Channel 4 are close to signing Richie Benaud and they are interested in Michael Holding, with the possibility of a deal with Wasim Akram. Channel 4 are also believed to be considering a role for Rory Bremner in their broadcasts, though the impressionist will not be part of the ball-by-ball broadcast team.

Nicholas and Benaud would address the traditional cricket market, while Holding, Akram and Bremner, in whatever role he might have, would be ideal to further Channel 4's declared mission of a new type of televised cricket, which breaks away from the traditional BBC approach. There will be more emphasis on attracting a younger, multi-cultural audience.

Nicholas, who has been with Sky for three years, was contacted at the end of last week, receiving what he describes as a ``very flattering'' telephone call from Channel 4. He will continue to write for The Daily Telegraph and front Sky's coverage of England in Australia this winter.

Sky tried to keep him by offering a better contract, but Nicholas, who has ambitions to move beyond cricket into other areas of broadcasting, decided Channel 4 offered him the better prospects.

Nicholas joined Sky after he had finished his cricketing career as captain of Hampshire.