I wonder if Michael Slater has talked his way out of the Channel Nine commentary team.
Twice today he called “great shot” when batsmen hit catches. It’s obviously not a great shot if the hitter gets out.
I liked Slater’s daring as a batsman, but he’s a pretty ordinary commentator, in my opinion.
He doesn’t give any significant insight, is never incisive and makes mistakes.
It begs the question whether retired sporting stars should be parachuted into the commentary box or earn the right through actual media skills.
I think Slater feels a need to keep talking when he really should learn to keep his mouth closed.
The great commentators, like Richie Benaud, have mastered the art of timing; when to speak and when not to.
Cricket on television isn’t like football, which needs a kick-by-kick call. It’s more like golf. The viewer can see what’s happening, knows the players and wants analysis.
I like TV commentators to describe field placings, captaincy decisions and statistics. They should discuss tactical aspects of the game, which is something Ian Chappell does very well.
Slater today was clumsy, way too quick off the mark. It was embarrassing.
He always seems to be hyping up the game, willing Australia to create something out of nothing.
I tweeted the first stuff-up, when David Hussey hit a soft catch to point.
Everyone makes mistakes, so I could forgive him that one. It was surreal when it happened again an hour later involving James Hopes.
×0
Michael Slater is a living legend and a key part of the commentary team in my opinion.His insights into the psychological and emotional aspects of the game are always interesting.I find him to be a very dynamic personality and he brings a good sense of humour to the team.I don`t think he talks too much at all.He adds to the big picture and is confident enough to speak his mind.All the commentators make mistakes – who gives a shit? Michael Slater is a breath of fresh air and when he and Shane Warne get together, they get the party started.
Yes Michael Slater played cricket for Australia. Yes he may have a talent for calling the game.
But does this mean that every morning on 2ky’s Big Sports Breakfast i have to have cricket rammed down my throat every 5 minutes. His listeners have tagged him ONESPORT.
The show has become mind numbing since he joined and don’t dare complain about to any one at 2ky about it they only bar you from the show.
Cal obviously does not get out much, born under a rock and still living there.
Slater is incompetent as a commentator.
Re commentary Sunday 7.11.2010 The Australian Cricket Team travelled to England by boat in 1964 , I have proof.
PLEASE no one in their right mind will ever call M Slater a commentator. The word is “Cheerleader” . He’s nothing more than a cheerleader , just talking about Australia and cheering them on the whole time. He even started singing c’mon aussie c’mon on air. Pathetic.
Nothing wrong with being patriotic, but do it in the stands not on the mic. He needs to be sacked right away to restore some normality and sense back into cricket commentary.
Some of these sad sacks need managers – so they dont have to handle themselves. Slats is doing a good job . He commentates the way he batted , full of energy and emotion. He made cricket exciting to watch and he keeps it light and entertaining. on ya slats
Slater is the worst commentator I have had the displeasure to lisen to. Never shuts up and has mastered the art ofmsaying nothing incisive. My mute button comes on when he does.
I agree Bruce. Slats on 2KY is painful. Almost every topic they talk Slats will turn it into something about bloody cricket. They should have got Jimmy Smith instead of him