'Only one Richie Benaud': The importance of a great sporting commentary team

I get what you're saying, I interpreted your comment as not being open to other opinions. I am on board with people stipulating their beliefs and stance on an issue, but I'm for hearing as many different interpretations as they often inform your opinion and make your argument stronger. I'll always appreciate Chappell's tactical acumen and leadership, but sometimes if you don't compromise in a grey world, you don't learn.

I respect other ppls opinions but l just can’t say “agree to disagree” cos it sounds like compromise. —– I have wide ranging likes. One is music. If someone says to me “l like allsorts of artists / music” l say “no you don’t”. Now I’m not suggesting they’re wrong, I’m just saying I’m passionate about this artist / music and not others and l have complete inability to understand how you can like Dylan and Elvis in the one person. —– I love ppl to come out and nail their likes, their passion being evident in what they’re saying. —- I loved the fact that Chappelli has come out and said back Pucovski (? Spelling), pick him in first test, do it.

I actually believe in the 'agree to disagree' mindset, Rowdy, because it means we not only respect that there are many different opinions, but if explained they can inform, educate and in some cases change our own. I'm not a fan of the mentality of 'you're wrong cos...........I said so'. A democracy thrives on agree to disagree, otherwise we never go forward. I don't disagree with Chappell having his opinions, it's just after 40 years, I've heard them ad naesuem and his contradictions grate now. Time for a similar message in a fresher package.

It’s funny l don’t see it. Warnie I understand because he can detour into the frivolous. But Ian is the best brain going round in the game. He’s like the Dylan of cricket. Not everyone’s cup of tea but no-one can hold a candle to what he postulates. l dismiss his BIMD stuff (@ consequence of retiring) as ‘so what’. —- And l like that he’s an opinionated buzzard. I actually hate the ‘agree to disagree’ mindset myself.

Agree, Insult - both of them huge pains in the "a" - but boy, do they know cricket !

In England, way back when I was a kid I remember Benaud as a radio cominitator more than a TV one. Before Benaud there was John Allott I'm not sure if they shared ever a commentary, if they did it would have been indeed a feast to listen to . In marked contrast last years Big Bash commentary for me was an example of how not to do one. Non stop chatter with two old cricketers and a Pundit twiddling with his pen and trying hard to join in. it was so bad I turned the sound off.

According to the late Richie Benaud, commentators must put their brains into gear before opening their mouths and concentrate fiercely at all times.

Whereas l confused that for calling a spade a shovel. I don't really remember it that way but Libra's do wear an iron fist in a velvet glove. ------ Surely his erudition on the nuances of the game are second to none. And l do remember Alan McGilvray whom I'm sure would've Yinned to Ian's Yang.

Ian, Rowdy. He became annoying in the 90's when he reckoned he'd settle everything with a bat round the ear'ole and in my day....... Tactically astute, but just like Warne, a little bit goes too far.

Ian Bishop is coming for the Windies matches which will be good. 1st tour game vs NZ XI in beautiful Queenstown this weekend.

I've never seen the name Phil Kearns associated with "rock solid analysis" tbh. The bloke is dreadful, just as Benaud was a master. Sadly (with NZ cricket moving from Sky Sport to Spark Sport) Ian Smith wont be heard this summer on our side of the Tasman.

Which Chappell are you referring to?

Agreed. Always liked him.

The Howie Games podcast is a good listen too PPVII, he gets a lot out of his interviewees with a relaxed but well researched approach.

Bless you Paul - I wonder how many Roarers can remember Alan McGillvray and the other great radio commentators like Trevor Bailey, John Arlott, CM Jenkins etc. They had to paint a picture and we would lie in the lounge room with the light off and listen to their dulcet tones from across the globe - sigh - what a shame.

Hear Hear for Howie. It's not easy for non former champions to just do their job in sport commentary. Does a great job with vastly knowledgeable giants of the game like Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh aka Ricky and June. Likewise Mel. Howie was cheekily and inadvertently responsible for James Magnussen drinking his own pool water, christening him "The Missile" at an Australian champs one Olympic year. It went to young Jimmy's head for a while there.

Mark Howard on 10’s telecast was underrated, as he has been in most of his career in many sports. He took care of the nuts and bolts, showed his knowledge of the game and made a group of new faces feel more at ease behind the mic, creating a relaxed atmosphere appropriate for sport Mel McLaughlin set the tone with a relaxed style which has been appreciated through a couple of Olympics. Benaud however is the benchmark in cricket and only served to prove how appalling Chappell, Warne and then Clarke were.

My fave commentators are Peter Sterling and Ian Chappell. And I'm not a big NRL fan but credit where it's due. Cometti noted for his droll humour is the only AFL 'average spud' l can think of. ------ Both are informative without the hyperbole and artifice of so many. Objective and erudite and promoting their respective games without condescension.

Hard to respect an article that thinks Phil Kearns is a good commentator. He's about as fair and balanced as a judge in China.

Tony Greig was better in hindsight. He was on the global circuit, and exposed himself to cricket everywhere... he knew his stuff and brought good insight into the opposition. A professional. Unlike the resident apes, Taylor and Healy who consistently made sure they knew nothing about the opposition. Amateurs