TNT Sports' first Ashes tour broadcast has been described as a 'shonky production' that relied heavily on former England captain Alastair Cook to carry the coverage. Presenter Becky Ives made her debut under challenging conditions, with the network lacking a proper studio and instead using a podium on the outfield.
Cook was omnipresent throughout day one in Perth, from pre-match fan interactions to carrying the Ashes trophy onto the field alongside Justin Langer, and then commentating on almost every ball. The Guardian's Barney Ronay likened Cook to 'the last ceremonial horse of some dying cavalry unit', noting the burden placed on him by the production.
Ives, despite facing inevitable criticism as a newcomer and a woman in a traditionally male role, was praised for her fluent knowledge of cricket and strong interviewing skills. The broadcast also featured Steven Finn and Justin Langer, but was marred by technical issues including a recurring QR code and repetitive advert break music.
The coverage comes as TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, faces broader challenges after losing Champions League rights. The network's executive vice-president Scott Young had promised a 'hybrid maverick' approach, but critics argue this translated to cost-cutting disguised as innovation.
