Glenn McGrath, the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket history, has joined Ricky Ponting, Michael Slater, and Damien Fleming In Channel Seven’s commentary team in the new two-way battle for viewers with Foxtel.
McGrath will add extra clout to Seven, as he did on the field with his 563 scalps from 123 Tests behind three spinners – Muttiah Muralitharan (800-133), Shane Warne (708-145), and Anil Kumble’s 619 from 132.
But like Channel Nine’s two-way rugby league battle, Foxtel’s cricket commentary team swamps Seven.
Adam Gilchrist heads the Fox squad with Mark Waugh, Mike Hussey, former England skipper Michael Vaughan, Allan Border, Brendon Julian, Melanie Jones, and Isa Guha.
But that leaves the likes of Ian Chappell, Mark Nicholas, Mark Taylor, Ian Healy, and Michael Clarke without a gig from the former Channel Nine squad.
The Channel had covered international cricket from 1977 when Kerry Packer high-jacked the sport with World Series Cricket that turned the grand old game from dying as an amateur game into a highly-professional sport.
Chappell, along with the late great Richie Benaud, and Tony Greig, were the key figures in changing the face of cricket worldwide forever.
Chappell is the only one left of the trio, and should be picked up by one of the stations, preferably Fox, where his vast experience as both national captain and commentator would be a prize asset,
Taylor and Healy don’t deserve to be dumped either – Taylor with hs analytical insight, Healy with his interviewing skills.
But there won’t be many disappointed with Nicholas and Clarke disappearing.
One of Packer’s rare mistakes was appointing Englishman Nicholas to take over as head honcho when Richie hung up his microphone.
Nicholas never cut the mustard, nor did Clarke who used the gig as a self promotion platform to keep recalling what he did as captain.
Thankfully the remote was always closeby.
There are two others very worthy of recognition in Matt Hayden, and Stuart Clark.
Hayden was a standout caller in the IPL, while Clark has been used by Fox in the past, but nearly enough.
I’ve left the best until last.
One must pick up Bill Lawry, if only for the MCG Boxing Day Tests, and the SCG in the New Year.
“Phantom” is shamelessly Victorian, his chirping about the “G” as the greatest sporting venue in the world, is legendary.
He dramatically changed from being the most negative captain who set out not to lose, to become the most positive caller.
But he brings a very different view from behind the microphone, and if he’s well enough, Bill Lawry will certainly be the most colourful caller of them all.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
He would have been the only one of the Nine crew I would have chosen. Maybe Chappell, and Warne on the proviso he never shared a stint with anyone he played with. As soon as Slater was announced that meant no seven commentary for me.
Lancey5times
Roar Rookie
We're writing articles about commentary lineups now? Who's gonna open?
Scott Campbell
Guest
Great to see Damien Fleming get a gig. Funny but with bowling insight he ads a heap of colour. Slater? What on earth are they thinking?
Sid Baker
Guest
Always a good column David, and couldn't agree with you more.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Kashy. That’s just the point. We badly needed a change. I’d be happy if none came across. It is not as though commentating on cricket is a scarce skill.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Agree. Slater is utterly painful to listen to.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
You’re on your own on that one.
Peter
Roar Rookie
I'm with you, Nicholas can be a bit smarmy at times but he's good. McGrath, nice bloke, brilliant cricketer, but doesn't have much to say.
Eddie Otto
Roar Guru
And I'm sorry but Ian Healy was the most painful commentator I have heard in the last 10 years. He seemed to just talk but talking make. At times I dont think he had any idea what was going to cone out of his mouth next. There is a reason he has not been picked out and it isn't because he is a bad bloke.
Eddie Otto
Roar Guru
Glenn McGrath he is a nice guy and an ex great player however he doesn't do it for me as a commentator. Pretty plain voice and not particularly insightful. For me the only really good signing fox have made is Ricky Ponting. He will carry that team and is probably the best going around at the minute. Fleming can be good but often tries to be funny all the time which gets really annoying. Fox will have a far better mix with the likes of Mark Waugh, Gilchrist and Warne.
Peter Zitterschlager
Guest
You're a joke, David. Mark Nicholas is far and away the best commentator Australia has seen. His IQ and passion dwarfs even the next best. I'll miss his polish if someone doesn't pick him up.
Jarijari
Guest
Please Seven, no James Brayshaw.
Stuckbetweenindopak
Roar Rookie
Michael slater had to be there...before this rewinding they were saying all old commentators have to go which was really hurting...they had to retain 1 or 2 among bill lawry, slater and healy. These voices are synonymous with cricket australia
Simoc
Guest
Yes Mark Nicholas has done an outstanding job at Nine and Clarke is the pick of the comments people for the past season. It's always good to move on but McGrath will be average and Slater has been around to long anyway.
spruce moose
Guest
Classic response in this country - fear the intelligent commentators, the ones who actually show a bit of pride in the job. Can't wait for flogs like Matt Hayden to get a gig. His IPL commentary is deplorable.
Reece
Guest
I think you'd be the only one to be upset if Mark Nicholas doesn't join channel 7.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Can't believe of all the Channel 9 options, Slater's the one who gets a gig.
Simon
Guest
Completely disagree regarding Mark Nicholas. He’s intelligent, has a lot of cricket knowledge, and most importantly, a passion for cricket and good cricket that no other commentators seem to match. I’ll be upset if he doesn’t get picked up by anyone in Australia because imo he’s been the premier cricket commentator for a number of years
mrrexdog
Roar Guru
I read that Mark Taylor will be staying at 9 and hosting overseas matches like next years World Cup and the ashes in England