List of Top International Cricket Commentators & Their Careers
Cricket is a popular sport all over the world, and its commentary is just as important as the game itself. The best cricket commentators are able to keep viewers entertained and informed, while also adding their own unique insights and analysis. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top international cricket commentators, and explore what makes them so good.
List of Top International Cricket Commentators & their Career are:
Harsha Bhogle
Harsha Bhogle, born into an academically inclined Marathi-speaking family in Hyderabad, showed an early passion for cricket. Son of professors, Harsha attended Hyderabad Public School, followed by a BTech in Chemical Engineering from Osmania University and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. His early career included working at an advertising agency and a sports management company for four years. However, his love for cricket drew him towards commentary, starting at the young age of 19 with All India Radio in Hyderabad.
How He Started
Bhogle’s entry into the world of cricket commentary was groundbreaking. Despite initial skepticism about Indian commentators on international platforms, he made a significant breakthrough in 1991-92. He became the first Indian commentator invited by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for India’s cricket series before the 1992 Cricket World Cup. This opportunity opened doors for him with ABC Radio Grandstand and BBC, where he covered the 1996 and 1999 Cricket World Cups.
Career and Success
Since 1995, Harsha Bhogle has been a prominent figure on ESPN STAR Sports, working alongside legends like Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, and Alan Wilkins. His engaging style and deep knowledge of the game earned him widespread acclaim. Bhogle also ventured into hosting television programs such as “Harsha Online,” “Harsha Unplugged,” and the “School Quiz Olympiad” for ESPN and Star Sports.
Bhogle’s career faced a hiccup in 2016 when his IPL commentary contract was unexpectedly terminated. Despite this setback, he continued to make significant contributions to cricket commentary. He has been an integral part of Cricbuzz since 2016, providing insightful articles and video analyses. His role expanded to include hosting shows like “This Week’s Special” on Star Sports and “Out of the Box with Harsha Bhogle” on YouTube.
Publications and Recognition
Beyond commentary, Bhogle has authored several books, including a biography of Mohammad Azharuddin and a collection of columns titled “Out of the Box – Watching the Game We Love.” His writing extended to major publications like The Indian Express and The Sportstar.
Bhogle’s unique background—a blend of engineering and management—coupled with his commentary skills, made him a role model. His accolades include being voted the favorite TV cricket commentator by ESPNcricinfo users, hosting the Discovery Channel’s “Travel India: With Harsha Bhogle,” and serving as an advisor to the Mumbai Indians for the 2008 IPL.
Legacy and Influence
Harsha Bhogle’s influence extends beyond commentary. He has been a key figure in popularizing cricket across cultures, bringing a fan’s perspective to broadcasts, and maintaining a strong social media presence with over 9 million followers on Twitter. His ability to adapt to changing formats—from radio to digital media—has kept him relevant in the evolving world of sports broadcasting.
Harsha Bhogle’s journey from a young commentator in Hyderabad to the voice of Indian cricket exemplifies perseverance, adaptability, and passion. His career, marked by both struggles and immense success, continues to inspire cricket enthusiasts and aspiring commentators worldwide.
Michael Holding | The Whispering Death
Born on February 16, 1954, in Half Way Tree, Kingston, Jamaica, Michael Holding emerged from a humble background to become one of cricket’s most feared fast bowlers. Nicknamed “Whispering Death” due to his silent approach to the crease and devastating pace, Holding’s journey to the top was marked by his early athletic prowess. Initially a 400-metre sprinter, he used his sprinting skills to develop a smooth and rhythmic bowling action that would trouble even the best batsmen.
How He Started
Holding made his Test debut against Australia in 1975, quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of the West Indian pace attack. Alongside legendary bowlers like Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Colin Croft, and Malcolm Marshall, Holding’s combination of pace, bounce, and accuracy made him a formidable opponent. His spell against England’s Geoff Boycott in 1981, often cited as the greatest over in Test history, epitomized his ability to intimidate and outclass the world’s best batsmen.
Success and Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Holding earned numerous accolades and set multiple records. In 60 Tests, he took 249 wickets, and in 102 one-day internationals, he claimed 142 wickets. His 14 wickets for 149 runs against England in 1976 remains the best match figures by a West Indian bowler. He was selected as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1977 and was inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame in 2009.
