Scott Morrison hits out as Glenn McGrath sensationally axed by ABC
Scott Morrison has weighed in after the ABC’s decision to take an Australian legend off air ruffled more than a few feathers.
ABC’s decision to remove Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath from his commentary duties over his connections with bet365 has drawn the ire of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
McGrath lost his gig due to the national broadcaster’s policy that forbids employees from having an association with a betting agency.
Therefore, the 55-year-old, who has become a regular addition to the ABC’s coverage in recent years, won’t be holding a mic when the Ashes get underway on Friday.
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Despite McGrath having ties with the international bookmaker already and the fact that bet365 has been a regular supporter of the annual Jane McGrath Pink Test in Sydney, it was a recent brand campaign alongside former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting that reportedly tipped the broadcaster over the edge.
The campaign, which launched on social media on Wednesday, is set to run all summer and led to a deep review of his case.
News.com.au understands the matter went all the way to ABC managing director Hugh Marks’ office before the call was made to dump him.
“The ABC and Glenn McGrath have mutually parted ways for this Ashes,” an ABC spokesperson told news.com.au on Wednesday.
“We look forward to seeing Glenn around the grounds throughout the series and would welcome working with him in the future. Our great commentary team, led by Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas, is excited for the first test in Perth this Friday.”
But the call hasn’t gone down well, with the cricket world rallying around the fast bowling great.
And on Wednesday evening, even the former Australian PM weighed in, throwing his support behind McGrath.
“I’m no fan of online betting, but I am a big fan of Glenn McGrath, the McGrath Foundation and cricket,” Morrison posted on X.
“Glenn is entitled to earn a living and secure support for his very worthy charity as he judges. ABC should just say thank you and be happy that Glenn was willing to be on their team.”
It is understood that McGrath will be replaced by Tom Moody, who will be joined by ABC regulars Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas.
The legendary fast-bowler, who finished his career with 563 Test wickets, will reportedly continue his role as a commentator with the BBC’s radio operation.
McGrath is not the first Aussie cricketer to lose a position as a result of the betting policy.
Mitchell Johnson in 2022 was forced out because of a link with Bet Nation.
The Ashes destroyer at the time publicly criticised the policy, which judged him to have a conflict of interest.
He signed with rival sports broadcaster Triple M the same summer.
“I have really enjoyed working with the ABC team over recent seasons and was looking forward to doing it again,” Johnson said at the time.
“There seems to be a lot of hypocrisy that goes with this rule. I don’t understand, and you start to wonder about what you can and can’t say if you are calling for them.
“It’s blown me away a little bit: do we have to make sure we have to align with the ABC’s moral compass? There’s nothing I can do about it … that’s the rule and I guess I’m not going to work with them.”
The first Ashes Test gets underway in Perth on Friday.
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