What's the most striking thing about the telecast from Bangladesh? Apart from that lag between a run being scored and the graphics updating, that is. Well, it's this: they are showing pictures of cricket coupled with people talking about it - and that's all. A novel concept, sure, but a welcome one none the less. There's been no Hawkeye, no Speedo, no Snicko and no Wagonwheel. (If there has, I ain't seen it.)
This modest coverage has been a refreshing change of pace. Not that the pictures are any better, mind, but by keeping it simple they've given us a much-needed break from Channel Nine's relentless selling of tat, gadget overkill and tendency to shout at the slightest provocation.
Sure, Thommo says some puzzling things - naturally, I can't think of an example off the top o' me nadger - but he doesn't TRY to impress the viewer. He's natural. And the subcontinental crew are all eminently easy on the ear - Ravi Shastri, Harsha Bogle, Sunny Gavaskar, Wasim Akram (It is him, isn't it?) and the local boy, whatever his name is. Harsh, in particular does a nice line of banter with Thommo.
Yeah, I hear you - "They don't have the technology in Bangladesh". But so what. The low-key coverage is still a welcome holiday from those grating Yarpie accents and the Channel Nine Cricket Emporium.