The UK’s Channel 5 broadcast a match to only a small fraction of worldwide viewers, but it was a positive sign that the match was available on terrestrial TV. The good news for cricket fans without satellite was that the Sky Sports Cricket coverage was shared with Channel 5. Unfortunately, this change meant that the usual Sunday shows on Channel 5 were replaced, disappointing fans of the network’s standard programming.

However, in every war, there are casualties and in this case, the fans of Channel 5 suffered. The ICC broadcast lacked in analysis, boldness, and humor, which made England fans appreciate the quality of Sky Sports Cricket even more. The differences in coverage were highlighted by Ian Ward who remarked on how odd the conclusion was.

The gig was given to nearly every working cricket commentator and pundit leaving little room for anyone else in the industry. The day was filled with partisan commentary from the likes of Harsha Bhogle and Sanjay Manjrekar as well as Ravi Shastri’s enthusiastic hyping of the event. Shastri’s enthusiastic performance at the toss was likened to that of a Michael Buffer-style heavyweight contest introduction.