Benaud may star on SBS during Ashes

Richie Benaud, Nine's most comfortable armchair over four decades, could commentate on rival network SBS during the upcoming Ashes series. Nine did not bid for the free-to-air coverage but SBS snapped it up last week and they are predicted to receive coverage from England's Channel Four, which will use Benaud for the five Tests.

The Australian reported Benaud, who signed a new deal with Nine late last year, was unaware of the potential conflict or a response from his Australian employers. "I have no idea," he said. "All I know is I'll be working for Channel Four."

However, there is no chance of Benaud appearing on Seven, Nine's major competitor, for the one-day series as the matches will not be covered by Channel Four. Seven has not decided if it will take commentary from England's SkySports or provide their own analysts.