TNT Sports’ coverage of the Ashes series has sparked disappointment among viewers. Many fans expressed confusion over the network’s decision to incorporate commentary from the UK, particularly from commentators not typically associated with cricket.
Critique of Commentary Team
The coverage featured Alastair Eykyn, known primarily for his rugby commentary, and Rob Hatch, who has a background in cycling. Their presence raised eyebrows among viewers, as Eykyn struggled with cricket-specific references and Hatch’s delivery felt disconnected.
- Alastair Eykyn commented on the atmosphere but then seemed unsure, asking the audience, “morning boys,” in a different time zone context.
- Rob Hatch opened with a casual remark, which came off as unprofessional given the setting.
Issues with Presentation
Viewers noted technical inconsistencies in TNT’s broadcasts. The audio levels varied significantly between commentators, indicating possible remote connections from London. This led to a lack of coherence in the viewing experience.
The on-screen graphics were also a point of contention. Score displays were formatted in a way that differed from traditional English cricket standards, which frustrated long-time followers of the sport. For instance:
| Score Format | Traditional Cricket Format |
|---|---|
| 4-105 | 105-4 |
Viewer Feedback
Many fans reflected on previous Ashes series, longing for the more polished commentary of past years. The inclusion of unexpected graphics during play left both viewers and commentators puzzled. Eykyn summed this up when he said, “It’s clever, isn’t it?” but admitted uncertainty about its relevance.
Overall, TNT Sports faces considerable criticism for their handling of the Ashes broadcast, prompting discussions about the future of cricket coverage on the network.
