ESPNcricinfo has launched a number of new products and sections for cricket fans across online and mobile services in time for the IPL 2013 season and the Ashes.

Among the new products, the portal has launched ESPNCricinfo Match Companion as a social scorecard that will provide a second-screen match experience, combining standard scorecard information and stats with the functionality of social media.

This will allow fans to connect and engage with other fans and friends to chat, debate, play games, follow the chatter on Twitter and have tools to access in-depth stats, information and analysis.

Lance Peatey, head of digital strategy at ESPN, believes that the metrics show that ESPNcricinfo remains a market leader in Australia and around the world.

“Our latest developments for the IPL across web, mobile and tablet demonstrate our commitment to innovative technology that will ensure ESPNcricinfo continues to serve fans with the best coverage anywhere and anytime,” he told B&T.

“We plan to adapt a number of new features developed for the IPL within our coverage of the upcoming Ashes series in England, and given the time difference with Australia we anticipate ESPNcricinfo to have a lot of morning users taking in the overnight highlights with our video match reports and expert analysis that is second to none.”

Peatey also revealed an exclusive one-on-one video series with Shane Warne that will run from May and lead into the Ashes in England.

“Warnie sat down with ESPN’s Russell Barwick after the recent series in India and gave us his take on all things past and present around Australian cricket. It’s compelling viewing, and one of many features we have planned for the upcoming Ashes series in England."