Hands off TMS

In the most worrying turn of events to hit cricket coverage since Sky got their grubby mitts on the Test matches, there is speculation that the BBC are looking to revolutionise their Test Match Special radio program. Michael Henderson, writing in the Guardian, informs us that the top brass in the BBC are looking to modernise the programme, in their speak 'make it more accessible'. This immediately sets alarm bells ringing, and if these are the same PC idiots who appointed someone who has clearly never watched a game of cricket in their life to front the BBC Ashes highlights, not to mention letting Graeme le Saux and Lee Dixon loose on Match of the Day, then trouble could be afoot. In an era where our cricket is monopolised by Sky's charmless and banal coverage, TMS has provided a welcome escape from the colourless monotony of Ian Ward, Nasser Hussain, Bob Willis and co. Of course aspects of the programme need tweaking, as Henderson admits, but one can only hope that Blowers and Aggers survive the cull. They were born with what Hussain and Ward will never own- a voice capable of bringing cricket to life. The influx of ex-pro's are slowly squeezing the life out of sport's commentary in this country. Brian Johnstone must be turning in his grave.