The ECB, in my opinion, have made the correct decision to give Sky Sports the exclusive rights for all live cricket from 2006.

They deserve it for three reasons - theirs was the best financial deal by far, their coverage of cricket is far superior to any other broadcasters and they have supported cricket in the past by consistently showing international matches overseas which none of the other TV companies have done.

We now have a broadcaster in Sky who can have a dedicated channel and devote time to cover the whole day's play not segments and will not leave at 6pm for 'Hollyoaks'.

Furthermore we will not now have 10.30am starts to fit in with schedules and no breaks mid afternoon for horseracing.

We will now, from 2006, gain excellent cricket coverage instead of the dross served up at the moment on Channel 4.

I just hope the massive financial package now available to the counties by this deal is not wasted by them in employing teams of 'Kolpaks'.

Stuart Acton

Acaia Grove,

Haxby,

York

Updated: 09:18 Saturday, December 18, 2004