Former Australian opener and Nine commentator, Michael Slater, has announced his move to Channel Seven after it snared the rights to the cricket in a JV deal with Foxtel in April.

Slater will join former Aussie cricketers Ricky Ponting and Damien Fleming in Seven’s commentary box for the first game starting in December.

Slater was Australia’s aggressive stroke-playing star at the top of the order for a decade, including during the team’s golden run of success where they won a record 16 consecutive Tests in a row. He has brought an upbeat, vibrant and fun style to his commentary that fans have enjoyed.

Slater said of the move: “I’m thrilled to be joining Channel 7. I’ve been a long-time fan of their sports coverage – particularly live sport – and can’t wait to join the new team and help give Test cricket and the Big Bash a fresh look and approach.”

Channel Seven Head of Cricket Dave Barham said: “We’re absolutely rapt to have Slats join our team. He is a class broadcaster who will bring experience to our Test coverage, and all his trade mark energy to our BBL.” 

Seven’s six-year agreement with Cricket Australia runs from 2018 through to 2024, includes domestic free-to-air broadcast rights to all the Test Matches as well as 43 of the 59 BBL matches each season.