But, unfortunately for Muswellbrook sports lovers, they are not experiencing any of that at all, unless they’re a Foxtel subscriber.

After decades of free-to-air matches in every format on the Nine Network – or NBN regionally – and, more recently, Network Ten with the highly-rating Big Bash League, the average cricket fan has been bowled out by changes to the broadcasting rights.

And, it’s shown at the grounds, too, with poor crowds attending Australia’s One-Day Internationals against South Africa.

Even the two combatants’ eagerly-anticipated T20 fixture on Saturday will go through to the keeper, with PRIME7 viewers again left in the dark.

The Chronicle’s received numerous complaints from residents, unhappy with the current state of affairs.

“Cricket Australia might have scored big, money-wise, however they’ve forgotten who made the game so popular – the average, working class punter,” one local stated.

“It makes no sense.

“The Foxtel audience is so small, compared to the free-to-air market.

“I feel we’re being penalised for Cricket Australia’s greed.”

A PRIME7 spokesperson said they “certainly understood there had been some confusion and frustration surrounding the rights” arrangement.

“The broadcast deal for the 2018-19 cricket season (and for the next six years) have been negotiated between Cricket Australia and a joint agreement between Channel 7 and Fox Sports,” she said.

“PRIME7 does not hold the broadcast rights.

“And, as a regional affiliate, we can only air games in accordance with the program schedule as it is delivered to us by Channel 7.

“As part of this agreement between Cricket Australia, Channel 7 and Fox Sports, the One Day Internationals (ODI) and T20 matches have been allocated exclusively to Fox Sports. 

“We have no control over this.”