Some commentary on the commentators
By Rayed Mamun - 22 April 2007
Many people have converged on the Caribbean this season, not just to watch the cricket, but to have a enjoyable holiday. When we are on holidays however, we tend to get lost. It’s only natural, that being in a place where we aren’t familiar, we would require some guidance. At the same time we need to satisfy our curiosity. After coming to a dream location in the world, we want to know as much about the place as possible, to make our experience that much more fulfilling. A good tour guide can help us achieve this. The reputation of the tour guides at this World Cup (ie; the commentators), unfortunately, doesn’t match the reputation of the tournament.
Commentary is very important in sport. There is so little that our tiny eyes can see, and so little our sensitive ears can hear, through a television screen, thousands of miles from the action. The commentators provide us with expert analysis as well as developments in the game. In a game like football, a poor commentator can get away with calling a bad game. The game is so action packed, and most things are so obvious, the commentator is sometimes ignored.
In the game of cricket however, commentators have a difficult job. First of all, it is the longest sport in world in terms of time, so it is up to the commentators to keep the audience interested. Secondly, cricket is one of the most complicated sports in terms of statistics and special rules. Thirdly, cricket is a very ‘stop-start’ game, with breaks in between every delivery and over. Having said this, it goes without saying, that only the best cricket commentators should be allowed into the studio. So why does the biggest cricket tournament in the world, have new, inexperienced, commentators?
With all due respect to the commentators that we’ve already seen, they have done a decent job, but their appointment makes no sense whatsoever. If new commentators are to be tried and tested, they should be trialled in the domestic leagues, or in smaller international tournaments.
Many of the world class Channel Nine commentary team weren’t offered any contracts, and were replaced by countrymen Greg Blewett and Damien Fleming. India also has brilliant callers such as Ravi Shastri, and the charismatic Harsha Bhogle. They have been replaced by the little known Laxman Shivaramakrishnan. There is no room for David Gower or Geoffrey Boycott either.
Not only did the commentators that missed out, have more experience and expertise, but they were great entertainers as well. Many sceptics of cricket will argue that the game is long and boring. It is therefore crucial that the expertise and entertainment is of the highest standard. I hope the next time the ICC goes on a holidays they invest in better tour guides.