Browne’s major glitch was with the national selection panel’s rotation policy, meaning in some matches broadcast in primetime the best players weren’t on show.
“I understand why sports want to do that but people at home want to see the best players playing and we urge Cricket Australia to pick the best players every time,” he told a busniness lunch in Sydney.
“I think we’ve got a better understanding on that.
“Last year that balance was skewed too much in favour of resting some players so from now on there will be a lot more discussion between CA and the broadcaster about that.”
This isn’t just an executive speaking through a champagne glass to publicise his clout, Browne says Nine’s view will be put in their contract with the national body.
He conceded the logic behind resting players with packed schedules “to give them longevity in their careers but they also understand we’ve got to have the best players on the paddock to rate”.
The sort of players rested also tend to be the big ticket performers who play in all forms of the game, including captain Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and the suspended David Warner.
“I am not pushing a black letter print solution because I believe the discussions we’ve had with them so far will give us a solution,” he said.
After securing a TV deal with $80 million a year over five years to show Test and one-day international cricket, Browne added Nine would have a greater influence on the scheduling of top-class cricket.
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