Rate: Ch.9 commentators

[burr]

Richie 6/10- Can be mildly amusing, but best days are behind him

Nicholas- 7.5/10- Not bad. A little too breathy and gushing but not the worst

Slater- 6/10- Too eager to try and impress the elder commentators. Don’t often find him saying anything insightful either

Taylor- 8/10- Very impressed. His Australiana accent leaves a little to be desired but he most definitely knows his stuff. I’m also interested in his opinion, unlike the others. Comes across as a nice guy too

Lawry- 6/10 – He is what he is. It’s okay but retirement would be fine by me

Greig- 5/10 He’s too ready to give the batsman out. Like the other day: that’s out, surely! Two seconds later sees replay…it missed by miles! Why did the other commentators not say the obvious: I’m glad you’re not an umpire Tony

Healy- 2/10- Dire. I’m of the opinion you should not support your country in a commentary box. It’s totally unprofessional and Healy is so blatant it makes me cringe.

O'Donnell- 1/10- The day he starts commentating I’m turning the sound down permanently (as opposed to now, when I only mainly listen to the ABC)

Chappell- 2/10-Can not stand him. He adores himself and tries to project this image of a daring attacking, take no prisoners cricketer. Word to the not so wise Ian, we’re not interested in you – just commentate on what’s happening now. And do NOT spend 3 minutes talking about how Ricky Ponting put his right hand glove on first. I mean, what was that about.

 

[howardj]

If there is one man who I'd love to talk all things cricket with in that commentary box, it would be Tubby Taylor. He's just such a straight forward guy and full of commonsense. There's no rubbish with Tub. Quietly tipping him as the next Liberal Prime Minister. He has the common touch.

His campaign slogan could be: VOTE 1 TUBBY - A safe pair of hands.

 

[Top_Cat]

Whatever their ratings as individual commentators, I wish that Slater, Taylor and Healy weren't in the comm box together. That's when the banality really flies thick and fast.

Slater and Taylor have improved heaps from the early days but Heals is the next generation's Bill Lawry. All "WHAT A SHOT!!" and little insight.

There's actually a big difference between the younger brigade and the older blokes. The younger blokes rely on anecdotes from when they were playing and 'witty' banter to fill the air time. Maybe it's a function of their inexperience but I've rarely heard Lawry talk about innings he himself played or Grieg talk about his 110 against Lillee, Thommo, etc. on air yet Healy and others mention their playing days quite frequently.

Maybe it's just the way my brain is wired but I prefer it when there's technical insight and not just re-iteration of the obvious. War stories, unless particularly noteworthy, I don't find all that interesting. Chappelli, for example, has great insight into tactical stuff, Boycs/Slats are excellent when talking about batting and tactics against bowlers, etc.

Also interesting that the acknowledged best commentator, Richie, was primarily a bowler and he's the only one on the team. More bowlers would help I think because, arguably, bowlers have to learn such things as tactics, different types of balls to bowl and when and who to, field-placings, know their bodies really well, technique to the finest detail, etc. and so are better practised at genuine analysis. Michael Holding, I thought, was a great commentator for example. The idea falls apart when Paul Allott is mentioned of course......

 

[Nate]

His campaign slogan could be: VOTE 1 TUBBY - A safe pair of hands.

 

[armchairumpire]

Tubby Taylor talks like he is reading from Cricket for Dummies. The funniest comment I ever heard from him was "And the batsman is thinking I better try not to get out". How insightful!

My fave is Michael Slater - so entertaining and original.

 

[armchairumpire]

I know this is about Channel 9 commentators but my favourite commentators on Sky are:

Ian Smith - knows his stuff and always sticks up for NZ - someone has to!
Nassar Hussein - lovely speaking voice and gives a really good perspective on the game
Michael Holding - just love his voice - makes whatever he says sound great.

 

[alternative]

It should be stated that I prefer listening to the radio most of the time

Was listening to the entire test match series on Radio. Had the TV commentry on mute for good.

