Cricket fans slam ‘worst commentary ever heard’ during Ashes coverage

'Hang your heads in shame'

England closed out the day leading their rivals by 119 runs, thanks to an inspired batting performance from 22-year-old Jacob Bethell, who made 142* to put his nation back in with a slim chance of avoiding a 4-1 series defeat.

Rather than Bethell's inch-perfect batting display, most of the online discourse since the close of play has instead been dominated by a commentary blunder made in the aftermath of Jamie Smith's dismissal.

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The English wicket-keeper was run-out by Aussies star Marnus Labuschange, causing the visitors to lose their sixth wicket of the second innings. The loss of Smith subsequently brought skipper Ben Stokes to the crease.

Later during TNT's coverage, they aired a recap of some of the day's play, including a replay of the Smith dismissal, and it was during that broadcast of the Labuschange run-out, that the commentators made their error.

On initial viewing of the footage, the TNT Sport team mistakenly thought they were viewing live coverage, and went on to tell viewers they were witnessing the dismissal of Stokes via another run-out, rather than a replay of the earlier incident.

As reported in The Mail, one commentator could be heard saying: "It's happening again it's happening again! Stokes goes, two run outs in two overs, England are imploding," followed up by a prolonged and awkward silence.

Former England captain, Alistair Cook then chimed in with: "Good news for people who are waking up [England] are six wickets down.

"Rob [commentator Rob Hatch] was giving them seven, but we'll forgive you, we're not used to four days. If you were dozing you've woken up now, Rob. Stokes is still there, it's fine," he added, to clear up the error.

Despite Alistair Cook's timely intervention, cricket fans were still left less than impressed by the blunder, with one taking to social media platform X to write: "That’s the worst bit of commentary I’ve ever seen I think.

"Shouting that there’s been another run out when they’re showing a replay."

"Hang your heads in shame and give everyone their money back."

Another X user added: "You really have to feel for the commentator but it’s an indictment of the coverage from TNT.

"It’s cheap!

"But what we pay for it isn’t. The ashes is one of the sporting pinnacles & it’s been handled really badly."

Despite the commentator's premature announcement, it wasn't long before Stokes was sent back to the pavilion.

England's captain was caught be Steve Smith from Beau Webster, after just 5 balls at the crease.

His side ended the day 302-8, needing further Bethell heroics to have any hope of avoiding defeat.