Advertisement

'Commentate the actual cricket': Shane Warne trolled over awkward gaffe

Chris Young
·Sports Reporter

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has never been shy about talking about his nation’s hopes, but his efforts in the commentary box on day four of the fifth Test were as comical as they get.

Not in a bad way mind you - but Warne’s attempts to gee up Australian openers Marcus Harris and David Warner backfired spectacularly in a matter of moments.

WHOOPS: England sledge backfires as Matthew Wade notches brilliant ton

Australia’s openers were undeniably poor throughout the Ashes, but with the pressure off in the fifth Test, Warne was perhaps a little too confident with his predictions for the embattled pair.

Shane Warne, pictured during the Ashes, accidentally put the commentator's curse on David Warner and Marcus Harris.
Shane Warne copped some grief from fans after accidentally putting the commentator's curse on Marcus Harris and David Warner. Picture: Getty Images

After predicting David Warner would make a much-needed Test century and declaring Harris was looking comfortable at the crease, Warne couldn’t help but poke the bear ever so slightly as Stuart Broad steamed in.

Unfortunately, that very delivery was the one that cartwheeled Harris’ off-stump, leaving Warne with egg on his face.

Compounding matters for Warne was the fall of David Warner soon after, once again the bunny of Broad.

Having executed a practically flawless commentator’s curse, many fans took to social media to request that Warne concentrate on the game at hand instead of offering any more bold predictions.

Now, credit where credit is due - this was an absolutely elite execution of the moz.

Unfortunately, the Australian’s weren’t able to bank on Steve Smith to resurrect their run chase this time.

A Matt Wade century offered some hope, but the home side romped to victory on the fourth day.

Hostilities fall away after gruelling series

At the conclusion of a punishing five-match Test series, there’s only one thing to do afterwards.

Crack some beers and bubbly and celebrate a hard-fought contest.

With so much of the Ashes dominated by narratives of hostility between English and Australian players, as well as the crowd, a post-Ashes snap from England and Wales Cricket Board communications man Danny Reuben summed up how both sides were feeling after the series was drawn.

HOWZAT: England caught in rare rules breach on final day of Ashes series

Both teams convened in the England rooms for a few drinks and a chat to celebrate the five match series.