A DECISION on whether Ashes cricket returns to free-to-air television as one of British sport’s ’crown jewels’ will be taken before the general election, the Government said yesterday.

Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw has provisionally accepted recommendations of an inquiry into TV sport led by David Davies, the former executive director of the Football Association.

His decision on whether to accept new events on to the list of those which must be available for free will be made shortly after the consultation ends in March, junior minister Sion Simon told MPs.

The inquiry recommended adding the home Ashes series against Australia, England’s football tournament qualifying matches, golf’s Open Championship, Wimbledon and the Rugby World Cup to the list of protected events.

The proposals have caused concern to some governing bodies, including the England and Wales Cricket Board, which has warned the loss of revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights could hit funding for grassroots sport.

Mr Simon said: ‘‘The Secretary of State has provisionally concluded to accept the recommendations in the report but he is going to consider the implications on sporting bodies and grassroots sport and he has not reached any final views”

He added: ‘‘The Secretary of State firmly intends to make an announcement on this before the election even though the consultation process doesn’t close until the first week of March.”