England’s underwhelming start to the Ashes was mirrored off the field as TNT Sports came under heavy fire for its coverage of the first Test in Perth, with frustrated viewers branding the broadcast “a poor product” and “a travesty”.
As the tourists collapsed to 172 all out on day one, cricket fans took to social media in exasperation at the television experience.
Many were stunned to hear commentators greeting each other with “good morning” despite the match taking place in the Australian afternoon, prompting widespread criticism that key voices had not even travelled to the venue.
TNT Sports secured the rights after Sky Sports opted against a bid, but the showing has sparked a furious backlash.
One viewer wrote: “Actually grateful that they’ve killed my enthusiasm this early. I can go back to pretending the series isn’t happening. Cricket on TNT Sports isn’t real, it can’t hurt you.”
Another added: “Just inexcusable coverage from TNT. The biggest cricket series in the world and you employ two non-cricket commentators, who aren’t even in Australia. Astonishing they thought this would go down well.”
Other complaints pointed to production issues rather than the pundits themselves.
Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook is working for TNT Sports this winter
|TNTSPORTS
A widely shared post listed concerns, saying: “Through no fault of anyone involved in the actual production, the TNT product is poor. No Aussie voice, crowd noise down, long delay behind the action and limited on-the-ground insight. Starc’s been off the field with a potential injury for two overs and there’s been no mention.”
While pundits such as Sir Alastair Cook and presenter Becky Ives are working on-site in Australia, lead commentators Alastair Eykyn and Rob Hatch have been calling the action from studios in the United Kingdom.
Scott Young, a senior executive at Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe, has previously insisted that the pair are “huge cricket fans” and viewers “won’t know” where they are based.
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Five things to know about The Ashes | PAOpening-day reaction, however, suggested otherwise. But not all of the feedback was negative in tone.
Some viewers turned to humour, poking fun at Cook’s immaculate suit in contrast to his more casually dressed colleagues.
One fan quipped that he “looks like the kid on work experience who didn’t realise it’s a more casual office environment.”
TNT has held the Ashes overseas broadcast rights since 2017–18, with Young arguing that their broader approach is intentional.
“It’s about bringing the football, rugby, even fight-sports fanbase, and making them aware of the Ashes,” he said.
“If we can get people who are not normally going to watch cricket for a day or a Test, that’s part of the TNT Sports ethos.”
England have endured a difficult start to the Ashes, with Australia getting the tourists all out for 172
|PA
Early reaction suggests dedicated cricket supporters are unconvinced.
The £30.99-per-month broadcaster may find itself under pressure to adapt quickly, particularly with fans questioning the decision to station part of the commentary team 10,000 miles away from the action.
England are aiming to win the Ashes Down Under for the first time since the 2010-11 series.
However, given their struggles on day one, that will certainly be easier said than done.