Isa Guha excited for chance to showcase Test cricket on free-to-air TV
The BBC will screen highlights at the end of each day’s play of England’s Test series with the West Indies.
Test cricket coverage is returning to prime-time BBC schedules for the first time in more than 20 years and presenter Isa Guha is thrilled to be leading the charge.
Guha, the first British Asian to play for England Women, appeared 113 times for her country across three formats but spent the vast majority of her decorated playing career off screen.
In almost a decade at the top she became the world’s number one ranked bowler and helped the side win the 2009 World Cup but despite her successes she has plenty of friends and family who never even saw her take the field.
Wednesday will see highlights of the first #raisethebat Test between England and the West Indies on BBC2, with every Test and ODI match to follow in what should be a packed programme for the national side.
“The only time I ever played on free-to-air was when I was 12 years old, as a participant on Darren Gough Cricket Academy,” she told the PA news agency.
“So this summer is a huge opportunity for the sport. We don’t have Wimbledon, we don’t have the Olympics…the only things that are on right now are football and cricket.
“It is a wonderful chance to serve the hardcore fans but also to attract a new audience. I’m so excited about showcasing what is a really strong England team full of amazing cricketers, high quality athletes and big stars in their own right.”
Guha’s leading role gives her a huge platform too, as one of the faces of the sport to fans all over the country.
“It’s all a bit surreal, I can never allow myself to think that way…it’s too daunting. I can never be Richie,” Guha said.
“I just want to be the best presenter I can be and that means making it about your guests and get the best out of them. You want to be fun and informative but the highlights are there to cram in a whole day’s play in one show and provide something nice to watch.”
Guha is well aware that she represents a break from those who have held equivalent roles before but is more than happy to front up for sections of the cricket watching, and playing, community that have been under-served in the past.
“But it’s not about ‘diversity’, it’s about representation. There are young kids out there who can relate to someone like myself, and adults as well, because they can see there are opportunities for females and for Asians. They do belong.
“A large percentage of cricket players come from a South Asian background I recognise the responsibility to reflect that.”
:: Highlights from the England v West Indies Test series will begin on 8th July on BBC Two from 7pm.
