Channel Seven's Abbey Gelmi is said to be the hot favourite to replace boned cricket commentator Michael Slater.

According to , the 31-year-old is one of the top contenders to replace Slater as the network's new sports commentator.

Abbey has had hosting experience on TV, previously appearing on House Rules and Ultimate Tag.

Meanwhile, Lisa Sthalekar is also a front runner to replace the cricket commentator.

It comes after Channel Seven confirmed it had parted ways with Slater, five months after he publicly attacked Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Slater, 51, accused Mr Morrison in May of having 'blood on his hands' for closing the border to Australians stuck in Covid-ravaged India.

The retired opening batsman told the PM in a series of tweets to get on his private jet and 'come and witness dead bodies on the street'. 

Slater, who was working as a commentator for the IPL, had been a fierce critic of Australia's policy banning its citizens in India from coming home.

He had previously been the centre of controversy in 2019 when he withdrew from commentating the Big Bash League matches following an on-flight incident.

He was removed from a flight for being involved in an argument with two women. 

He then reportedly locked himself in the plane's bathroom, causing a delay in take-off, before leaving the flight.

Channel Seven's Head of Sport, Lewis Martin, told  the network had decided to part ways with Slater but insisted it was due to budgetary restraints.

'He's a very talented broadcaster and he's been a ripping member of our team. It's more about financial management than anything else and we wish Michael the very best in the future, we really do,' he said.

Mr Martin continued: 'Unfortunately business decisions have to be made from time to time and unfortunately we're not in a position to renew it.'

'He was a very popular member of our team and a very talented broadcaster. I can only expect this will only be a pause (in his career).'

Slater joined Seven in 2018 after departing from Channel Nine.