The Battle of the Commentators

[SJS]

David Gower.

The way he conducts those sessions with any two other England stars in the after match analysis sessions is absolutely marvellous.

 

[R_D]

David Gower.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Sorry for the delay. Gower wins the battle 11 - 2 - 2

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Battle Thirteen

John Arlott vs Donna Symmonds vs Fred Trueman

John Arlott

Playing Career: None to speak of
Commentating Pedigree: Commentated for the BBC for 34 years after initially starting in Radio as a freelance producer on poetry readings. His lyrical, poetic language and Hampshire accent saw him described once as "the sound of the summer"
Other: * Stood as a Liberal candidate for Epping in 1955 and 1959
* Outspoken critic of Apartheid
* Author of several cricket biographies.
* Occasional commentator on soccer

Donna Symmonds

Playing Career: None to speak of
Commentating Pedigree: Started commentating for the CBC in 1985 on Tennis before commentating on her first Shell Cup game in 1987. Impressed by her commentary, she quickly moved onto commentating on West Indies test matches in 1988. Ten years later, the BBC TMS team selected her to commentate on the 1998 England tour to the West Indies and she has been a regular commentator ever since.
Other: * High profile practising lawyer outside of cricket

Fred Trueman

Playing Career: 67 test matches for England taking 307 test wickets in total, being the first player to break the 300 wicket barrier.
Commentating Pedigree: A regular commentator for TMS in the UK, he was often criticised by other commentators for being overly negative. Even so, he was very popular with the listening public who appreciated his candour and his catchphrase, "I don't know what's going off out there!"
Other: * In the 1970s, presented the ITV show Indoor League

 

[grecian]

So want to do an anti-vote

but for:Arlott. The greatest voice of cricket, by miles.

 

[BoyBrumby]

I used to quite enjoy FST on TMS, but by the end he had unfortunately long since lapsed into self-parody. I'm a little too young (honestly) to have heard Arlott in action, as it were, but I would instantly recognise his mellow west-country burr, having heard it so many times since. Donna Symmonds not quite in the same league.

For Arlott.

 

[Sanz]

Arlott - For.

 

[BhupinderSingh]

John Arlott.

 

[Turbinator]

Said this before when nominating, will say it again.

Symmonds FTW!

 

[Unattainableguy]

Against: Donna Symmonds

 

[jammay123]

negative symonds

 

[Mister Wright]

For: Fred Trueman

 

[archie mac]

Arlott, the Bradman of commentators for my money

 

[cameeel]

For: Trueman

 

[Chubb]

For: Arlott. Trueman was a racist who should never have been allowed to commentate IMHO.

 

[archie mac]

For: Arlott. Trueman was a racist who should never have been allowed to commentate IMHO.

What did he say that was racist? I have read a lot of books on and by the great man, and can't remember anything at all

 

[Chubb]

It's the comments about immigrants, Britain becoming "a warehouse for refugees" and claiming that he had been sacked because Greg Dyke was a Labour man. I found him arrogant and selfish. More right-wing bias that came out in his commentary than racism, perhaps. He was a great bowler though, I'd never dispute that!

 

[archie mac]

It's the comments about immigrants, Britain becoming "a warehouse for refugees" and claiming that he had been sacked because Greg Dyke was a Labour man. I found him arrogant and selfish. More right-wing bias that came out in his commentary than racism, perhaps. He was a great bowler though, I'd never dispute that!

Okay, I must admit I only had the chance to hear him during Ashes series

 

[Goughy]

For Arlott

 

[Days of Grace]

I would have loved listening to Trueman. Can't beat a Yorkie accent IMO.

But, from what I have heard and read I will have to go for: Arlott