TNT Sports has come under renewed criticism from cricket supporters frustrated by its coverage of the Ashes, with viewers branding the broadcaster’s commentary “shocking”, “appalling” and “abysmal” as the second Test began in Brisbane.
The network, which holds the UK rights to the tour, faced a wave of complaints during the first Test, and early reaction to its second offering suggests public sentiment has not improved.
Fans voiced a range of grievances on social media, from objections to the volume of chatter in the commentary booth to concerns that the on-air team lacks Australian representation.
One viewer wrote: “Back to more shocking TNT commentary. Give us some decent chat instead of just slaying England as soon as we lose a wicket. You pretty much called game over in the first over."
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Another remarked: “There’s plenty wrong with this TNT coverage but not having any Australian commentary is right up there.”
A third added: “TNT’s commentary is appalling. Constant yap and fear of silence.”
Some expressed disbelief at the tone of the broadcast so soon into the match.
Five things to know about The Ashes | PA“Hasn’t even been 6 balls and the commentary on TNT is abysmal. This is THE ASHES! Shameful to half a*** such a spectacle,” one fan complained, while another said they had muted the coverage entirely: “TNT coverage of the #Ashes2025 is soooo bad - muted commentary and TMS on.”
The broadcaster had already attracted scrutiny over its decision to base lead commentators in the UK for the series, despite presenters such as Sir Alastair Cook and Becky Ives working from Australia.
The move drew particular criticism after it emerged that commentators Alastair Eykyn and Rob Hatch - neither widely known for cricket broadcasting - would handle ball-by-ball duties from Britain.
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TNT Sports viewers were equally unimpressed by the broadcaster's coverage of the first Ashes Test
| TNTSPORTSScott Young, executive vice-president at Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe, defended TNT’s approach ahead of the series, arguing that traditional expectations about location were less relevant in modern broadcasting.
He insisted Eykyn and Hatch are “huge cricket fans” and claimed viewers “won’t know” where commentators are during live action.
Young also stressed that TNT’s coverage is designed to widen cricket’s reach beyond its established audience.
“That’s why we’re bringing many of our sports broadcasters into the fold,” he said.
Joe Root pictured playing for England in the second Ashes Test against Australia
|PA
“It’s about bringing the football, rugby, even fight-sports fanbase, and making them aware of the Ashes as a moment in time.
"If we can get people who are not normally going to watch cricket for a day or a Test, then that’s very much part of the TNT Sports ethos.”
TNT has held UK rights to Ashes tours since 2017–18, but this winter’s offering has triggered unusually sharp criticism.
With three Tests still to play, and viewer dissatisfaction showing no sign of easing, the broadcaster faces mounting pressure to address concerns from a fanbase accustomed to more traditional cricket coverage.