The company, whose credits include Channel 5's late-night Live and Dangerous, are the surprise winners for the right to handle the production of Channel 4's cricket broadcasts next year.

They have been given a one-year contract worth £1.5 million, pipping Trans World International, part of Mark McCormack's International Management Group, who were regarded as the clear favourites.

Channel 4, who were themselves surprise winners of the Test broadcasting rights earlier this year, have clearly hedged their bets about Sunset + Vine.

The award from the England and Wales Cricket Board was for four years, and in giving out only a one-year contract, Channel 4 have clearly reserved an early opportunity to assess the company's performance.

Channel 4 were influenced by the fact that Gary Franses, one of the men in charge of Sunset + Vine, previously worked for TWI and directed sports for Sky before joining his present firm.

For TWI, the failure to win the contract has come as a bitter blow and marks the first time they have suffered a defeat in an area that they have made their own.

For Sunset + Vine it is clearly a major step forward. Previously, their main international involvement has been in racing, where they have televised the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.