Cricket: Boycott to host 'Six-0-Six'

Geoff Boycott is to be the new David Mellor. The former England Test opener will take over as host of BBC Radio 5 Live's Saturday phone- in programme, Six-O-Six, for the summer. Yesterday he promised some lively chat, while admitting he has never heard the programme.

"I've never done a chat show and never listened to David Mellor, although I gather he is outspoken," he said. "Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm expecting some strident observations, but I can handle myself.

"We live in a free society, and everybody's entitled to their opinion. Whatever you do, you've got to put your own stamp on it. You must never be bland. I'm looking forward to it immensely."

Boycott's tenure begins on 24 May, the date of England's second one-day international with Australia at The Oval, and he is expecting as many calls from football fans as cricket followers.

"I am a mad Manchester United supporter, and I am sure I am in for a bit of stick," he said.

The former England players Allan Lamb and Chris Broad have been signed up to step into Boycott's shoes when he is unavailable.