BBC TMS special — Cricket commentary
BBC Test Match Special (TMS) team was a delight. They took the art of commenting to the next level, intellectual, stimulating discussions. Some of the greats — Brian Johnston (BJ), John Arlott, Christopher Martin Jenkins (CMJ), Don Mosey, Tony Lewis, Henry Blofeld, Jon Agnew, et al.
Players would respect and stand up when John Arlott enters the playing arena. When BJ retired from the TMS, the whole stadium stood up and applauded on his last piece of commentary. no personal attacks, the criticisms were subtle (compare them with later day English commentators like Nasser Hussain, Michael Vaughan; sometimes they were in your face). Their knowledge of cricketing history was absolute.
Master Blaster (Sir Richards), scored identical 72 runs at Lord’s cricket in two test series. With limited graphics, they analyzed both the innings and presented them to the viewers in a charming manner.
Even the general rabble-rouser like Henry Blofeld was subdued in a TMS special.
One cannot forget the gentleman, Tony Cozier.
Nowadays, if I stop by to watch cricket, it is more for the commentary than the game.
