By Andrew Wu
Australian pace great Glenn McGrath has been pulled from his commentary duties with the ABC over his connections with a betting company in a move that has drawn the ire of former prime minister Scott Morrison.
McGrath had been earmarked to be a cricket expert on the national broadcaster’s coverage of the Ashes but is a sensational late scratching.
Glenn McGrath will not be part of the ABC’s Ashes radio coverage this summer.Credit: Getty Images
The ABC has a policy banning its employees from having an association with betting agencies.
McGrath, who has become a staple of the ABC’s cricket coverage in recent seasons, is taking part in a brand campaign with bet365 alongside former Australia captain Ricky Ponting that will run this summer. It was launched on social media on Wednesday.
The ABC released a statement confirming McGrath would not be part of their Ashes commentary team. Both McGrath and the ABC are keen to renew their relationship next season.
“The ABC and Glenn McGrath have mutually parted ways for this Ashes,” an ABC spokesperson said in a statement to this masthead.
“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.”
A source close to McGrath said his camp had contacted the ABC about a month ago informing them of the legendary fast bowler’s new commercial arrangement and its potential ramifications for his deal with the network.
Morrison weighed into the issue on Wednesday afternoon, 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.”
Bet365 are a “gold partner” of Cricket Australia. Their branding adorns the padding on the boundary rope at venues during the Ashes.
World Cup winner Tom Moody is taking over from McGrath in Perth, an industry source has told this masthead.
McGrath’s absence is a blow for the ABC, which has restored star power to its coverage with the recruitment of former national coach Darren Lehmann and former Test quicks Jason Gillespie and Stuart Clark to provide expert analysis alongside doyen Jim Maxwell and Corbin Middlemas.
McGrath’s management declined to comment.
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