Holding’s career was not without its challenges. Hamstring and back injuries forced his early retirement in 1987 after just 12 years at the international level. However, his impact on the game was profound, both as a player and later as a commentator. Known for his insightful and fearless commentary, Holding transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, bringing his deep understanding of the game to millions of viewers worldwide.
Career After Cricket
Post-retirement, Holding became a prominent television commentator, admired for his analytical skills and distinctive Jamaican accent. He has been a member of various cricket committees and received numerous awards for his contributions to the sport, including an Honorary Degree and Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of East London in 2013.
Holding’s legacy extends beyond his playing days. He continues to influence the sport through his commentary and involvement in cricket administration. His career, marked by remarkable achievements and enduring influence, serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world.
Mark Nicholas
Born on September 29, 1957, in Westminster, London, Mark Charles Jefford Nicholas grew up with a deep love for cricket. His early years were marked by a dedication to the sport, showcasing his talent as both a middle-order batsman and an occasional medium-pace bowler. Despite his impressive skills and leadership qualities, Nicholas faced the challenge of never being selected for the England senior team. Instead, he made a significant impact in county cricket, particularly with Hampshire County Cricket Club.
How He Started
Nicholas made his debut for Hampshire in 1978, quickly establishing himself as a vital player for the team. He captained Hampshire to four major trophies: the Sunday League in 1986, the Benson & Hedges Cup in 1988 and 1992, and the NatWest Trophy in 1991, although he missed the final of the 1991 tournament due to injury. His leadership on the field was characterized by his suave appearance and urbane manner, continuing a tradition of charismatic Hampshire captains.
Success and Career Highlights
Over his 377 first-class matches, Nicholas scored 18,262 runs at an average of 34.39, including 36 centuries, with a highest score of 206 not out. In List A cricket, he amassed 7,334 runs at an average of 27.78. His bowling was also noteworthy, taking 173 wickets in first-class cricket. Despite his domestic success, Nicholas never broke into the England Test team, though he captained England ‘A’ and various other representative teams.
Broadcasting Career
After retiring as a player in 1995, Nicholas transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. He first worked as a commentator for Sky Sports and later became the anchorman for Channel 4’s cricket coverage from 1999 to 2005. His insightful commentary and smooth presentation style made him a popular figure among cricket fans. He led Sky’s coverage of England’s tours and presented domestic and international cricket, including the iconic 1998/99 Ashes series in Australia.
Nicholas also became a prominent broadcaster in Australia with the Nine Network, replacing Richie Benaud as the face of cricket. He covered numerous Ashes series, ICC Cricket World Cups, and the 2012 Summer Olympics. His work extended to other networks and events, including Channel 5’s Cricket on 5, the EA Sports Cricket 07 video game, and commentary for the 2020 Indian Premier League.
Career After Cricket
In addition to his broadcasting career, Nicholas has been an influential figure in cricket administration. He was nominated to serve as the president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for a 12-month term starting in October 2023. Nicholas has also contributed to cricket literature, publishing his autobiography “A Beautiful Game: My Love Affair with Cricket” in 2016 and co-writing Shane Warne’s autobiography “No Spin.”
Nicholas’s extensive experience and contributions to cricket, both on and off the field, have cemented his status as a respected and beloved figure in the sport. His career serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the impact of passion and dedication in achieving success and leaving a lasting legacy.
Geoffrey Boycott | The Greatest Living Yorkshireman
Legendary England batsman and self-proclaimed ‘Greatest Living Yorkshireman’, Geoffrey Boycott OBE enjoyed a staggeringly successful career in Test cricket.
A prolific yet somewhat controversial player and personality, Boycott is widely regarded as one of the most successful openers to have ever played for England. Renowned for his ability to occupy the crease and compile huge scores, Geoff Boycott scored over 150 First Class hundreds as well as representing England in 105 Test Matches. A remarkable talent with a tenacious drive to succeed, since his retirement as a player, Boycott has become a prominent and somewhat controversial and outspoken commentator and pundit alongside his work as a cricket speaker, where he is in huge demand and regularly commands large audiences during his performances.
