Fox Cricket star and former bowler Isa Guha is ready to take a bat to Shane Warne this summer
Former England bowling star turned broadcaster Isa Guha has told of how she won’t be afraid to sledge Shane Warne in the commentary box as Australia takes on Pakistan.
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The seismic shift in the cricket world — which has seen the women’s game explode and the men following their fine example, on and off the field — has not been limited to those playing the game.
Joining Fox Cricket’s pioneering commentary team last year, former bowling superstar turned broadcaster, Isa Guha is a case study in point.
Insightful and sassy, Guha not only won over audiences last summer, she held her own alongside Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and the stellar line-up of Fox Cricket commentators.
And she gave as good as she got.
But this season, the 34-year-old tells TV Guide/Watch, she’s ready to turn up the heat.
“I’ve always been in a male environment, from when I started playing boys’ cricket,” she says, “and I’ve learned if you can give back as much as they dish out, you earn their respect,” adding, “also you don’t want to take yourself too seriously and I’m conscious of that I never want anyone else to feel uncomfortable. To be honest, I just love having fun, really.
“I mean, it is important to be serious and to have in-depth analysis … but it’s also important to have fun.”
Indeed, Aussie audiences have welcomed her brand of brains and banter, slotting in like she’s one of our own.
“I love this team,” Guha says. “We have so many different personalities and that comes through in the coverage. To be honest, it really is quite freestyle, but I think that adds to the dynamism of the coverage and for someone watching, hopefully that energy comes through.”
In Warne, Guha argues, she’s found a front-row seat for “one of the best cricket brains” she has ever been around.
“I grew up watching him play and he commentates the way he played. He calls it how he sees it and he takes risks. It’s well documented that he is a bit of a gambler and I love how he takes risks.
Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley is equally in awe of Guha “a superstar on so many fronts,” he says, “it’s scary.”
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“She was a first-class international cricketer for England, can hold her own with anyone in the world in the commentary box and the camera loves her. She’s so down-to-earth and a whole lot of fun, with integrity and knowledge rolled into one. When Isa and Warnie got together on Fox Cricket, it became the new sound of summer – contemporary and just feels right.”
Sadly, her arrival on our screens was a time tinged with great sadness – delayed by the death of her beloved mother, Roma, after a short battle of cancer.
It was Roma who persuaded her husband and Guha’s father to let the tenacious teen play cricket with the local boys.
Still feeling the loss deeply, Guha was grateful for the family she found at Fox.
“Last year was tough with everything that was going on back home with mum’s illness, and Fox were so incredibly supportive throughout. I’ve been fortunate to work all around the
world, [but] this is one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with.
“In terms of the dynamics, the talent, the innovation in their coverage and the family vibe … you can’t help but feel you’re part of something special.”
A medium-pace bowler, she made her international debut in 2001 at the remarkable age of 16 – the first player of Indian origin to join the national women’s team.
She would go to a dazzling, decade-long career for England: winning two World Cups, three Ashes, and a one-day international series whitewash over Australia.
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Retiring in 2012, she was instantly in hot demand as a commentator across continents, including the UK, India and the Caribbean.
Mindful of the historic rivalry between Australia and the Mother Country, Guha admits she thought twice before signing on the dotted line.
“You never know how you’re going to go down as an English commentator in Australia,” she says. “I’ve always admired the Australian way and their competitiveness but I also think
Australians love people just getting in and having a go.”
She has developed something of a sisterhood with her co-commentator and former foe, Mel Jones, as well as current women’s players, Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy.
Shrewd and engaging, Guha plans to step things up this summer.
“I’m feeling more relaxed because I know what to expect now in terms of all the different styles of production,” she said.
Outside of game time, a 24/7 channel means cricket never sleeps on Fox, providing round the clock opportunities for fans.
From a network that set the benchmark with dedicated NRL and AFL channels — Fox League and Fox Footy — Fox Cricket has made its own history, this year rolling out The Blast, the first-ever dedicated women’s cricket show.
“These are exciting times,” Guha enthuses.
“It’s such a great space for women’s sport and for cricket. The T20 Women’s World Cup [in Melbourne next March] will be incredible,” she adds.
“If it is sold out, it will be a world record crowd for women’s sport and it will be one of the greatest days for our sport.”
* Test Series: Australia v Pakistan, 10am, Thursday, Fox Cricket
Originally published as Fox Cricket star and former bowler Isa Guha is ready to take a bat to Shane Warne this summer
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