TNT Sports faces criticism over Ashes coverage
TNT Sports has come under renewed criticism from cricket supporters frustrated by its coverage of the Ashes, with viewers branding the broadcaster’s commentary “shocking”, “appalling” and “abysmal” as the second Test began in Brisbane, reports BritPanorama.
The network, which holds the UK rights to the tour, faced a wave of complaints during the first Test, and early reaction to its second offering suggests public sentiment has not improved.
Fans voiced grievances on social media, from complaints about the volume of chatter in the commentary booth to concerns regarding the on-air team’s lack of Australian representation. One viewer wrote: “Back to more shocking TNT commentary. Give us some decent chat instead of just slaying England as soon as we lose a wicket. You pretty much called game over in the first over.”
Another remarked: “There’s plenty wrong with this TNT coverage but not having any Australian commentary is right up there.” Others expressed disbelief at the tone of the broadcast so soon into the match, with one fan stating, “Hasn’t even been 6 balls and the commentary on TNT is abysmal. This is THE ASHES! Shameful to half a*** such a spectacle.” Some opted to mute the coverage entirely, relying on alternative commentary sources.
The broadcaster had attracted scrutiny over its decision to base lead commentators in the UK for the series, despite presenters such as Sir Alastair Cook and Becky Ives working from Australia. This decision faced particular criticism after it was revealed that commentators Alastair Eykyn and Rob Hatch, neither widely known for cricket broadcasting, would handle ball-by-ball duties from Britain.
Scott Young, executive vice-president at Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe, defended TNT’s approach, arguing that traditional expectations regarding commentator locations are less relevant in modern broadcasting. He insisted that Eykyn and Hatch are “huge cricket fans” and claimed viewers “won’t know” where commentators are during live action.
Young also emphasized that TNT’s coverage aims to extend cricket’s reach beyond its traditional audience. “That’s why we’re bringing many of our sports broadcasters into the fold,” he said.
TNT has held UK rights to Ashes tours since 2017–18, but this winter’s offering has triggered unusually sharp criticism. With three Tests still to play and viewer dissatisfaction showing no signs of easing, the broadcaster faces mounting pressure to address concerns from a fanbase accustomed to more traditional cricket coverage.
As the Ashes continue, the combination of high expectations and evolving commentary styles will certainly fuel ongoing debates about how cricket is presented, reminding fans that even in the realm of tradition, change is often met with resistance.