Career Highlights
A proud Yorkshireman, Geoffrey played the entirety of his English domestic career for the county and amassed a staggering 48,426 First Class runs in addition to over 10,000 List A runs including almost 160 centuries during this period. The only player ever to average over 100 in a season twice in their career, Boycott was a prolific batsman for Yorkshire and also captained the county for almost a decade.
Earmarked by legendary umpire Dickie Bird from a young age, Bird remembered Boycott for his “application, concentration and absolute belief in himself. He had one great gift, mental strength. You can have all the coaching in the world, but the most important thing is to be mentally strong.”
In what can only be described as a truly spectacular Test Career, in Boycott’s 105 appearances, he scored over 8,000 Test runs at a superb average of 47.72, meant Geoffrey ended his Test career with the highest completed career average among England players since 1970. A true perfectionist, Boycott’s 22 Test centuries make him joint 3rd in the list of Test match centurions for England, and England quite remarkably never lost a Test match in which Boycott scored a century.
During a Test career filled with ups and downs, Boycott went from being the linchpin of the England team to exile and numerous controversies. Undoubtedly at the center of controversy during his career, during his work as a cricket speaker, Boycott shares a host of tales and anecdotes from his legendary career and provides a unique insight into his psychology and the key ingredients that led to his international dominance for almost two decades.
Commentary and Punditry
Known for a largely successful and occasionally controversial playing career, Boycott graduated to working as a pundit and sports speaker in the 1980s and was immediately applauded for his intelligence and professionalism, with fellow cricket speaker and statistician Simon Hughes calling him “fastidious”. A personality who commands the highest of standards and has an undeniable ideology of how the game should be played, Boycott is regularly heard criticizing performances and players and consistently speaks his mind, much to the amusement of viewers.
Continually hounded by the press, with a number of incidents and altercations affecting his cricketing career, his outspoken and intellectual commentary often catches the attention of both audiences and adversaries alike. Boycott’s high-profile status has helped to secure even further positions as a commentator and cricket speaker, presenting and providing commentary services for the BBC and several UK and Asian satellite channels throughout the 90s. Working extensively for Channel 4, Cricket on 5, and talkSPORT, Boycott’s unique style of punditry has led to his increased popularity as a cricket speaker.
Personal Challenges and Comebacks
Faced with huge adversity in 2003, Geoffrey was diagnosed with throat cancer and therefore was forced to take some time out of working as a cricket speaker to undergo treatment. In usual fashion, however, Boycott returned with a vengeance and became one of the most easily recognizable cricket speakers in the UK when he signed a high-profile contract commentating for Channel 4.
Involved in controversy both on and off the pitch, Boycott has experienced testing times in his personal life which led to extensive media coverage and scrutiny similar to what he received as a player. An incredible ability to come back from setbacks and deal with adversity, during his work as a cricket speaker, Boycott discusses difficult periods of his life and in doing so engrosses the audience to provide a touching yet inspirational performance.
Ongoing Legacy
Outside of his work as a cricket speaker, Boycott remains heavily involved in his home Yorkshire team and continues to identify and guide young home-grown players to the British sport. The former President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and an instantly recognizable figure, Geoff Boycott remains a very popular cricket speaker. His pull-no-punches approach to commentating has, though often controversial, made him incredibly popular with many cricket fans and continues to bring in a large audience to all events.
An ICC Hall of Fame inductee, former Wisden Cricketer of the Year, record-breaking batsman, opinionated pundit, and cricketing legend, Geoffrey Boycott OBE is available to hire as a cricket speaker for any event, function, or occasion. His addition to any dinner is certain to increase the prestige and superiority with Boycott recounting a host of thoroughly entertaining tales and anecdotes from his illustrious career.
