| When discussing great commentators, Richie Benaud | | | | Cozier has provided cricket commentary for nearly |
| automatically comes to mind. Naturally, there would | | | | five decades and is referred to as the voice of |
| have been many more great commentators before | | | | Caribbean cricket. Although he did not play the game |
| Richie Benaud, but those were way before my time. | | | | at the highest level, Cozier has been around the |
| Richie Benaud was popular, knowledgeable and | | | | game long enough to have an appreciation of its |
| pleasant to listen to, but he was not my favourite | | | | history and issues as well. He provides lucid |
| commentator. | | | | commentary that is always interesting for the cricket |
| Cricket commentary- whether on radio or television- | | | | enthusiast. You can usually learn something just by |
| is an art. A good commentator needs to have certain | | | | listening to Cozier. |
| prerequisites, including good voice, command of | | | | Michael Holding |
| language, knowledge of cricket, awareness of history | | | | Tony Cozier is the voice of Caribbean cricket, but |
| and current events surrounding cricket. The cricket | | | | Michael Holding must be his deputy. The former West |
| commentators that get my attention have all the | | | | Indies fast-bowler gives no quarter with his |
| basic requirements. What sets them apart is the | | | | commentary. Although he is West Indian, he is |
| perspective that they have. My favourite | | | | capable of giving objective commentary even when |
| commentators have insightful comments and candour. | | | | the West Indies are playing. He speaks with a |
| To select a favourite, I would reduce my selection | | | | soothing Jamaican accent that belies the sharp |
| pool to four renowned commentators. Tony Greig, | | | | comments that he makes from time to time. |
| Tony Cozier, Geoff Boycott and Michael Holding are | | | | Geoff Boycott |
| the names that pop to my mind immediately. All of | | | | 'Me grandma can bowl better that that!" or 'That is |
| these commentators are experienced and have | | | | lollipop bowling' were signature comments of |
| something unique to offer in their commentary. They | | | | Boycott's. Apart from his cheeky comments, Boycott |
| are not mundane as some of the recently retired | | | | is regarded as one of the best openers in cricket |
| players, like Nasser Hussain and Ian Bishop. Some | | | | history. As such, his opinions have considerable |
| commentators are so parochial and limited in scope | | | | authority. Geoff Boycott's batting was as stodgy as |
| that I cannot even consider them good | | | | his commentary is abrasive. However, no one can |
| commentators. | | | | argue that he knows his stuff and can support his |
| Tony Greig | | | | abrasive comments and interesting insights. Boycott 's |
| The South African born Englishman is quite an | | | | comment are often lively and engaging- even when |
| effervescent personality. Even in his playing days, he | | | | the cricket is not. |
| courted controversy with outlandish remarks. Before | | | | My favourite commentator is Geoff Boycott because |
| a 1976 series against the West Indies, Greig- as | | | | he is the kind of commentator that you love or love |
| captain of England- infamously remarked that he | | | | to hate. Just as his batting had a character to it, so |
| would make the West Indies grovel. He is not as | | | | does his commentary. Whether he is writing or |
| outlandish as a commentator but very | | | | speaking about the game of cricket, Boycott's dry |
| straightforward. He is opinionated and knowledgeable | | | | humour appeals to me. In addition, Boycott's grandma |
| in the game of cricket and the politics of the game. | | | | can give better commentary than several |
| Tony Cozier | | | | contemporary cricket commentators can! |