Cricket broadcast to get revolutionary with 3D for Boxing Day Ashes Test

Cricket coverage will take a technological leap with the Boxing Day Ashes Test set to be broadcast in 3D.

The revolutionary coverage for the oldest sporting rivalry involving an Australian team will enable viewers to see a six from Brad Haddin land in their laps.

The positive feedback after the 3D coverage of the State of Origin has convinced Channel Nine that multi-dimensional viewing is the future of sports broadcasting, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Only the Melbourne Test is planned for 3D at this stage and Channel Nine executives will discuss the future of 3D cricket broadcasting next week.

The difficulties with 3D coverage are the doubling of the number of cameras required, and the habits of sports viewers.

While the real-life feel of a 3D broadcast may fascinate casual watchers, most regular fans prefer the high-definition option that gives them peripheral vision of a contest.

The domestic Twenty20 Big Bash final could also be in 3D, with Fox Sports having the same technology, which it will use to screen the football World Cup.