Cricket Commentary: How Broadcast Cricket Works and the Art of Calling
Cricket commentary is one of sport's richest traditions. From radio's early days to modern broadcast partnerships, understanding the roles of play-by-play commentator, colour analyst and pitch reporter explains what you hear.
The Origins of Cricket Commentary
Cricket commentary began on BBC Radio in 1927 — the first live ball-by-ball sporting commentary anywhere in the world. BBC's Test Match Special (TMS), first broadcast in 1957, became the gold standard for sports commentary globally. John Arlott, Henry Blofeld, Brian Johnston and Christopher Martin-Jenkins created an approach that combined technical analysis with storytelling, wit and poetry. The TMS format influenced every cricket broadcast that followed.
Roles in the Commentary Box
A typical television commentary team has a lead play-by-play commentator who describes every ball, a colour commentator (usually a former international player) who provides technical analysis, and a third commentator who assists with statistics, records and TV referral decisions. Major broadcasts also feature pitch-side reporters who interview players, conduct boundary discussions, and provide atmosphere during breaks. Elite commentary pairings — like Richie Benaud with anyone, or Michael Holding with Nasser Hussain — create a conversational rhythm.
The Art of Ball-by-Ball Commentary
Ball-by-ball commentary requires the ability to describe what just happened (in precise cricket language), explain what it means (tactically and contextually), and fill time between deliveries (with relevant anecdote, analysis or humour) — all within 30 seconds. The best commentators deliver technically accurate descriptions ('full, swinging in late, hits the top of off stump') while remaining accessible to casual viewers. Richie Benaud set the benchmark with his principle: 'if you're going to say something, say it once, make it good, and say it once only.'
Modern Broadcast Cricket
Modern cricket broadcasts use dozens of camera angles including slow-motion UltraEdge (for catches), Hawk-Eye ball-tracking (for DRS), Snickometer (for sound detection), and pitch cameras that provide overhead views of ball trajectory. Production teams of 30-50 people support live broadcasts. Digital and streaming platforms now supplement traditional television, with overlays showing real-time statistics, pitch maps of where deliveries have landed, and wagon wheels of where the batsman has scored. The technology layer has made cricket one of the most data-rich sports to watch.
Frequently asked questions
What is Test Match Special?
Test Match Special (TMS) is BBC Radio's ball-by-ball Test cricket commentary programme, first broadcast in 1957. It is the world's longest-running continuous cricket commentary programme and has become a British institution. Its characteristic combination of technical cricket commentary with conversation, cake discussion, and gentle eccentricity — established by commentators like Arlott, Johnston and Blowers — has influenced sports broadcasting worldwide.
Who are the most famous cricket commentators?
The most celebrated cricket commentators include John Arlott (BBC Radio, 1946-1980, famous for poetic descriptions), Richie Benaud (Channel 9 Australia, 1977-2012, famous for incisive economy), Tony Greig (Channel 9, known for his pitch digging), Henry Blofeld (TMS, known for 'my dear old things'), Nasser Hussain (Sky Sports, known for technical insight), and Michael Holding (Sky Sports, known for eloquence and passion).