Satellite and Cable: Pick of the Day

THE GOVERNMENT may not like his politics, but Sean Connery (right) remains one the most popular actors we have ever produced. In the 1970s, he went through a period where he tried to shake off what he called "that damn James Bond" by going in for more alternative films. Zardoz (10pm Sky Cinema), written and directed by John Boorman, is a good example. In this unusual sci-fi story set in 2293, the earth has been reduced to a wasteland. Connery plays a "Brutal" who vows vengeance after he is exploited by the more intelligent "Exterminators". The unlikely combination of Charlotte Rampling, soon to be seen as Miss Havisham in the BBC's new reading of Great Expectations, and John Alderton co-star.

Warming up for the World Cup, England take on the formidable Pakistan in Coca-Cola Cup Cricket (12noon Sky Sports 2).