The battle for cricket's broadcast rights would herald generational change in the commentary box and could see the network push for the Perth Test - the only one broadcast in prime time to the eastern states - to be the first Test of the summer.

Negotiations with Cricket Australia are continuing through the weekend ahead of Monday's deadline, after Nine's board gave senior managers the green light to trump the Ten Network's audacious bid for international cricket.

Nine, which has the option to match rival bids, had not yet made a final decision, and Ten is expected to clinch the Big Bash League. Nor has the incumbent approached potential commentators, but it is believed there is a desire to promote a new breed including former captain Ricky Ponting and retired batsman Mike Hussey.

Ponting has expressed an interest in commentary, and potential BBL suitors including the Melbourne Stars are watching his next career move closely as he moves his family to Melbourne. Hussey proved popular when he made his commentary debut with Nine after retiring from international cricket last summer.

There is also a desire to unearth a new TV talent and former NSW captain Steve O'Keefe has been mentioned as a left-field candidate.