By Scott Heinrich

BSkyB lands Test coverage

The England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to award exclusive international cricket rights to BSkyB is bound to affect the game in England.

The removal of live England games from terrestrial screens means people in Britain without satellite or cable will have to wait for evening highlights.

But the ECB says the deal is worth a great deal to cricket in England.

We discovered a mixed response from former England cricketers when we pressed them for their opinions.

"The trouble is, everything to do with sport these days is all about money.

"It's disappointing for the British public because there will be a lot of young kids - and retired people - who won't be able to watch Test cricket.

"It is the number one sport in the British summer.

"It's all about grabbing as much money as possible. You've got to kindle the interest of young kids when they're at school.

"The only way to produce good players is to get them interested in the game and playing it.

"A lot of people will be disappointed, because things have been looking up for England in the past year."

"I'm mixed on this issue. There's quite a lot of money on the table, which obviously drives the game to a certain degree.

"It is disappointing people won't be able to see live cricket on terrestrial TV.

But before Sky came along there was little cricket on TV, especially in the winter.

"Sky has to be credited with bringing so much cricket to us and probably bringing more people to the game.

"And with nearly half the homes in this country having Sky, it's almost acceptable for a satellite organisation to have [the rights].

"I can see pluses and benefits for everybody, really. I'm not really drawn one way or the other.

"I don't think the ECB can be criticised, because they have to act in the best interests of the English game and at the moment we need money.

"I know how important money is to the game. A successful England side means money will filter down to the counties.

"But the counties have to realise that they can't blow it all on overseas and Kolpak players, which is what will happen.

"They could shoot themselves in the foot by inviting Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans into county cricket, which is to the detriment of the English game."

"Ideally, we want the game to be as accessible to as many people as possible, particularly the youngsters.

"I'm sure that would have been a concern, so I'm pleased there will be a highlights package shown on terrestrial television through Five.

"Sky broadcasts cricket very well and does a great service, but I'm sure there is some concern for audience reach. It is important that the cricketers get exposure.

"It's a good deal financially, but there are concerns within the game over cricket still being able to see the England team which is doing so well at present."

Response from TMS Message Board regulars has been far from mixed, with virtually all users opposed to the move.

Simply staggering - I cannot think of a single reason bar the few more pieces of silver that Sky are prepared to pay that makes sense about this deal. George

I don't know which makes me angrier, being denied the right to see my national team play, or having my intelligence insulted by the ECB's pathetic attempt to justify the unjustifiable. Sally

Well done ECB, you've just completely wiped out the increasing popularity of the game. Henry