Cricket commentary is a special talent that comes in many flavours and only a few have accomplished successfully.
The best in the business are able to enhance the game by providing entertainment, insight and expert analysis in ways that keep you glued to the screen or the radio indefinitely. Here are my all-time masters of the microphone.
He revolutionised and changed the way sports broadcasting was done forever. Tony Greig was a larger-than-life character whose thick British and South African concoction of an accent became a staple of every Australian summer.
A match was just not complete without his enthusiastic expressions and electrifying energy which seemed to make even the most mundane moments incredibly exciting.
Uncompromising, unconventional and at times quite ruthless, Greig was a pivotal force not just in the commentary box, but also in the game’s administration and curation of cricket pitches, bringing many up to international standard.
He went above and beyond doing careful research and analysis on different soil and grass types conducive to creating top class cricket wickets and his famous key test quickly became the stuff of legend.
A keen supporter and lover of all things Sri Lankan, Greig always had a soft spot for the island nation and would revel in much of their victories as they transformed from minnows to world champions.
The game is certainly poorer without him, as he passed away tragically in December 2012 due to lung cancer.
The story of this great cricket voice is indeed a most peculiar one, yet it proves a most pertinent point that one does not need to have played the game at the highest level to be considered worthy of joining the pantheon of great sports commentators.
Bhogle is a chemical engineer by profession, having also studied at the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad, one of most renowned business schools in India. It is not known as to whether he actively pursued a career in his field of study, as he has been commentating cricket matches since the age of 19 for All-India Radio.
His affable and pleasant voice became an instant hit amongst listeners and it wasn’t long before he was invited to Australia to cover the 1992 World Cup alongside other prominent commentators for ABC Grandstand radio.
Bhogle has only ever played cricket at club or school level, yet his insight into the game at times exceeds those who have played on a professional scale.
Coined as ‘India’s Richie Benaud and the guru of cricket from India’ by Sachin Tendulkar, Bhogle is definitely one of the premier sportscasters in the game today.
This comical and entertaining Kiwi seemed tailor-made for the game’s shortest format, as his commentating style soon became as exciting as Twenty20 cricket itself.
A robust and enigmatic cricketer during his playing days for New Zealand, Morrison soon transferred that boisterous energy into cricket commentary. It wasn’t long before you could hear his iconic and humorous metaphors describing every shot, wicket and boundary in exaggerated detail.
Some of his classic lines include ‘Oh look at this hit, this one’s got legs on it!’ or ‘the man on the moon’s got visitors tonight, courtesy of this shot!’ showing just how clever and creative he was with his words.
Morrison has often been the go-to man for almost anything Twenty20 cricket related and has broadcasted in numerous IPL and Caribbean Premier League matches as well.
Currently, he is an established commentator for Fox Sports, TVNZ and Sky Sports as well as being a celebrated guest speaker for multiple domestic and international cricket events.
If Twenty20 cricket ever needed a matching voice, Danny Morrison would definitely be your first choice.
Whenever you feel your TV vibrate gently due to a rumbling, deep voice smothered in a heavy Jamaican accent, you know this great West Indies legend is on air.
Known as the ‘whispering death’ when he played for the Caribbean, Holding seemed to utilise that nickname in the commentary box as well once he hung up the boots.
Michael Holding is one of the finest commentators in cricket. (Photo: Visionhaus/Corbis via Getty Images)
A highly critical yet analytical commentator, the beauty of Holding’s commentary lies in his unique viewpoint of seeing the match constantly from the knowledge and mindset of a fast bowler.
You will always hear him suggesting field changes, tactics, methods and other tidbits of sage wisdom to his fellow commentary team, while constantly explaining how the fielding captain ‘should’ be playing the match if he is looking for a win.
A stickler for traditions and basic skills, Holding is the commentator who will always harp on about the fundamentals of cricket being the absolute key to success in any situation, as he is heavily critical of players who stray away unsuccessfully from the conventional method of play.
Much like his impeccable fast bowling, Holding’s line and length in the commentary box is second to none, being consistent and accurate right from the first delivery.
Australian cricket has listened to many iconic voices grace the commentary box over the years, but there truly is something unique and endearing when this charming Victorian wields the microphone.
Lawry’s infectious enthusiasm and child-like excitement as he speaks animatedly about the day’s play quickly became an integral part of watching any international match on Wide World of Sports.
With the likes of Greg Chappell, Richie Benaud and Greig flanked by his side, Channel Nine’s commentary team proved to be world class, as Lawry’s joyful cries of ‘oh you beauty!’ resonated within every Australian living room.
Some of Lawry’s other classic phrases include ‘it’s gone, gone, gone!’ whenever a big six was hit or ‘you little ripper!’ whenever a thundering yorker castled into the stumps.
One of my personal favourites was when Wasim Akram took his first five-for against Australia in Melbourne; it was almost as though Lawry was bellowing from the rooftops as he heaped immense praise on the young Akram.
‘Oh what a bowler, what a beautiful bowler! I could watch him bowl all day!’ he cried, as Wasim Akram skittled through Australia’s batting order with raw pace, swing and aggression.
Lawry’s natural ability to fully enjoy the present moment when commentating always made him a real gem to have in any broadcasting team.
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