As I tuned into afternoon session of Test cricket on Triple M I was stunned by how unpolished and awkward the broadcast was.
Despite recruiting some big names, it seemed as though the station had opted for a quantity over quality approach that lead to some strange combinations of commentators throughout the day.
Kerry O’Keeffe’s return to radio got off to a rough start as he was forced into an overcrowded commentary box with a group of people that he clearly did not know. Instead of giving him space to work his magic Triple M forced him into a team of underdeveloped talent that kept getting in his way.
James Brayshaw seemed frustrated at times as his teammates talked over the top of him while he tried to hold things together. It became clear early on that the usual ‘boys club’ banter that has lead to some strong ratings for Triple M’s AFL coverage required some established friendships prior to the show hitting the air.
But it wasn’t all bad. There were some moments of insight in between the shouts of ‘Aw gee’ and ‘bang’, particularly when former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was able to share some stories from his recent playing days. The conversations about Brett Lee’s Bollywood career were less engaging.
Providing a platform for former English women’s cricket player Isa Guha was also a nice change from the regular male voices that dominate the airwaves over the summer.
It’s clear that some quick changes will need to be made in order to allow those who know the game to actually share their knowledge with the listeners.
The in-house comedic talent (Jules Schiller, Lawrence Mooney and Gus Worland) needs to go. And someone needs to set Kerry up so that he can spin a few more yarns to entertain us during the long days of Test cricket.
Overall I give Triple Ms first day of Test cricket a D+, but it was nice to hear something a little bit different. All they need to do now is go back to what’s worked for them before and assemble some commentary teams that actually know each other.
What did you think of Triple Ms first effort?
Hmmm
Guest
I listened for an hour when driving. Ended up switching back to the ABC much better coverage. I cannot stress enough how much talking on the radio is a BIG TURN off for me and I suspect a lot of others. Play music Triple M, don't have a comedy team, a lot of people just like me DON'T want to hear them! Your announcers aren't funny, some don't know the game, and lets face it we only listen to the cricket on the radio when a TV isn't around.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
I enjoyed it immensely.
Hayden
Guest
The Comedian should only be part of the Lunch/Dinner & Afternoon Tea time show and that comedian should be Mick Molloy.
Michael Blumel
Roar Pro
There was a definite improvement on day 2. I'm pretty sure that the bosses asked the play caller to give more information to allow the listeners to be part of the game a bit more. And then the added banter kept things flowing well throughout the day. I particularly enjoyed the interview with Bernard Fanning, who is a big cricket fan and just an interesting dude.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Listened again yesterday for a little while and enjoyed it. One benefit of having the non-cricket commentators was the questions they were asking the experts. They were the sort of questions a lay person would ask and created some interesting discussions that two former test players might take for granted. Brett Lee is ordinary though. Khawaja took a catch and Lee said "Khawaja can't seem to buy a run for Australia lately but he's catching well". Michael Slater was stunned and clearly biting his tongue, stuttering and stummering trying to not correct him.
andrewk
Guest
I disagree I thought the commentators worked well together. A lighter way of listening to the cricket and the quality of the better audio being an FM station is a nice bonus.
rock
Guest
Fair enough, and that is your opinion. I quite enjoy them so will stick to the ABC, the joys of having choices and opinions.
Michael Blumel
Roar Pro
Although I'm not a huge Molloy fan I thought that he atleast brought some laughter to the broadcast. I wouldn't mind if he was used sparingly just to bring energy. Overall I just think there were too many voices on at a time. Three in the box should be enough to get some good discussion going while leaving enough space for the 'stars' to do their thing. The bigger issue was that there was no chemistry between the teams, which is an issue that can be resolved fairly quickly.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I'm curious about the comments on Gus Worland. I know him and used to play cricket against him. He was a bit of a tonker, but had a very good eye. He's a lovely bloke too. I have never heard him on radio, though I know he does the show with Geyer and Johns. Is it bogan central? I would have thought that Gus would pair very well, for example, with KOK, and also with a knowledgeable cricketer. Might try to listen today at some point.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I listened to it for 20 mins or so in the car yesterday afternoon and didn't think it was too bad. I didn't know the name of the English female commentator but thought she was very good. Knows her stuff and has a lovely voice. Julian Schiller was on at the time and he was fine but I might have got lucky. Gus Worland was ok too, his passion for the game comes through loud and clear and he's not unknowledgeable on the game. Brett Lee is ordinary. Constantly fumbling with words and the score and not really adding much insight. Brayshaw and Slater came on and started the old boys club sledging each other routine - thankfully it was trip over. They're obviously trying to put a new spin on the commentary. I'd give it another go based on what I heard yesterday.
Michael Blumel
Roar Pro
I find that Rogers, Katich and Nannes have their moments. They're still quite inexperienced so I think they will grow into the role. Maxwell has been missed. Their analysis is always great but I would like to see them bring in one or two more characters just to give the other guys someone to bounce off during the dry spells.
Michael Blumel
Roar Pro
Sorry about the typo. And O'Keeffe actually does have two F's - http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/7002.html
DJW
Guest
I enjoy the ABC commentary, miss Jim Maxwell though. Agree with the above about enjoying the analysis.
Tim Pace
Guest
Sorry, but Dirk Nanes and Chris Rogers would have to be the two most boring, whingy, and unenterprising people I've ever heard on radio. I'll listen to the rain falling before I listen to them. If you don't like what Triple M is doing then I suggest give Fiarfax Radio a go on digitial.
rock
Guest
I switched back over to ABC after about 45min to an hour. There was hardly any ball-by-ball commentary, and even though some of them thought they were being funny, it just wasn't. Hads, Kerry & (dare I say it) Bradshaw/Slater (who both provided decent live coverage) were all quite good and I'd be happy they were paired together somehow. But they need to find some middle ground providing analysis, ball-by-ball coverage & a bit of humour; not try to make it a 7hr sports stand-up show. I'm not in agreeance with people saying that the ABC is boring, I quite like Nannes, Katich & Rogers. They aren't a larrikin's like O'Keefe, but I'd rather listen to analysis of the game with a bit of humour along the way then listen to the rubbish that poured out of some of those 'comedians' on Triple M yesterday.I also think Maxwell will make the ABC coverage better also when he get's back.
Michael Blumel
Roar Pro
I agree with Basil. Listening to ABC's coverage so far this summer has been tough. There's still some talent in the box but there are times where there's very little energy, which shows how much they're missing Kerry and some of the old firm. I'd like to see Triple M try and find a bit more of a middle ground, possibly by recruiting another older voice to balance out the conversations. Kerry doesn't seem as comfortable with a group of guys who are as old enough to be his kids.
Basil
Guest
The dilemma is Chris, is that I want to listen to Kerry but not the other clowns on MMM, and ABC without Kerry has lost its personality. How do we combine the two without building a time machine?
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
It's basically coverage for the bogans to an extent. ABC radio still covers it. So if you want the more standard radio commentary you are used to you can still go there. Triple M very much have their target audience, and if them broadcasting the cricket gets more people who wouldn't normally follow cricket into it then that's not a bad thing, but they probably won't get many people switching across from listening to ABC radio unless they are in a position where their only available radio is FM only.
Perry Bridge
Guest
Who is "James Bradshaw"?, and how many 'f's are too many in Kerry O'Keeffe?
Tom M
Guest
If the Comedians were removed it would've been much better. Although a couple of times Jules asked a few questions to Brad Haddin about his recent playing days that I found insightful, but overall their inclusion was unnecessary.