TNT’s ‘beginner’ Ashes protection slammed as followers fume at ‘completely embarrassing’ product
TNT Sports won the rights to broadcast The Ashes in the UK and their coverage of day one has been heavily criticised with fans fuming at the ‘amateurish’ show
TNT Sports’ coverage of the opening day of The Ashes has come under fierce attack from furious viewers who flocked to social media to vent their frustrations.
The broadcaster secured the rights to show the Test cricket spectacular after Sky Sports chose not to bid, and it’s safe to say fans are far from impressed.
Cricket enthusiasts who stayed up until 1:30am to catch the action were greeted with what many have branded “amateurish and clueless” coverage that left them feeling utterly let down.
“Does anyone have anything positive to say about this TNT Ashes coverage? It is absolutely horrendous. The drop off from Sky is absolutely massive. It’s going to ruin the series for a lot of people. Absolutely embarrassing,” one fan seethed.
“How bad is this TNT Sports coverage of the Ashes!? Comms not even at the stadium,” a second sighed. And another added: “How can an Ashes series of this magnitude be covered in such a tinpot way?”
The main source of anger stems from commentators who weren’t actually positioned in Australia, a blunder that was painfully obvious when they greeted viewers with ‘good morning’ whilst play was taking place in the afternoon Down Under, reports the Mirror.
One of the commentators, Rob Hatch, is usually on TNT’s cycling coverage – and he revealed he had commentated over Mark Cavendish’s recording breaking Tour de France win from home.
Hatch is joined by Alastair Eykyn, who covers rugby for the channel. The Mirror’s report adds that TNT Sports have received no internal complaints regarding commentary delays.
And whilst Eykyn and Hatch are primarily recognised for covering rugby and cycling respectively, both possess cricket experience.
Several presenters are stationed in Australia, as demonstrated by Sir Alastair Cook and Becky Ives examining the play just beyond the boundary during the tea interval. Steven Finn and Justin Langer were also present at the ground fulfilling punditry roles.
Zak Crawley’s dismissal by Starc in the opening over, without scoring a run, was a bitter pill for England and their fans to swallow. The situation didn’t improve as the first innings unfolded with Starc also claiming the wickets of Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett.
The 35-year-old Aussie bowler took another three scalps, leaving England all out for a paltry 172 in a calamitous start to the first Ashes test.
However, England quickly retaliated when Australia took to the crease, with Jofra Archer dismissing debutant Jake Weatherald lbw and sending Marnus Labuschagne packing.
Usman Khawaja, batting fourth, was promptly sent back to the pavilion after a cracking delivery from Brydon Carse and an easy catch for Jamie Smith. Carse also claimed the wicket of Steve Smith, who had been instrumental in getting Australia’s innings underway.
Captain Stokes then stepped up, disrupting the promising partnership between Cameroon Green and Travis Head, who were dismissed for 24 and 21 respectively.
Australia’s bowling sensation Starc was caught out by Carse off another Stokes delivery, with the skipper also bagging Scott Boland to complete his five-wicket haul and put England firmly in the driving seat at the close of day one.
