These 5 commentators men made a significant impact on the sport with their iconic voices and viewpoints.
5. Tony Cozier
Some voices we listen to create such a deep impact on us that it never leaves our heart and Tony Cozier’s voice was one of those. Described by Scyld Berry as “the voice and the conscience of West Indian cricket,” Cozier was one of the few non-cricketing personalities to have made such a huge name in the field.
His career as a journalist began in 1961, where he wrote for Barbados Daily. There he started working with the legendary Sir Everton Weekes and covered the Windies tour of England in 1963. After beginning his career as a radio commentator, he went on to work with reputed media houses like BBC, Channel 9 and Sky Sports.
In 1994, Cozier wrote of Brian Lara’s record-breaking innings that “there was no real surprise among his countrymen, simply the feeling that his inevitable date with destiny had arrived rather more suddenly than expected.” The fine craftsman of cricket commentary passed away in 2016 in his hometown, Barbados.
4. Mark Nicholas
Hello this is Mark Nicholas and with me here is Richie Benaud,” – for most cricket lovers, this line has a special place in their hearts. Apart from being the voice of cricket’s most iconic PC game, the EA Cricket 07, Mark Nicholas’s beautiful voice caught the attention of everyone in a short span of time.
Having played for Hampshire in the English county for nearly 17 years, Nicholas shifted to the media side of things in 1995 and worked initially with Sky Sports. Another iconic Englishman in the Channel 9 Network besides Tony Greig, Nicholas produced some memorable spells in the press box while describing the iconic Ashes moments of the 21st century.
For a lot of Indian fans, one of their favorite Mark Nicholas spells would be the India-Pakistan game in the 2011 World Cup semifinal, where his ever-intriguing voice made every moment more special than it already was. His voice was so loved that he came fourth in a Melbourne newspaper poll that set out to find the public’s choice on the new host of the Australian version of “Who wants to be a millionaire”.
3. Harsha Bhogle
One of the few experts who made it so big in the fraternity with a great playing profile, Harsha Bhogle is often hailed as the voice of Indian cricket. One of the finest men to have ever stepped inside the commentary panels, Bhogle’s enigmatic voice, unmatched wit and keen eye for detail made him a house-hold voice in this cricket-frantic country.
Born in 1958, Bhogle’s career as a commentator began with All India Radio at a tender age of 19. He soon got an invitation from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to commentate for the 1992 World Cup, becoming the first-ever Indian to get such an invitation. It didn’t take long for Bhogle’s voice to be recognized in every street of the cricketing world.
He also had his share of controversies, where he was also dropped by BCCI for being too harsh on players on occasions, but none can disregard the astute professional he is. One of his finest moments came when he described the Champions Trophy-winning moment in 2013.
2. Richie Benaud
Sri Lankan cricket writer Harold de Andrado wrote: “Richie Benaud possibly next to Sir Don Bradman has been one of the greatest cricketing personalities as a player, researcher, writer, critic, author, organizer, adviser and student of the game.” Nothing explains Benaud’s contribution to cricket as well as this does.
Beginning his media career in 1960, he initially worked a radio commentator for BBC, United Kingdom. But his most iconic days came when he worked with Channel 9, where his unique voice, amazing intellect and ability to crisply explain some intricate details staggered the crowd.
Benaud was very vehement with his opinions and never backed away from speaking his heart out. Some of his iconic moments include Ian Botham’s heroics in 1981, Shane Warne‘s ball of the century to Mike Gatting and the funniest of all, Andrew Symonds’ infamous tackle on a streaker.
1. Tony Greig
Arguably the finest voice cricket has ever heard, Tony Greig made cricket-viewing experience more enthralling than any other individual in the game’s history. A voice that resonates child-like enthusiasm and one that triggers the emotions of the fans like no one else, it is tough to remember any individual having an impact like him in the commentary box.
The South African born English cricketer played 58 Tests and 22 ODIs before turning towards the broadcasting doors. His voice seemed so compelling that Kerry Packer offered him a job for life in his World Series cricket. He did commentate for that iconic series back in the day and went on to spend his remaining years in Australia.
He was behind the mic while describing some of cricket’s most memorable events like Sachin’s heroics in Sharjah, the greatest ODI played between Australia and South Africa in 2006 and also many such moments in the Ashes. Greig passed away in 2012 after succumbing to a long-term ailment.