ABC’s cheeky dig at former PM John Howard ruffles feathers online

Australia’s national broadcaster came under heavy fire on social media after delivering a dig at a former PM taking in the cricket action.

Social media never fails to produce comedic gold, but users couldn’t quite believe their eyes on Friday night.

With day three of the Ashes well underway and England capitulating under the pressure of the Australian bowling attack, Aussie cricket fans were revelled in the viewing.

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But it was one tweet from Australia’s national broadcaster that captured the attention of social media users and spread across Twitter like wildfire.

The ABC is often known to play a straight bat with their coverage and social media activity, but they elected to have a swing for the fences with a cheeky online clip.

Like the countless fans watching on, former Prime Minister John Howard took great delight as play unfolded and Australia asserted their dominance on the second Test.

The former leader was sitting in the stands with former Socceroos head coach and newly named manager of Tottenham Hotspurs, Ange Postecoglou.

Johnny was loving the show, Ange (front right) taking it all in. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

This is where the ABC Sport Twitter account saw the opportunity and pounced.

An image of Howard standing and celebrating was uploaded, with the caption delivering a brutal dig at the former PM.

“One of the country’s most inspiring and successful leaders, and a former politician watching the cricket at Lord’s,” the tweet read.

One of the country's most inspiring and successful leaders, and a former politician watching the cricket at Lord's.

Listen live: https://t.co/UPuilVUuy5#Ashespic.twitter.com/xBLb4gP9Dh

— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) June 30, 2023

At the time of writing, the post has been viewed more than half a million times with close to 5000 likes and had been retweeted just shy of 1000 times.

Screenshots came in thick and fast, with fans believing the post would soon be taken down for pushing the envelope too far.

The post left social media users well and truly split, with some loving the hilarity of the post while others were less than impressed.

One angry user responded: “Get a grip.”

A fellow user added: “This bloke won 4 elections. The little twerp running this account needs to show a bit more respect.”

Another wrote: “I expect more respect from our national broadcaster for our 2nd longest serving Prime Minister.”

Another added: “Your tax dollars fund this.”

But it wasn’t all outrage and anger as many picked up on the mocking style of the tweet and loved every second of it.

Former AFL player Will Schofield wrote: “This is funny af. The comments are a good read too … it’s ok to have a laugh every now and then.”

ESPN journalist Steve Smith wrote: “Screenshot this before it goes folks. Phenomenal sh*tposting from the national broadcaster.”

90% of the replies:
- People who hate Howard and can't read
- Triggered conservative snowflakes who hate jokes https://t.co/HW9ByiLYKx

— Giovanni Torre 🇦🇲 (@GiovanniTorre) June 30, 2023

Howard and Postecoglou watched as the wheels fell apart for England on day three as Australia edged towards a 2-0 series lead.

The Aussies will begin day four with a 221-run lead and eight wickets in the bank after a dominant day in London that included some seriously impressive efforts by the Aussie bowlers and batters – but also some bizarre moments from the Poms.

Almost halfway to Australia’s first innings score with just one wicket down, England imploded to be all out for 325 and trail by 91 runs.

“Love how England have played in the last 12 months. But seriously, this is farcical batting,” tweeted BBC reporter Henry Moeran.

Australia reached stumps for the loss of just Warner and Marnus Labuschagne’s wickets – Smith is six not out – means there’s a better chance of protecting the tail from what’s been a dangerous session for batting each morning.

And then it will be down to the Aussie bowlers to take 10 wickets without Lyon.

Mitchell Starc’s uncanny ability to keep breaking through and the guile of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood should be enough.

And don’t forget Travis Head, whose last 251 balls in Test cricket have delivered nine wickets at an average of 15.