Sky will remain the only place to watch live international and county cricket in the UK, after the broadcaster extended its TV deal with the England & Wales Cricket Board.

The satellite television and broadband provider - which has broadcast home Test matches since 2006 - will retain exclusive live rights to all domestic cricket until 2017.

And Sky Sports customers are likely to see this multi-million pound deal extended until 2019, as Sky has also negotiated a two-year option on the contract.

The deal will enable Sky customers to tune into all home and away Test series - including the Ashes - one-day international cricket, 20/20 and County Championship matches.

ECB Chairman Giles Clarke said Sky has "raised the bar" for all live television broadcasters with its "innovative, informed and comprehensive coverage of cricket".

"No-one should be in any doubt that our partnership with Sky has been of immense benefit to the wider game," he stated.

"World-class support structures for our successful England teams, major ground improvements at county level, a flourishing coach education programme and a five per increase in participation at our 'Focus' clubs are all by-products of this relationship."

However, no amount of Sky investment could help England's hapless batsman on a turning wicket in Abu Dhabi at the weekend.

Chasing just 145 to win the Second Test against Pakistan, Andrew Strauss' men were rolled out for a paltry 72, with left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman taking 6-25.