The change of Australia’s televised cricket coverage means not only can we hope to see new technologies and techniques, but there is the chance to wipe the slate clean when it comes to commentary and revive the lost artform.
After 40 years of listening to the Channel Nine commentary team, which has moved from the revered to the reviled over recent years, we can now expect to see a whole slew of new faces gracing our screens as both Foxtel and Channel Seven roll out their respective commentary teams for Test matches, the Big Bash and women’s internationals.
Everyone has their own opinion on what works and what doesn’t, and who is worth listening to and who is in the ‘James Brayshaw’ category of commentary.
Should there be two people in the ‘comm box’ or should there be three? How much video and statistical analysis do we need as viewers to enjoy the game? Do we need to hear about the ‘old boys’ stories between commentators when the cricket on the screen should be speaking for itself?
One wonders if any of the Channel Nine commentators will survive into the new era on either network. One also wonders will the viewing public care?
Mark Nicholas would appear likely to pick up a role, and the universal worshipping of Shane Warne will probably see him involved. Ian Chappell and Michael Slater do gigs overseas, as does Michael Clarke, but both Mark Taylor and Ian Healy have rarely ventured away from their summer jobs, while Bill Lawry may finally move into retirement.
All these commentators have been subject to criticism of their style in recent times, and a complete change will be a breath of fresh air.
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Both networks will likely need two commentary teams, especially when the Test matches and Big Bash games are scheduled on the same day and evening. Given the success of the coverage and commentary of the BBL in recent years by the team at Ten, you would expect that Damien Fleming, Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh and Ricky Ponting will be picked up.
The ability to mix these commentators into the Tests and ODI coverage as well will give the game a fresh sound and outlook, which can only be a benefit.
But beware Foxtel and Seven – the choices you make now will severely affect how popular your coverage is in the future.
Both networks need to heed the public outcry in recent times on the state of the commentary, and ensure the proper people and protocols are in place before the season begins. A return to the Benaud doctrine of ‘if you can’t improve on what is on the screen, say nothing’ should be at the forefront of any discussion. Needless dribble between balls is not necessary.
The choice of commentators is paramount, not just utilising who they already have on contract. Seven deciding to use Bruce McAvaney and James Brayshaw would be a disaster. Foxtel pushing some of their network stars would be a similar problem. Foxtel already has some good people, such as Allan Border, in place, and perhaps even an experienced host in Gerard Whateley, depending on his contract obligations with SEN.
Whatever direction our new cricket networks choose, their commentary teams are arguably the most important decision. Hopefully both networks will consider the public’s opinion and, much like Indiana Jones when in his pursuit of the one true Grail, they will choose wisely.
For the record, I am interested and can be contacted at any time.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
That second part is definitely true. The Chappelli stories get monotonous for those who watch most of the play every day and have done for 40 years. For those tuning in and out during a day, or not watching every day's play, its a different thing. The casual viewer also (apparently, judging by 7,9 or 10) likes the boofheads - whichever sport that may be. Unless the committed fan has the radio commentary on, and therefore not hearing the ads, networks don't have to cater to them.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Nicholas is probably the best of the Nine crew, IMO. Don't mind if gets a gig on Seven. Just no Slater please. And preferably no Healy or Taylor. And never, ever, have players who played together a lot on at the same time.
AREH
Roar Guru
Surely Brayshaw is every chance though to be part of the Channel 7 setup given he is calling AFL on there now?
The Anti-Don
Roar Rookie
Supreme TV cricket commentary derives from using insightful ex-players not from some farcical popularity contest...
big steve
Guest
hey foxtel. if you promise we will never see mark Nicholas i will sign up right now.
big steve
Guest
and ban the use of the word maximum!
qwetzen
Guest
"...Shane Warne’s overall star power..." Does Warne still have "star power"?
BBA
Guest
If you are going to have a no DH policy it would probably be more helpful (and shorter) to have the list of people that don't qualify as a DH than the other way.
qwetzen
Guest
" Shane Warne and Michael Slater are both better commentators overseas than at home..." Agreed. As is Nico. And the reason for that is because Taylor's not there.
qwetzen
Guest
Ta. You're correct. (I don't recall it all.)
Old Greg
Guest
Do not under any circumstances pick Freddy. I once heard him commentating on a BBL game, Flem asked what he'd been doing. His response, "I've been in the gym a lot and posting pictures of it on Instagram because most people think I don't go there..." The horror...
Keeper
Guest
No clarke or Nicholas
Lara
Guest
The whole Channel 9 commentary team irritate me, so they can all go . If Warne remains, back to turning the volume back to mute.
Don Lampard
Guest
No Bill Lawry? "It's all happening!" - Forget it
Liam
Guest
Or alternatively, let the commentators be parochial provided you have a bob each way; when the English are here, have a dyed in the wool Pom commentating, the Indians Harsha Bhogle or Surav Ganguly, etc. You're not going to get impartiality and knowledge, people are passionate and knowledgeable when they care about proceedings. Harness that, and don't let it get in the way, and ch. 7 will go a long way towards having a broadcast they can be proud of.
peter chrisp
Guest
And please do not "select" ian Healy that would be an outrage
Dexter The Hamster
Guest
So Warne is out as well...???
jameswm
Guest
I can't see why Brendon Julian would be inappropriate for the anchor role. He does fine on the cricket with Fox. Punter and Gilly agreed. And Fox will involve 1-2 women too.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
I'm with reece. Happy to accommodate "foreigners" commentating but not Nicholas, nor KP. They are simply rubbish. No Vaughan either. The commentator selectors should implement a No-DH's policy!
DLKN
Guest
This is only an issue for those people who still leave the television volume turned up.