Channel Nine broadcast the first three one-day games of the Women's Ashes series, and yet it is "not showing any of the Test," which began Thursday at North Sydney Oval, according to Patrick Galloway of the ABC. The reason "comes down to money." A nine-camera, HD production of any four-day sporting event coupled with commentary talent and HD broadcast technology does not "come cheap." Cricket Australia Head of Digital Finn Bradshaw said, "We've invested a six-figure sum in this broadcast. We wanted to make sure the broadcast quality was of the same standard that you see on the field." After restructuring its broadcast agreement to include the Women's Ashes at the expense of the men's domestic competition, Channel Nine "decided against paying an additional fee to air this week's ground-breaking, day-night, four-day Test." The decision was reportedly made because the test was not "viewed as a commercial opportunity and one that would have cost the broadcaster tens of thousands of dollars each day." Commentator Lisa Sthalekar said, "It would have been nice if it was on a television network but I think it is important that we are getting a live stream" (ABC, 11/9).