 

[Richard]

Yeah, I think he's pretty good. He offers an Australian captain's viewpoint as much as anybody, but to me it seems he's always interested in good cricket and is always quick to point out the flaws in the Australian side if they have done poorly and alternatively he gives kudos to the opposition if they perform well.

But it's just not about that, I think Chappell sees the game as it is very clearly. A really simple example, is the case of the Adelaide test match. He stated by the end of Day 4 that the match was headed comfortably for a draw. Ian Healy on the other hand says something ridiculous at Day 5 - Tea like 'Brett Lee to get a hattrick and Australia to get 160 odd in 20 overs' to win the match.

I think Chappell's angle in his commentary comes from a tactical and performance point of view and he is quick to criticse Australia as well if their tactics and performance are not up to par.

Just asking Richard, do you think Chappell is biased? Never got that sort of vibe from him to be honest.

Not biased as such, but he always seems to offer criticism to just about anything involving touring teams which very often seems to me to amount to "that's not the way Australia do it". Annoys the heck out of me.

 

[Richard]

Richie 6/10- Can be mildly amusing, but best days are behind him

Nicholas- 7.5/10- Not bad. A little too breathy and gushing but not the worst

Slater- 6/10- Too eager to try and impress the elder commentators. Don’t often find him saying anything insightful either

Taylor- 8/10- Very impressed. His Australiana accent leaves a little to be desired but he most definitely knows his stuff. I’m also interested in his opinion, unlike the others. Comes across as a nice guy too

Lawry- 6/10 – He is what he is. It’s okay but retirement would be fine by me

Greig- 5/10 He’s too ready to give the batsman out. Like the other day: that’s out, surely! Two seconds later sees replay…it missed by miles! Why did the other commentators not say the obvious: I’m glad you’re not an umpire Tony

Healy- 2/10- Dire. I’m of the opinion you should not support your country in a commentary box. It’s totally unprofessional and Healy is so blatant it makes me cringe.

O'Donnell- 1/10- The day he starts commentating I’m turning the sound down permanently (as opposed to now, when I only mainly listen to the ABC)

Chappell- 2/10-Can not stand him. He adores himself and tries to project this image of a daring attacking, take no prisoners cricketer. Word to the not so wise Ian, we’re not interested in you – just commentate on what’s happening now. And do NOT spend 3 minutes talking about how Ricky Ponting put his right hand glove on first. I mean, what was that about.

Blimey, you're hard to please, gal.

 

[Matt79]

Had Langer on during the WACA Test didn't they? (Along with Hayden who missed the game with injury) I only got highlights of that particular stint so haven't got anywhere near enough to make-up any mind on him but that does seem to be a favourite of McGuire's, doesn't it? To try lots of commentators.

Langer was actually pretty good IMO.

 

[Jono]

Sangrah, you find Chappell unbiased?

Of course he is!

Who do you think he is biased to? He's biased to his views obviously, but not to any particularly country.

 

[Jono]

Not biased as such, but he always seems to offer criticism to just about anything involving touring teams which very often seems to me to amount to "that's not the way Australia do it". Annoys the heck out of me.

Sorry, missed this in my previous post.

I think that's not bias against a foreign team, because he criticises Australia just as much. Its him just expressing his view on how to beat Australia when touring Australia.

 

[pasag]

Also interesting that the acknowledged best commentator, Richie, was primarily a bowler and he's the only one on the team. More bowlers would help I think because, arguably, bowlers have to learn such things as tactics, different types of balls to bowl and when and who to, field-placings, know their bodies really well, technique to the finest detail, etc. and so are better practised at genuine analysis. Michael Holding, I thought, was a great commentator for example. The idea falls apart when Paul Allott is mentioned of course......

Richie's the best, imo, because he's a qualified broadcaster and journalist with proper training whereas most of the others are just former players playing 'TV man'.

