MUMBAI: If you can't show it live, a good highlights package is the next best thing. ESPN STAR Sports today announced the acquisition of telecast rights to feature comprehensive daily highlights of all international cricket played in India till September 2004.

Starting with the first test of the India-West Indies series beginning on 9 October, both ESPN and Star Sports will showcase the India cricket highlights, including a comprehensive analysis of all international cricket played in India, at prime time on a daily basis. The highlights will be aired on each match day on Star Sports at 8 pm with a repeat telecast on ESPN at 11:30 pm.

Manu Sawhney, managing director of ESPN Software India was quoted in an official release as saying: "With this acquisition, ESPN STAR Sports will present to the millions of its loyal cricket viewers across Asia, including India, a unique opportunity to enjoy the daily highlights package at prime time presented by ESPN STAR Sports' popular commentary team using our exclusive Namadgi Graphics system."

ESPN STAR Sports' commentary team for the upcoming India Vs. West Indies series highlights will comprise Sunil Gavaskar, along with Bobby Simpson, Ravi Shastri, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Harsha Bhogle and Alan Wilkins.

ESPN STAR Sports has acquired rights to telecast the highlights for the following international cricket series to be played in India till September 2004.

India Vs West Indies - October 2002
India Vs New Zealand - October 2003
India Vs. Pakistan - February 2004
India Vs. Australia - September 2004