Eight men in suits — what an epic disappointment

HOW’S the diversity? Just when we thought Nine was starting to understand their sporting audience, they go and stuff up with this testosterone-fuelled fail, writes Selina Steele.

Australian cricketers Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning share a joke as they leave the field after the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 match between Australia and India. (Pic: Stu Forster/Getty)

MEMO to Channel 9: EPIC fail.

Yes I know we’re all celebrating tonight’s T20 women’s blockbuster between Australia and England — live — on 9Gem.

The last time Nine showed the women’s Ashes on 9Gem, it attracted an impressive 92,000 viewers. Great job Nine — and great job to our armchair critics for tuning in.

And then today Wide World Of Sports proudly shares its Ashes commentary team — please see below.

Meet our #Ashes commentary team. pic.twitter.com/5OP6KLsqjy

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) November 17, 2017

Note the diversity.

As some have deduced on Twitter — a man is wearing a hat. Shout out to Ian Chappell for being sun smart.

Of our eight celebrated commentators for the men’s Ashes series — one hasn’t played Test cricket. But to be fair, I’m actually a big fan of Mark Nicholas.

One is also sporting what appears to be a fake tan — but I’ve been one to wear a fake tan, my guy does a fabulous job and can boast Kylie Minogue as one of his clients.

And that’s about where the diversity ends.

I think punters are smart enough to know what we’re talking about here.

Our punters are also smart enough to know what a great “product” women’s cricket is.

Let’s recap some Southern Stars figures for the women’s Ashes: 4.1 million minutes watched live; 3 million+ video views on social, 236,068 broadcast views — Ellyse Perry alone pulled over a million views for her double century.

Ellyse Perry celebrates her century with Alyssa Healy during day three of the Women's Test match between Australia and England on November 11, 2017. (Pic: Getty)

And helping to draw those figures were (INSERT GASP HERE) female commentators.

The likes of Mel Jones and Lisa Sthalekar have been a consistent voice this summer and Nine have also crossed to injured Australian captain Meg Lanning. Wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy is also great for a TV grab.

Good enough to commentate cricket, but apparently only when women are playing.

How can Channel 9 read the room so wrong?

Not only are they more than capable presenters, sports fans have turned on and tuned in — surely their combined voice must also be a business decision.

Channel 9... you are a tease and I’m over our push-pull relationship.

We are no longer exclusive and while I’ll be tuning in — I’ll be turning the volume down, and flicking on the wireless.

It was only this week that I jumped on the cereal box and I stand by what I said then, the fight for women’s sport — and by extension that is all those involved in women’s sport on and off the field — is far from over.

@SelinaSteele

Originally published as Eight men in suits — what an epic disappointment