 

[archie mac]

Was listening to the entire test match series on Radio. Had the TV commentry on mute for good.

Yes, me also, except for the 3rd Test when I was down the coast and had no choice

On those new TVs can you live pause the free to air channels?

That way we could marry the pictures up with the sound.

 

[Nemesis27]

Being trying to find footage of Symonds commentary during the CB series last year. Can't find any, I wonder why?

As mentioned before by a few people, I really like the way Slats and Tubby get at each other. It is really quite funny, I lol whenever it happens.

 

[Top_Cat]

Richie's the best, imo, because he's a qualified broadcaster and journalist with proper training whereas most of the others are just former players playing 'TV man'.

Well, this is true but I think it explains only why he's the best commentator as opposed to the most knowledgeable, in which he's right up there of course but perhaps more to do with knowledge of the game. But yeah, his presentation makes you forget he played the game and makes you think he's a Ray Martin type, let alone was one of the better captains and players Australia ever had.

 

[Dan]

Harsha Bhogle and Kerry O'Keefe are hilarious together on ABC radio, with Kerry always using Aussie slang that Bhogle doesn't understand

 

[Smudge]

Healy belongs in a Brisbane pub garden bar, sitting there with nothing but stubbie shorts and thongs on, reminding his mates how good he used to be and making derogatory comments about the opposition as he watches the Boxing Day test on the big screen. He's comfortably the worst full-time commentator I've heard.

Because of his overwhelming direness, I've softened my dislike of Lawry and Greig so would give them a pleasant 5-6/10, Benaud has one foot in his delightful French retirement villa, Chappell is still alright, although perhaps overly critical, while Taylor is just... well... there.

Mark Nicholas tends to play a bit of bull**** bingo in the box, but he's probably my favourite.

 

[Son Of Coco]

Richie's losing it a bit. Still great but he's not what he was. My main gripe with him these days is his inability to watch Symonds bat without relating the story of him batting in the 03 WC with Ponting in the Pakistan game. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Word for word. I have it pretty much memorised. "Its funny to think that for a long time Symonds wasn't able to make it in international cricket. He had enormous potential, but wasn't able to turn it into performance. All that changed of course, after he played what I think might be one of the best one-day innings I've ever seen. It was in the 2003 World Cup, and there had been considerable disagreement as to whether Symonds should even be there. Australia had been reduced to 4/87 when Symonds came to the crease to meet his captain Ricky Ponting. And Ponting said something to him which changed Symonds - in the middle of all the hubbub and noise, Ponting took Symonds by the arm, and leant in and said (in a breathy whisper) "Be here at the end". Symonds scored 143*, and Australia won the match. And he's never looked back from that moment." Does my head in. 8/10 regardless..

Full Transcript: What are you wearing under that one-day uniform Andrew? Is it the lacy Paul Frank number? I bet it is! I've had my eye on you for a long time...have you felt it? Pushing and grinding against your lower back? I'm a spent force just looking at you Andrew...and I can't tear my eyes away. I'm going to have some private time at the other end of the pitch. When I give you the signal...be there at the end

 

[Son Of Coco]

Healy belongs in a Brisbane pub garden bar, sitting there with nothing but stubbie shorts and thongs on, reminding his mates how good he used to be and making derogatory comments about the opposition as he watches the Boxing Day test on the big screen. He's comfortably the worst full-time commentator I've heard.

Because of his overwhelming direness, I've softened my dislike of Lawry and Greig so would give them a pleasant 5-6/10, Benaud has one foot in his delightful French retirement villa, Chappell is still alright, although perhaps overly critical, while Taylor is just... well... there.

Mark Nicholas tends to play a bit of bull**** bingo in the box, but he's probably my favourite.

Nicholas ****s me because he's quite obvious a brown tongue...he's the Richard Wilkins of the commentary box, although having said that he annoys me less than Dickie does. Then again, maybe I'm just jealous of the job he has