MARK Newton is backing BskyB in cricket's television rights battle.

Sky Sports and Channel 4 are both bidding for the right to screen cricket in the UK between 2006 and 2009 and a decision from Lord's is expected later today.

At present, the two television companies share cricket coverage but Sky are looking for exclusivity in the new deal and have put £20 million more on the table than Channel 4.

That would benefit the game financially but many within the sport are concerned that taking coverage off terrestrial television screens could damage the future with many youngsters unable to access Sky.

However, Newton, Worcestershire's chief executive, believes the Sky bid is best for the game.

"I understand about concerns over overall viewership and sponsorship values but the game as a whole would benefit in sponsorship by sheer volume," he said.

"Satellite television is watched more by younger people than older generations and it is now in six million homes, I believe, which is a sizeable audience.

"So, with all things considered, I would go for the one with the greater income."

Lord MacLaurin, former chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, voiced his concerns about the £60m Sky deal, however.

"I think there is a big danger, if you went to satellite, of depriving an awful lot of people of watching Test cricket," he said.