Humans always like the idea of story listening. Just a few individuals are naturally gifted with the ability to share stories. However, although characters are what create a plot, the position of storytellers is not trivial.
Commentators are critical components of any live cricket match, whether it is a Test or a One Day match. Their tone of speech, speed, observations, bias, and sense of humor all significantly affect audiences. It may elicit feelings of anticipation, joy, or dissatisfaction, as well as resentment or annoyance.
Cricket has been fortunate to have several legendary voices. However, there are a few names who stick out with their insightful commentary. Let’s have a look at the top ten best commentators of all time.
Tony Greig (October 6, 1946 – December 29, 2012) – Anthony William Greig was a former English Test cricket captain. Fondly called Tony, Greig was cricket’s most engaging, passionate, and memorable voice. He built a positive association with Kerry Packer soon after retiring from international cricket and gradually became an essential part of the Channel 9 team. On December 29, 2012, Greig died from lung cancer, which had sidelined him from cricket for several months before his demise.
“The little man has hit the big fella for six! He’s half his size!”
“India have won in dramatic style! The whole of Bengal are on their feet!”
Harsha Bhogle – Harsha Bhogle, born July 19, 1961, is an Indian cricket commentator and journalist. He began his career with All-India Radio (AIR). Bhogle, perhaps the most admired and esteemed commentator in Indian cricket history, ranks among the all-time great sporting broadcasters. Bhogle grew his online presence with the launch of a YouTube show titled “Out of the package.” In a worldwide survey, Cricinfo consumers voted him as their favorite TV cricket commentator.
Michael Atherton: “It is England, but India has more support in the stadium, and the pitch is completely assisting your spinners. Says a lot about our hospitality, right.”
Harsha: “Well, we let you rule our nation for so many years. I believe that’s the least you can do for us.”
Tony Cozier (July 10, 1940 – May 11, 2016) – Winston Anthony Lloyd Cozier began his career as a writer at the Barbados Daily in 1961, where he served with the iconic Sir Everton Weekes. In 1965, he gave the first radio live coverage on a Test Match between the West Indies and Australia. From 1966, he was a part of the BBC’s Test Match Special commentator panel and also worked as a tv commentator for Channel Nine in Australia and Sky Sports. Cozier covered every Wisden Trophy series except one throughout his commentary career. Despite health issues, he commented on England’s tour of the West Indies in 2014/15. On May 11, 2016, Cozier passed away, leaving a massive loss in the West Indian broadcasting industry.
The Queen’s Park Oval — as its name suggests, absolutely round!”
“The left index finger was raised slowly, but more hesitantly than usual, in answer to the familiar war dance the Australians describe as an appeal.”
Michael Holding – Born on February 16, 1954, Michael Anthony Holding was a West Indian cricket and commentator. Following his retirement, the legendary Windies cricketer became a broadcaster. He required some time to adjust, but the Caribbean voice ended up drawing a lot of attention from a large audience. He has been applauded by various reputable media outlets in his native Jamaica, including Sky Sports, Supersport, Star Sports, and other local radio stations.
Ravi Shastri – 58-year-old Ravishankar Jayaritha Shastri is an Indian cricket trainer, former commentator, and cricketer who is currently the head coach of India’s men’s national team. As a cricketer, he represented India in both Tests and One-Day International matches between 1981 and 1992. He made his television commentary debut in March 1995 with the World Masters Tournament in Mumbai. Ravi Shastri has encapsulated most of Indian cricket’s legendary experiences in the twenty-first century.
“Last ball of the innings…. And he’s put that away, or has he? Yes, Into the crowd!! Six sixes in an over!!”
“Dhoni…. Finishes off in style!!! A magnificent strike into the crowd, INDIA LIFT THE WORLD CUP…after 28 years, the party’s started in the dressing room, and it’s an Indian captain, who’s been absolutely magnificent, in the night of the final!!!”
Ian Bishop – Born October 24, 1967, Ian Raphael Bishop is a Trinidadian cricket commentator and former West Indies cricketer. As an analyst, Bishop is a very reliable interpreter of the match and is very reasonable and impartial. Besides, he seems like the kind who often gives authentic viewpoints. Bishop has provided commentary for Cricket on Five during the highlights of the 2007 England Tests and the ODI series between the West Indies and India.
“CARLOS BRATHWAITE!!!! REMEMBER THE NAME!!!!”
Richie Benaud (October 6 1930 – April 10 2015) – Richard Benaud was a retired Australian cricketer who became a commentator after retiring from the game in 1964. Richie Benaud was a shining star in cricket, first as a player and captain, then as a trailblazing television analyst. He began his career as a police roundsman for the News of the World before becoming a sportswriter. He did his first radio coverage for the BBC in the United Kingdom in 1960 and then went on to television.
“He’s usually a good puller – but he couldn’t get it up that time.”
“And Glenn McGrath dismissed for two, just 98 runs short of his century” – on the Australian bowler, famous for his ineptitude with the bat.”
Geoffrey Boycott – Sir Geoffrey Boycott, 80, is a retired test cricketer who represented Yorkshire and England. After retirement, he went on to have a fruitful career as a cricket analyst, which he ended in 2020. His sarcastic wit and dialect make him one of the best commentators. Boycott has had a fulfilling career as a commentator, and a variety of cricketing media sources pursues his thoughts. Boycott declared his retirement from Test Match Special in June 2020, stating the COVID-19 pandemic and cardiac surgery as the causes.
“Get a single down the other end .and watch someone else play him” – The best way to handle Glenn McGrath.
“He is the Prince of Calcoota.” – The name he gave to Sourav Ganguly.
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Mark Nicholas – Born September 29, 1957, Mark Charles Jefford Nicholas is an English cricket commentator and retired cricketer. Since his retirement, Nicholas has worked in broadcasting first as a Sky Sports commentator and then as the anchor-man for Channel 4’s cricket broadcast from 1999 to 2005. He served as a freelancer for Sky and others in 1995 until entering Sky Sports as an anchor-man in 1996, where his first significant position was covering domestic & global cricket.
Bill Lawry – William Morris Lawry, 84, is a retired Australian cricketer. Lawry served as a tv and radio commentator after retirement as a player, first with Channel 7 and then Channel 0 Melbourne, until entering Channel 9 television in the 1977-78 World Series Cricket season. He was indeed a different, charismatic, and hyperactive commentator, which drew a large audience. After four decades behind the mic, cricket legend Bill Lawry ended his commentator career in 2018.
“Bowled him! The last ball, can you believe that? Gatting hit over the yorker!”
“Very Good Morning to all our viewers wherever you are.”