New Npower deal sparks English cricket

English cricket today received a major boost from essential home and business services supplier npower. The leading energy brand announced the renewal of the Test Series sponsorship for a further two years to 2005 incorporating forthcoming formidable Tests against West Indies in 2004 and Australia in 2005.

The £7million renewal deal makes npower the biggest sponsor of the sport and the most proactive in marketing the Test Series to give cricket a broader appeal since the launch in 2001.

By 2005 the npower Test Series will have incorporated all of the major Test playing teams.

Commenting on npower's extended role in cricket, Chief Executive Officer Andy Duff said: "In just three years, the npower brand has become a household name. We believe cricket has played a major role in helping us achieve this and are delighted to continue the relationship and strengthen it with new activity such as Women's Test and Twenty 20 Cup"

New initiatives this year include an earlier start time of 10.45am for all Test matches to avoid the likelihood of bad light limiting play; a new set time for squad announcements on Saturday mornings; and sponsorship of the Women's Test Series for three years.