India v Australia cricket: Mark Waugh TV exit rumours slammed
TV bosses have hit back at claims Australian cricket legend Mark Waugh was forced out of India by commentary box tension.
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Television bosses have slammed suggestions Mark Waugh was forced out of the commentary box in India over a so-called ‘battle’ with Indian callers.
Despite the fact it was reported before the series started that Waugh was only staying for the first two Tests of the Border Gavaskar series, misleading reports out of Australia and India reacted to his absence from the commentary team for day one of the third Test.
When Michael Clarke was effectively sacked from his commentary role by the BCCI for his embarrassing public incident in Noosa, the Indian broadcaster had to hastily recruit a replacement.
Waugh — one of the most insightful and hard-hitting commentators in the world — was their first choice, but other commitments meant he was only available for the first two Tests.
Replaced for the third Test by former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, reports on Thursday tried to intimate a falling-out had taken place where the BCCI had reacted to Waugh’s strong opinions, including on Indian great Virat Kohli, and removed him.
The reports also incorrectly hinted that Waugh had clashed with fellow commentators including Indian great, Ravi Shastri.
Fox Cricket boss Matt Weiss said it was important the fake news was put to bed.
“The reports this morning are complete rubbish. Just clickbait,” said Fox Cricket boss, Matt Weiss.
“Mark answered a last-minute request to head over to India. He was only ever contracted for the first two Tests and Mitch Johnson the last two.
“Our friends in India at Star and BCCI were very pleased with Mark’s commentary.
“Mark’s honest style have elevated him to the top tier of international commentary and that’s why he is in demand.
“Ravi Shastri and Mark have been mates for decades. To suggest otherwise is simply wrong information.”
The former batting great is one of the most straight-shooting voices in cricket commentary and his presence has been dearly missed for this third Test.
Waugh simply tells it how he sees it and is as firm with his opinions on Australia and Australian players as he is with rival nations.
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Originally published as India v Australia cricket: Mark Waugh TV exit rumours slammed
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