5 most biased commentators in cricket today

Shane Warne and David Llyod during World Cup 2015Cricket commentators are important: they are the yin to the yang, or, in cricketing terms, the Jayawardene to Sangakkara. While the action unfolds, the addition of an excellent wordsmith to describe each play just enhances the spectacle.But not all commentators make the sofa-viewing experience quite so enjoyable. Instead of explaining the game with no declared allegiance, they consistently act as if their role is one of being a team’s on-demand spokesman. You know the type - the ones who would rather dismiss the fact their side was skittled for 100, in favour of discussing that tail-ender who struck an exquisite 25. Alright, maybe that example was a tad far-fetched, but you get the picture.Here are five commentators whose bias just makes you want to grab your remote control and press that mute button. They aren’t bad guys, just bad commentators.

#1 Mark Nicholas

Channel 9’s Nicholas

Mark Nicholas strikes as a pretty affable person and someone whose company you wouldn’t mind - although, with the amount of cricket coverage he anchors and commentates on, it’s not as if one has much choice - but that doesn’t excuse him from being a biased commentator. He fronts - as well as commentates on - Australia’s infamous Channel 9 gang, and Channel Five’s highlights packages in the United Kingdom. Therefore, Australians and Englishmen see a lot of Nicholas.

Last year, he said: “We are delighted it’s a pretty comfortable win in the end,” after Australia saw off South Africa in a one-day international. Nicholas had no qualms with blatantly siding with the host nation, even if it presented him, and the network, as unbelievably biased. We get that the majority of the viewers would have been Australian, but that doesn’t mean the commentators partisan. Their role is to talk about the story, not make it. What’s more, Nicholas isn’t even Australian!

#2 Shane Warne

Chatty style Warnie

It’s hard not to enjoy listening to Shane Warne, but it’s also impossible to disregard his bias in the box. His chatty style and banter with his colleagues help to brighten up the dull moments, and a daily scan of his Twitter for the latest Warne shenanigan all adds to the fun. However, his evident bias towards Australia - in his defence, he was still playing for them less than a decade ago - is almost enough to make one give in and support them, if just to shut him up.

Subtlety is not something associated with Warne’s commentary. He is wild, shouty, and opinionated, and somewhat resembles a tabloid newspaper column which has come to life. When the Aussies do well, he gloats, and when they struggle, he sulks. To his credit, he does have valuable insight - as you would expect considering he is one of the greatest spinners of all-time. But his playground jokes, cheeky ribbing of the opposition, and fawning over Australians while on the mic that we could all do without. I’d happily go for a pint with you Warney, but when you’re on my TV, I’m afraid you’re going on mute.

#3 Ravi Shastri

India’s Shastri

Ravi Shastri has been a regular in the commentary boxes around the world since retiring from cricket. That the former international star has a pretty evident allegiance to India is no surprise given that he has played for them and served as director of the national side, however, none of that permits him to be biased in what is supposed to be an impartial job. Although his reported Rs 3.6 crore salary from the BCCI would undoubtedly tempt many.

So, what does Shastri get up to when on the mic? Besides shouting “tracer bullet” and “rapped on the pads” at every opportunity, being paid by the BCCI effectively makes him a mouthpiece - although the board vehemently deny this, claiming whatever he says is of “opinion”. Shastri and Nasser Hussain got into an ugly spat about the Decision Review System (DRS) when India toured England in 2011. After Hussain criticised India’s reluctance to use DRS, Shastri slapped him down, asking: “What right does he have to stay this, you know?” The BCCI called Ravi, the cheque is in the post.

#4 Ian Healy

‘Heals’ Aussies

Ian Healy, another Aussie, makes the list - it must be a Channel 9 thing. A former wicket-keeper, Heals was always known for chirping a bit behind the stumps (most infamously for his crude Arjuna Ranatunga sledge). Now, despite being a mere spectator, Healy still feels he’s a part of the action and is keen to let everyone else know. In fairness to him, his role in the box is as more of a colour commentator and he is supposed to lighten things up, but it still grates.

I understand that you find it impossible to consider that Australia may not be the greatest cricketing nation in the world - did you see the Ashes? - but it wouldn’t hurt to try. And, Ian, everybody cringes when you invariably try to think of ways the opposition might be out, and when you try and make a case for why an Australian could be not out - your loud, brash tones make it hard to miss. However, you’re lucky in a sense. Since you work at Channel 9 the rest are nearly as bad as you are.

#5 Tony Cozier

Knowledgeable Tony

You cannot dislike Tony Cozier. He comes across as an all-round brilliant chap, and to boot, he has a terrific knowledge of the game. That’s what makes him a great commentator. He’s done the job for years, he’s been the voice of more matches than you can count, and listening to him is always a pleasure. But, much like the late Tony Greig - another superb commentator - their admiration of one nation above others is noticeable. For Greig, Sri Lanka was his pride and joy, for Cozier, it is West Indies.

Make no mistake, Cozier is happy to criticize West Indies and the board, in the commentary box and the newspapers, but it’s no secret that he wants them badly to succeed. After years in the doldrums, who can blame him? With every line he speaks, you can tell his heart and soul is in Caribbean cricket. You can understand the frustration of watching a team that has always been blessed with huge talent, but always manage to leave it unfulfilled. Cozier’s stints in the box immerse you in the action in a way few others can. Perhaps being biased isn’t such a bad thing after all.