Go the Beeb!
You’d think that a running live written commentary of a sports event would probably be quite boring, but the BBC news site manages to make the commentary as interesting as the game. Take some of the bits from today’s cricket game:
1539: Pietersen isn’t bothered tea is imminent and slaps Kaneria over his head for six. The crowd rumble their approval, like 17,000 Sid Jameses who have just clapped eyes on Barbara Windsor’s behind. Players go off for energy drinks. Pietersen is 82, Bell is nine.
1700: Inzamam looks like he’s got the hump. He’s got the air of a man who has trodden in some dog’s business on the way to his daughter’s wedding. Three from the over and players take drinks.
1715: Umar is retained and still bowling liquorice all-sorts. England are happy to milk him tenderly rather than yank his udders off and take four singles from the over.
And so on! But this isn’t a one of today, they do this all the time! Even if I’ve no interest in the game I’ve started scanning the live coverage when I’m bored just for a laugh. Superb that they don’t take themselves seriously. I hope they keep it up!