Spark Sport has revealed the commentary line-up for the upcoming home Blackcaps season, which begins on November 27 against the West Indies at Eden Park.
The line-up is headlined by former NZ captains Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming, alongside former Blackcaps Craig McMillan, Grant Elliott, Jeetan Patel and Mark Richardson.
Former White Ferns Rebecca Rolls and Frankie McKay are also part of the team alongside broadcaster Scotty Stevenson and TV presenter Sonia Gray.
Spark Sport will also bring in international commentators throughout the West Indies series, including former Windies fast bowler Ian Bishop.
The team will head the coverage after Spark Sport secured the rights from Sky Sport on a six-year deal.
"We have put together a stellar line up of expert cricket heads and experienced broadcasters that will make for an entertaining dynamic in the commentary box," says Head of Spark Sport Jeff Latch.
"To secure talent like Brendon McCullum fresh out of his coaching role in the IPL and cricket stalwarts like Stephen Fleming who will be back on New Zealand screens after a few years dedicating his summer to the Big Bash in Australia - means cricket fans are in for a summer of entertaining analysis and banter.
"Craig McMillan brings his deep expertise in the game as the recent BLACKCAPS batting coach and a trusted rapport amongst the Blackcaps and White Ferns players. Brendon McCullum has always been a fan favourite, and we're confident his witty repartee and match analysis in the commentary box will well and truly live up to the legendary status he earned as BLACKCAPS captain.
"Rebecca Rolls has represented New Zealand as a Football Fern and donned the gloves for the White Ferns in an international sporting career that spanned 21 years, and we are thrilled she will be joining the team."
Latch said Spark Sport was also keen to diversify the team with a good mix of broadcasting experts and will be adding a new presenter to the fold in Sonia Gray.
"People will be more familiar with Sonia calling the lotto balls but she's also an extremely passionate cricket buff with an ability to critically analyse the game and the personalities behind it."
Spark Sport will announce more commentators as the season progresses.
In August, MediaWorks signed a three-year deal with NZ Cricket to broadcast Blackcaps and White Ferns internationals, as well as selected domestic content, on Magic Talk's 31 frequencies and streaming app Rova.
Mike Hesson, Simon Doull and Rikki Swannell headline Mediaworks' team.
