Former Test opener Michael Slater has signed on with Channel Seven as a commentator for the forthcoming summer of cricket.

Slater, who was formerly part of Channel Nine's cricket coverage, will join former Test teammates Ricky Ponting and Damien Fleming at Seven after the free-to-air network acquired the rights to Test cricket, the KFC Big Bash League, the Rebel Women's Big Bash League and all Australia women's internationals for the next six summers following an historic broadcast deal in April.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Channel Seven," Slater said. "I've been a long-time fan of their sports coverage – particularly live sport – and can't wait to join the new team and help give Test cricket and the Big Bash a fresh look and approach."

Ponting and Fleming have both been staples of the Big Bash coverage, formerly on Network 10, in recent seasons, and will continue to cover the short format as well as Test cricket alongside Slater, who has pedigree as a presenter as well as a commentator, having anchored both The Cricket Show and The Footy Show (NRL) on Nine.

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"We're absolutely rapt to have 'Slats' join our team," said Seven Head of Cricket, Dave Barham. "He is a class broadcaster who will bring experience to our Test coverage, and all his trademark energy to our BBL."