‘Very confusing!’ BBC sparks Ashes anger by making one of sport’s oldest rivalries gender-neutral
A BBC Sport microphone held by England captain Ben Stokes on day one of the first Ashes test match at Edgbaston
PA
The BBC has sparked anger by confusing cricket fans with its decision to make coverage of the Ashes gender-neutral.
The biennial series, which was first played in 1882, has established itself as a staple of the sporting calendar and produced several historic moments in English sport.
However, BBC staff appear to have stumped avid cricket fans by refusing to distinguish between the separate series played by the men’s and women’s teams.
The UK’s national broadcaster only makes the distinction clear in articles or broadcast clips when both series are mentioned.
England's Ben Stokes looks dejected after day five of the first Ashes test match at EdgbastonPAThe BBC’s listing ahead of England’s clash with Australia at Lord’s said: “England v Australia - 2nd Ashes Test, Day 1: Live ball-by-ball commentary of England v Australia on the 1st day of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s.”
An insider from the BBC told The Telegraph: “I don’t think that there has been any explicit direction. I think we’re generally encouraged just to call everything the same eg ‘the Ashes’.
“But if we’re trying to inform the listener we should say Women’s Ashes … as long as we call it Men’s Ashes as well. Otherwise it can be very confusing as to which one is being referred to.”
Archie Berens, a long-standing member of the Marylebone Cricket Club, added: “There’s nothing wrong with calling it the Women’s Ashes at all.
Australia's Ashleigh Gardner celebrates after taking the wicket of England's Danni Wyatt to win the first Women's Ashes test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham
PA
“It’s not detrimental. The women’s game is fantastic. But you have to distinguish the two for sheer logic and understanding.”
However, challenging claims of confusion, a BBC source claimed: “We are consistent in referring to it as the ‘Women’s Ashes.”
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have been keen to distinguish between the two sporting events.
The ECB describe the fixtures as the LV= Insurance Men’s Ashes 2023 and the Metro Bank Women’s Ashes 2023.
The women’s Ashes, which was first contested in 1934, has a very different set-up compared to the men’s.
Australia players celebrate after winning day five of the first Women's Ashes test match at Trent Bridge
PA
Australia women’s team won the only test match of the series by 89 runs, with Annabel Sutherland knocking up 137 runs at Trent Bridge.
The remainder of the series is split across three 20-over fixtures and three 50-over clashes.
In contrast, the men’s Ashes series follows the traditional format of five test matches.
Ben Stokes led England out at Lord’s, affectionately known as the Home of Cricket, earlier today.
England will be looking to pull level in the series after Australia emerged victorious in a tightly-fought opening test at Edgbaston by just two wickets.