Down Under, radio still rules the waves

Radio was the only means for an avid cricket fan to follow the action from the middle before the television era. Several generations of cric...

Radio was the only means for an avid cricket fan to follow the action from the middle before the television era. Several generations of cricketers have grown up drawing inspiration listening to the radio. And among the early commentators, the late John Arlott had a special place in many a cricketer8217;s rating.

He set high standards for himself and for others to follow, it would be simply impossible for anyone to achieve his command over the game. Among the current lot, Jim Maxwell and noted former Australian batsman Keith Stackpole have been doing yeoman service to the game by commentating for ABC Radio.

Unlike television commentary, radio commentary has its own charm. 8216;8216;I derive a lot of satisfaction and joy giving radio commentary. It is an extension of the game and I enjoy doing it,8217;8217; says Stackpole who is commentating on ABC Radio at Chepauk.

Though television has virtually replaced radio in Indian cricket coverage, in Australia the radio is still popular. 8216;8216;In Australia people listen to the radio at home, work spot, in the car while driving and even on the beaches. It is not just cricket, even other programmes too are closely followed,8217;8217; says Maxwell.

Is an India vs Australia Test in India important in their scheme of things? 8216;8216;Definitely. It is keenly looked forward to. The excitement and the quality makes it almost on par with the Ashes series,8217;8217; says Stackpole.

Maxwell goes a step further. 8216;8216;An India vs Australia Test series has gained in stature previous great clashes 1998, 2001 that it is bigger than Ashes. The Kolkata Test of 2001, which India won following on is perhaps the best I have seen in a long, long time. The way Laxman and Dravid batted was just superb,8217;8217; notes Maxwell.

8216;8216;It is great to be in Chennai. The Test is shaping out to be a fabulous one. When I played against India last time, Ian Redpath and Graham Mckenzie had a good partnership which eventually helped us win the match despite faring poorly in the second innings,8217;8217; said Stackpole, hinting that the Aussies will bounce back after their poor show on Thursday.

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8216;8216;The game has changed over the years. We used to graft and build an innings. Today it is an attacking game from the first ball. If we did it at our time, we would have been accused of playing loose shots,8217;8217; states Stackpole.

Harsha Bhogle and Glenn Michell are the other ABC Radio commentators at Chennai.