel to his comments on the action.

He recently took the decision not to rejoin Lancashire, concerned that the daily grind of county cricket would affect his Test career. Instead, he will turn out for Smethwick in the Birmingham league, thus having the time to work for Channel 4,

Another name targeted is Dermot Reeve, former captain of Warwickshire and now coach to Somerset.

Like Wasim, all-rounder Reeve is close to the current crop of international players and his strong sense of humour will be a valuable asset.

Also joining the team is Ian Smith, the former New Zealand wicketkeeper who impressed when working for the BBC.

Add Rory Bremner to the mix and it seems that Channel 4 are looking in good shape for when they begin their coverage at Lord's in July for the second Test against New Zealand (Sky Sports will be showing the first Test from Edgbaston).

Incidentally, Nicholas, who will host all of Channel 4's cricket output, is unlikely to be involved in the upcoming World Cup. When Nicholas was tempted away from Sky Sports last year - to be replaced by David Gower - it was thought he would work out the remainder of his contract, which included the World Cup.

However, he has only been offered a junior role in Sky's coverage and Channel 4 were not keen that their No 1 presenter would be seen by the cricketing public to be batting down the order.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)