Test Match Special - Light-hearted Style

Light-hearted Style

TMS has always had a distinctively irreverent style. While it takes its role of describing and commenting on the action seriously, there has also been much light relief. Brian Johnston, who was as happy on the stage and working in light entertainment presentation as he was in the commentary box, was the master of this style which on occasion could lead to hilarity in the box, most notably on one occasion in August 1991 at The Oval when Agnew referred to Ian Botham's dismissal "hit wicket" as Botham "just couldn't quite get his leg over!" This remark led to the total collapse of both in a fit of giggles (which was followed quickly by Johnston's giggle-affected chastening, "Aggers do stop it!") This clip has become a broadcasting classic and is frequently replayed. In 2005 Radio 5 Live listeners voted it the greatest sporting commentary of all time, receiving ten times as many votes as 'they think it's all over'. A more recent example of double entendres was when Agnew was commentating about England batsman Kevin Pietersen replacing a bat rubber talking about the process of rolling it down the handle, and leaving Vaughan having to deadpan admit he was no good at putting a rubber on, before eventually collapsing in a fit of giggles. A further example occurred during the second test match between England and the West Indies at Trent Bridge in May 2012 - during a discussion on the conflicting schedules of personal and professional life as a cricketer, Sir Vivian Richards revealed that he had cut short his honeymoon in order to play in a test match, prompting Agnew to ask, "Did you get any?" Agnew, realizing the ambiguous nature of his question, added, "Runs, that is?", but by then it was too late and listeners were treated to more giggles from the TMS box.

Other Johnners' classics include, "There's Neil Harvey standing at leg-slip with his legs wide apart, waiting for a tickle," and, "...and Ward bowls to Glenn Turner, short, ooh! and it catches him high up on the, er, thigh. That really must have hurt as he's doubled over in pain. I remember when..." and after 2 minutes of typical Johnners fill, he continued, "Well, he's bravely going to carry on ... but he doesn't look too good. One ball left."

Listeners' letters and emails are often read out on air. Brian Johnston was once taken to task by a schoolmistress correspondent, pretending indignation, for saying during a West Indies Test commentary: "The bowler's Holding, the batsman's Willey." However on this occasion he was innocent.

While the levity in the commentary box has reduced somewhat since Johnners' death there is still a recognition that no matter how seriously fans may take their cricket it is, after all, only a game. Po-faced commentary is not TMS's way. Not every listener is happy with Henry Blofeld's continuous references to buses, pigeons and aeroplanes, but most feel that the programme would be the poorer without him for all his eccentricities. "Blowers" and other unique voices became customary impersonations for comedians such as Rory Bremner.

One of TMS's specialities is to keep talking through rain delays. It is taken as a matter of pride that even if play is interrupted for an hour or more (sometimes much more) then the commentators will keep on talking. John Arlott was a master at talking even when nothing much was happening and still keeping listeners entertained. He once spoke uninterrupted for twenty minutes and kept everyone spellbound describing the covers being removed at Lord's. A long established tradition is the interviewing of a special guest during the Saturday lunch break, on one occasion this led to Brian Johnston chatting with actor Bill Pertwee for 90 minutes as rain delayed the start of the afternoon session.

The TMS box has many visitors during a day's play and these visitors keep returning despite the leg pulls. Mike Gatting's alleged gluttony is one of the many running themes — "Better get our lunch before Gatt arrives" is a typical remark. The main butt of practical jokes is Henry Blofeld who fails to spot a "wind up" even if it is staring him in the face.

Freddie Trueman was a great defender of the purity of the game and made frequent references to it requiring a 'side on' stance for success. A letter read out from a 'listener' said that he had been dropped by his club side because he had fully adopted Freddie's advice and had 'played side on' as a wicket keeper; Freddie did not see the funny side.

Concern about BBC Sport's commitment to maintaining the tone and style of the programme after its 50th anniversary led to an Early Day Motion being tabled in Parliament by Andrew George MP in June 2007.