Records and Achievements
News Photos Top Records
- Hundreds in consecutive innings: 5th Hundreds in consecutive innings (3)
- Test matches: Hundred and a ninety in a match record
- Test matches: Hundred and a duck in a match record
- Test matches: Batting on each day of a five-day match record
- One-Day Internationals: 2nd Oldest player to score a maiden hundred (39y 51d)
- One-Day Internationals: 1st Dismissed for 99 (and 199, 299 etc) (99)
- Combined Test, ODI, and T20I records: 6th Hundreds in consecutive innings (3)
- Combined Test, ODI, and T20I records: 19th Hundreds in consecutive matches (3)
ODI Records
- Individual: Captains: 17th Oldest captains on captaincy debut (37y 70d)
- Batting: Hundreds: 5th Oldest player to score a hundred (39y 51d)
- Batting: Hundreds: 2nd Oldest player to score a maiden hundred (39y 51d)
- Batting: Nineties: 1st Dismissed for 99 (and 199, 299 etc) (99)
- Batting: Fifties: 13th Fifties in consecutive innings (5)
- Individual: Players: 26th Oldest players (41y 60d)
- Individual: Players: 17th Oldest living players (83y 281d)
- Individual: Captains: 32nd Oldest captains (37y 216d)
Test Records
- Batting: Most runs: 33rd Most runs in career (8114)
- Batting: Hundreds: 33rd Most hundreds in a career (22)
- Batting: Hundreds: 35th Most hundreds against one team (7)
- Batting: Hundreds: 5th Hundreds in consecutive innings (3)
- Batting: Hundreds: 22nd Hundreds in consecutive matches (3)
- Batting: Hundreds: 13th Oldest player to score a hundred (41y 63d)
- Batting: Nineties: 10th Most nineties in career (6) record 99 not out (and 199, 299 etc) (99*)
- Batting: Fifties: 27th Most fifties in career (64)
- Batting: Fifties: 33rd Fifties in consecutive innings (5)
- Batting: Ducks and pairs: 16th Most consecutive innings without a duck (67) record Hundred and a duck in a match
- Batting: Long innings: 21st Longest individual innings (by balls) (555) record Carrying bat through a completed innings (99*) record
- Batting: Fastest career runs: 36th Fastest to 5000 runs (115)
- Batting: Fastest career runs: 40th Fastest to 6000 runs (141)
- Batting: Fastest career runs: 33rd Fastest to 7000 runs (165)
- Batting: Fastest career runs: 29th Fastest to 8000 runs (190)
- Fow: Innings partnerships: 46th Highest partnership for the first wicket (234)
- Fow: Innings partnerships: 47th Highest partnership for the fourth wicket (252)
- Fow: Innings partnerships: 37th Highest partnership for the sixth wicket (215)
- Individual: Captains: 23rd Oldest captains on captaincy debut (37y 89d)
Tony Greig
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Ian Bishop
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Ian Smith
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John Arlott
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Sunil Gavaskar
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Ramiz Raja
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Michael Atherton
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Isa Guha
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Wasim Akram
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David Gower
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Waqar Younis
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Ian Healy
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Mike Haysman
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David Lloyd
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Jonathan Agnew
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Simon Doull
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Sanjay Manjrekar
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Ravi Shastri
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Danny Morrison
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Nick Knight
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Christopher Martin-Jenkins
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Died: January 1, 2013, Rudgwick, United Kingdom
E. W. Swanton
Ernest William Swanton CBE was an English journalist and author, chiefly known for being a cricket writer and commentator under his initials, E. W. Swanton. He was born on 11 February 1907 in Forest Hill, London, United Kingdom.
Died: January 22, 2000 in Canterbury, United Kingdom
Ray Illingworth
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Peter Roebuck
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Chandra Nayudu
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Died: April 4, 2021 in Indore, India
Brett Lee
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Mark Taylor
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Phil Tufnell
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Arun Lal
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Jeremy Coney
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Jeff Dujon
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James Brayshaw
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Laxman Sivaramakrishnan
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Venkatesh Prasad
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Alan Wilkins
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Alan McGilvray
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Kerry O’Keeffe
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Rex Alston
Arthur Rex Alston was a leading sports commentator for BBC radio on cricket, rugby union, athletics and tennis from the mid-1940s to the mid-1960s. He was born on July 2, 1901.
Died: September 8, 1994
Henry Blofeld
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Bryan Waddle
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Dean Jones
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Jack Fingleton
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Michael Slater
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Martin Crowe
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Robert Key
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Iain Gallaway
Iain Watson Gallaway QSO MBE was a New Zealand broadcaster, lawyer and cricketer. He was born on December 26, 1922 in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Died: April 18, 2021 in Dunedin, New Zealand
Ed Smith
Edward Thomas Smith is an English author and journalist, former professional cricketer, and cricket commentator. He was born on July 19, 1977 in Pembury, United Kingdom.
