Editor
Revered cricket commentator Jim Maxwell has criticised Shane Warne over his commentary during Fox Sports’ coverage of the Melbourne Renegades semi-final win over the Sydney Sixers.
In one of the best games of the season, Dan Christian’s destructive 31 not out from just 14 balls helped steer the Renegades into the Big Final.
However a controversial moment earlier in the game, which saw umpire Gerard Abood deem a delivery to have been a no ball after Renegades wicketkeeper Sam Harper’s gloves had ventured just past his stumps, left Warne incensed.
“Oh come on, you’re kidding aren’t you?” Warne had said upon viewing replays.
He later told Harper who was on the Fox Sports player mic, “Mate, don’t worry about that decision – it was a ridiculous one from the umpire… watch the game, muppet-ears.”
Gerard Aboud made a pedantic ruling. But please, as a commentator, say that without personal attacks…”muppet”??
— jim maxwell (@jimmaxcricket) February 15, 2019
In a series of tweets Maxwell slammed Warne’s conduct, before adding in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, “That’s where, unfortunately, I think he often sounds like a punter in a pub, not a commentator”.
“I just thought it was totally disrespectful. That’s Warnie. If you look at social media, a lot of people accept the fact that’s how he is and they live with it.”
Please SKW ….you are a commentator not a cheerleader….is anyone directing Fox’s coverage?
— jim maxwell (@jimmaxcricket) February 15, 2019
The broadcasting veteran also accused the leg-spin great of barracking at times for the Melbourne team during the coverage, saying when it appeared the Renegades might lose, Warne had begun discussing the issues with the Big Bash’s finals system which has regularly seen top two teams bundled out before the grand final.
“It got to the point where he was so keen it was outrageous.”
Warne defended his commentary, responding to Maxwell on Twitter.
Jimmy! Come on mate, lighten up buddy. Put your slippers on with your old dressing gown & get into the spirit of modern day coverage of sport.Stay with the T-Rex’s by all means, but remember we’re all different my friend. Hope you enjoy my commentary tmrw arvo on @FOXCricketLive https://t.co/mtHKV1Jq1H
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) February 16, 2019