'Sheer class': The New Zealanders who won the Cricket World Cup
"Guptill's gonna push for two, they've got to go. Throw's gotta go to the keeper's end. He's got it! England have won the World Cup by the barest of margins! By the barest of all margins, absolute ecstasy for England! Agony, agony for New Zealand!"
The words of Ian Smith were beamed around the world through the broadcast of the Cricket World Cup final.
And despite being a Kiwi himself, a player whose own ODI career ended when New Zealand lost the 1992 semi-final in Auckland, the long-time commentator delivered.
Three years ago it was former West Indian cricketer Ian Bishop who was lucky enough to bellow an iconic line when his old team won the World Twenty20 final.
"Carlos Brathwaite! Carlos Brathwaite, remember the name! History for the West Indies," he screamed after the 27-year-old allrounder hit four consecutive sixes to win the title.
Bishop sat alongside Smith and retired England captain Nasser Hussain for the last portion of the World Cup final at Lord's on Sunday.
These guys bringing it home in the final hour - immense @irbishi @nassercricket Ian Smith @cricketworldcup @ICC #CWC19 #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/5Kx3kVznXt
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) July 14, 2019
With the result up in the air until the very end, there were no guarantees for Hussain or Smith either way.
Smith got the call and his efforts drew plaudits from many but he wasn't the only New Zealander plonked into an awkward situation.
Simon Doull never had much luck during his international career but as a commentator he's made his way into prime positions.
Hussain would take the microphone for the official speeches during the medal and trophy presentation.
But in spite of England's victory, it was Doull who was asked to conduct the emotional first interviews with England's champions on the television broadcast.
If not for the accents nobody would have known they were Kiwis because it was impossible to detect any hint of real disappointment in their voices.
2 great mates ... Ian Smith / Simon Doull .... sheer class as people and at the very top of their profession
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) July 14, 2019
Just listen to Ian Smith ..’no cigar ‘ commentary of the very highest level .. great professionalism from Simon Doull ...
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) July 14, 2019
An astonishing display of broadcasting from first Ian Smith and now Simon Doull. Genuinely no idea how they're doing this.
— Dave Tickner (@tickerscricket) July 14, 2019
Just watching back the climax of yesterday’s #CWC19Final and how good was Ian Smith’s commentary?!
Professional, dramatic, fantastic - caught the moment superbly!— Richard Graves (@RichardGraves1) July 15, 2019
They were absolutely immense too. Hats off to Ian Smith, particularly, as he was very gracious after that final ball. What a superb tournament all round. https://t.co/kGTi79TwOL
— John Hill (@johnhillsport) July 15, 2019
Ian Smith’s commentary, as his own country fell a yard short of winning the World Cup, is magnificent. Have absolutely no idea how he managed it. Spectacular. https://t.co/RhHLOSx4us
— James Sharpe (@TheSharpeEnd) July 15, 2019
I know I should stop watching it (over and over again), but Ian Smith's commentary on that final delivery is sensational. Not least because it was everything he was so desperate not to have to say.
— Dominic Fifield (@domfifield) July 15, 2019
Exactly. Thought he was brilliant and the fact it meant something for most of the commentators in the box all added to the drama.
— Dominic Fifield (@domfifield) July 15, 2019
As a fellow commentator, I can only admire the brilliance of Ian Smith’s call of the final ball of that extraordinary Final.
As a proud Kiwi, his heart must have been shattering, but you wouldn’t know it. Passion, accuracy on the run out, great lines. Masterful 👏 #CWCFinal19 https://t.co/TV4mVRcqTK— Arlo White (@arlowhite) July 15, 2019
Smith's work in particular was put in the spotlight by a video released by the ICC on Tuesday.
The highlights package displayed all the key moments from late in the match.
But for all the amazing shots and deliveries by the players, the commentator starred.
Exactly 24 hours ago, England were crowned world champions, after the final to end all finals.
Re-live the greatest finish of all time, as you've never seen it before!#CWC19Final | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/SHrgguTI75— ICC (@ICC) July 15, 2019
I have to say, Ian Smiths commentary is pure genius. 👏🏻 https://t.co/xdsgtaOfle
— Paul Collingwood (@Colly622) July 16, 2019
The Ecstasy & Agony montage. @nassercricket & Ian Smith with feeling and emotion, yet always clarity. (Nerves shredded again by watching it!) https://t.co/VF84LT95eF
— AlisonMitchell (@AlisonMitchell) July 16, 2019
Ian Smith’s commentary in that last half an hour was something that will be remembered for a long time.
“England has won the World Cup by the barest of margins”
Great work @ICC Digital Media team. The best World Cup broadcast. https://t.co/SPys2ToLqV— Husham Ahmed (@hushamahmed) July 16, 2019
Most times I think the presence of commentators is vastly over-rated, but Ian Smith's call of the conclusion of that final was perfection. He's not a showpony who drops into the booth four or five times a year. He's a true pro who probably calls more rugby than cricket these days
— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) July 15, 2019