The cricket commentary box at Channel Nine represents one of the staunchest boys clubs in Australian sports broadcasting. Whilst women have been featured in presenting roles during the men’s cricket – and broadcasts of the women’s cricket have at least featured a 50/50 gender split in commentators – the role of calling the ball-by-ball action has been the sole domain of men. And, typically, the same handful of men at that, with Kerry Packer‘s post-World Series Cricket boys club loyalty lingering long after his passing.
But at long last, that’s all set to change. Meg Lanning, the current captain of the Southern Stars Australian national women’s side, is set to shatter that longstanding glass ceiling and take up a role inside the commentary box during the upcoming home domestic and international cricket season.
The 22 year old Lanning will serve an apprenticeship of sorts as she joins Mark Taylor and Ian Chappell to call the Matador BBQ’s Cup – the Australian domestic 50 over tournament – which kicks off next month. If her work is good enough, then plans are in place for her to call the men’s Twenty20 International games between Australia and South Africa in November.
Lanning stated of the new role, “It’s an exciting opportunity to do something a little bit different … I watch a lot of men’s and women’s cricket so I feel like I really know the game and I’ve got a little bit to give there.”
And as for Channel Nine, head of sport Steve Crawley remarked, “Everyone asks about adding a female to commentary … and I’ve always been very aware that it will eventually happen, don’t force it. It’s got to be right, so Meg came along with a wonderful attitude to her cricket, a wonderful reputation and style of play. Immediately you could tell she was special off the field and on the field.“
The move is being viewed as Nine playing a little bit of catch up in the field, after the runaway success of Channel Ten‘s coverage of the domestic Big Bash League put anchor and commentator Mel McLaughlin firmly into the spotlight as an outstanding sports broadcaster.
Still, Lanning’s new role does come with its limitations. She’ll only be able to fill the role based on availability. She’s currently the youngest person – man or woman – to captain the national cricket team in Australia, and is currently the number 1 ranked Women’s Internation Twenty20 batter in the world.
Go, you good thing! We’ll be watching.
Photo: Chris Hyde via Getty Images.
via SMH.
