Jon Anderson rates members of Channel 9’s cricket commentary team

IT’S two summers on, but one impact of Tony Greig’s ­untimely death is highlighted when you see a Channel 9 team that lacks a point of difference.

Methode Byline photos of Jon Anderson

IT’S two summers on, but one impact of Tony Greig’s ­untimely death is highlighted when you tune in to a Channel 9 cricket commentary team that increasingly lacks a point of difference.

Greig was a close friend of the late Kerry Packer, prompting some to think that was the sole reason he retained his job despite two or three bloopers a Test. But, in the words of Joni Mitchell: “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.”

What we didn’t understand was the balance Greig brought to a pro-Australian commentary box, and how important it was to have what appeared genuine disagreement between the on-air talent.

These days they seem scared to question the views of a colleague, making for a blander production. Bland was never an adjective you could use when describing the old days of Bill Lawry, Richie Benaud and Greig.

The team at Channel Nine’s cricket launch. Picture: Gregg Porteous

If not for that trio, plus Max Walker, satirist Billy Birmingham would never have sold one copy of his hysterical 12th Man CDs, which were largely based on the verbal quirks of the team from CCP (Central Commentary Position). Birmingham admitted as much recently, claiming it would be impossible to relaunch his concept ­because of the lack of voice ­talent with which to work.

Ian Chappell has proven you don’t need the quirky delivery of Lawry, Greig and Benaud to be a class act, but it helps to have someone who brings something different.

Of the crew we have heard during the first two Tests, there are good commentators remaining, although picking those always comes down to personal opinion. And I do wonder how Englishmen such as David Gower, Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussein seem so natural so quickly in their new role.

There have been times over the past two weeks when you would swear contracts have been based on how many words someone can utter in the shortest space of time, when the pictures are actually telling the story.

You can’t help but wonder what Benaud, 84, who uses the pause to such wondrous effect, makes of it from his armchair.

Richie Benaud is unlikely to call the cricket this summer. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Benaud is someone who obviously had heard another song, the Bob Guadio-Bob Crewe-penned Silence is Golden.

Are they trained as such these days? There was a time when legendary producer David Hill was happy to deliver an old-fashioned bake when required and ask exactly what path a commentator was heading down.

Michael Slater is a case in point. Blessed with an infectious manner, Slater has an ­appealing natural enthusiasm but that doesn’t excuse taking too long to get to the point.

And if you are employed as a media commentator, and being very well paid to occupy the seat, you have to cross the line between ex-player and media performer.

Robert Walls and Matthew Lloyd are two I can think of who made a clean and successful break in the AFL world.

Chappell is the same and Shane Warne appears to take no prisoners judging by his Mitchell Starc assessment, which proved more correct as the first innings wore on.

My Room Ball. James Brayshaw

Speaking of football, James Brayshaw, best known in his calling role with Triple M, is someone who has had to fight for cricketing credibility in a sea of legends.

He was a fine Sheffield Shield performer for South Australia and Western Australia, scoring 4934 runs at 42.53, with 10 centuries, between 1987-97, but never played a Test.

He is also an extremely confident 47-year-old who polarises his audience like few others with a style that is far more FM radio than ABC.

He favours dramatic tones, when cricket is generally a more sedate six hours than a frenetic afternoon at the footy.

ANDO RATES THE CALLERS

Shane Warne — 9/10

Begins ahead of most given his record but constantly proves what a captain he would have been.

Ian Healy — 8.5 /10

As Australian as an Anzac biscuit, Healy is one who could take up the protagonist role of Greig.

James Brayshaw — 4.10

Has a style that appears ideally suited to the rock’n’roll world of Twenty20 cricket”.

Mike Hussey — 6/10

Is very much in the embryonic stage but at times appears reticent to be too forthright.

Brett Lee — 5.5/10

Lee looks good but you just want him occasionally to throw in one of those thunderbolts.

Mark Taylor — 7.5/10

John Arlott he is not in terms of delivery but his knowledge of the game can’t be doubted.

Michael Slater — 6/10

Like a kid going to the zoo for the first time, such is his bubbly nature.

Ian Chappell — 9/10

Nothing has changed over 35 years, very much what you see is what you get. The doyen.

Mark Nicholas — 8/10

As smooth as melted chocolate, performs his role with aplomb.

Glenn McGrath — 6/10

A natural manner and obvious potential if only he can stretch himself at times.