Test cricket can last five days, so it needs entertaining people to bring it to life, especially on the radio.
The vast majority of our commentators have come from retired playing ranks, but this is not an exclusive trait. Take Jim Maxwell from the ABC. Never having played the game at any serious level, Jim is the sound of Aussie summer and inherited the mantel from the first doyen of cricket broadcasting, Alan McGilvray.
When Alan retired they said “the game was not the same without McGilvray”, but Jim has made the caper his own over 30 years. Alan McGilvray came from an era during which the game would be relayed to a studio in Sydney and he would tap the table with his pencil to imitate the sound of ball on bat. Those were the days.
We have come a long way since then, and the doyen of TV cricket broadcasting, Richie Benaud, began his career while still playing with the BBC. Kerry Packer made him an offer he couldn’t refuse and over the next 40 years Richie was our count to an Australian summer.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
There has been no more recognisable voice in world cricket than that of Henry Blofeld. ‘Blowers’ was the private schoolboy turned radio colour commentator with a wonderful turn of phrase. “My dear old thing” was a stalwart on the BBC’s Test Match Special with many stints on the ABC when he ventured to Australia.
Michael Holding has established himself as the Mr Cool of Sky Sports with his laconic style. He’s announced he will retire from the mic, having made himself a regular home commentator in the UK and South Africa.
Johnathon ‘Aggers’ Agnew anchors the BBC’s cricket radio coverage and has been the mainstay for decades. With guest stints on the ABC, he is one of the most recognisable voices in world sport.
Kerry O’Keefe formed his partnership with Jim Maxwell on the ABC and was by far their most popular commentator. His pairing with Harsha Bhogle and the memorable Naga chilli escapade at the SCG is the stuff of legend.
Patricia Wack and Kermit Jagger have become broadcasting folklore. Now a star on TV with the Fox Sports coverage, Harsha is as successful away from the mic as he is in front of it. With a social following rockstars would be proud of, Harsha is in demand all over the world for his insights into the game.
Alison Mitchell is all class and in huge demand. Whether on her native BBC or the ABC, she has transitioned to Australian TV screens as an integral part of the Channel Seven coverage.
Mike Haysman is an Australian commentator who has made a huge success of his broadcasting career since he moved to South Africa. A star on SuperSport, the multitalented broadcaster is the voice of South African cricket.
An Australian summer in the 1980s would not be complete without the cool tones of West Indian commentator Tony Cozier. Whether the Windies toured here or not Tony was a feature on the Channel Nine coverage for years.
Graeme Swann has taken to the commentary with an ease that suggests the media will be his natural home til retirement. Filled with many great yarns and a style that puts moths at ease, Swann is in demand around the world and will be a stalwart for years to come.
Spanner
Roar Rookie
I agree with you re. Warne, JGK - what a cricket brain. Can you imagine what a great captain he could have been if he hadnt been such a ........ ?
Spanner
Roar Rookie
Geoff Lemon is a ripper - his critique of the old channel 9 "boys club" commentary team a couple of years back was priceless - and it ruffled more than a few feathers.
Spanner
Roar Rookie
Must agree with you blokes re. Jim Maxwell - he makes way too many mistakes. What a shame that our young cricket lovers have missed the beautiful descriptions on the wireless from McGillvray, Hassett, Arlott, Bailey, Johnstone, Blofeld et all - especially if play had stopped because of rain.
The real SC
Roar Rookie
Best 4: Alan McGilvray (ABC Radio), Richie Benaud (Nine), Tony Greig (Nine) and Tony Cozier (ABC, Nine, Sky). Sadly, they are no longer with us anymore. Worst: James Brayshaw, Michael Clarke. Michael Clarke couldn't even pronounce words properly like Australia, Brilliant. He makes a lot of mistakes when calling the matches. James brayshaw what can I say. I cannot stand him, is too over the top, is way too biased towards Australian teams. If I had to listen to him on Channel 7, I will mute him.
tauranga boy
Guest
I too am not a Jim Maxwell fan. Didn't go for Neville Oliver either. Love Tuffers and Aggers. Agree that Ponting is much more astute at commentating than he was at captaining.
Steve Franklin
Roar Rookie
The best : Richie Benaud........ The Worst : there are a few, all the 20/20 guys and their not so funny jokes, Warne telling everyone how good he was all the time, Petersen telling everyone how good he was and laughing at every word the other's said which most of the time weren't funny at all. If your wanting to be a commentator be a commentator not a stand up comedian and nobody wants to hear about how good you were call the game.
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
My fav in recent years has to be Phil Tufnell. Listening to him on radio in the UK, and he was funny and very well informed. Lovely bloke too.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Haysman came to South Africa to play in The Kim Hughes rebel team in the 80s. Never really left.. Played domestic cricket for years here and finally becoming a much loved and admired commentator. Straight shooter and super knowledgeable. Brings a lot of technical video analysis into his craft.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I was scrolling through the comments hoping Charles Fortune got a mention but not expecting it.. Absolute doyen of South African radio commentators. Legend really… I remember him commentating when Jimmy Cook scored 38 runs before losing his wicket.. He played so well and was in total control until then.. Fortunes comment “a canvass does not have to be 6” high and 8″wide to be a masterpiece! “
GaiusBaltar68
Roar Rookie
Agreed. I would add Tim Lane, before he discovered that you could use money to buy stuff (ie went to commercial coverage).
GaiusBaltar68
Roar Rookie
Thank you, I always thought I was alone on Jim Maxwell. Barely competent and rarely accurate. The never-ending NSW cricket mafia agenda from him becomes tiresome as well. And is it some sort of crime to give the score occasionally?
Marty
Roar Rookie
If you can get hold of some of old Fox Cricket shows when Brendan Julian started hosting then they are definitely worth a look. Quite often not making sense, I remember him getting a bit confused attempting to make a more detailed point and by the end disagreeing with his original premise. All in the space of a couple of sentences. Watching AB and Mark Waugh looking sideways at each other on the couch trying to work out what the hell to say is television at its best.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Disagree on Graeme Swann, thought he was awful. Has deluded himself to think he's the funniest bloke around. Michael Vaughan, David Lloyd & Geoff Boycott are great commentators in my opinion.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Yep, Michael Vaughan is a natural. And Ian Smith I consider to be great, would love for him to commentate here more often outside of NZ series.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Greatest what max? :laughing:
Nick
Roar Guru
I think he got worse. Below average was aspirational for him once he got a CA board seat. He was made to sound a lot better cause he shared a booth with Ian Healy.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I heard an old call of Cometti 70's WA v SA Aussie Rules match and he was surprisingly bland. He obviously grew into quite a talent.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I agree on Tubby. I say he only got better and nearly became average.
Mark Scarfe
Roar Guru
Great call on David Lloyd.
Lara
Guest
Just for accent , I would have Bumble, Benaud n Whispering Death in my commentary team .