- published: 15 Jan 2013
- views: 21523
Leslie Thomas John Arlott OBE (25 February 1914 – 14 December 1991) was an English journalist, author and cricket commentator for the BBC's Test Match Special. He was also a poet and wine connoisseur. With his poetic phraseology, he became an iconic cricket commentator noted for his "wonderful gift for evoking cricketing moments" by the BBC.
John Arlott was born in 1914 at Cemetery Lodge, Chapel Hill, Basingstoke in Hampshire, the son of William John Arlott and Nellie Arlott. He attended Fairfields Primary School in Basingstoke before winning a scholarship to Queen Mary's Grammar School. Once at the school, however, he became embroiled in a feud with the headmaster, as the school "had not been wholly receptive to his young, independent, inquiring mind." Arlott eventually left the school of his own accord. He meanwhile showed an early interest in the local cricket matches; in 1926 he watched England and Australia play at The Oval, becoming a fan of Jack Hobbs, and later watched Sussex play Lancashire.
JOHN ARLOTT --- The Voice of Cricket --- Part 1
John Arlott's "Freaker" - The Lord's Streaker 1975
Famous last words by legendary commentator John Arlott, 1980 Lords Centenary Test
John Arlott describes Geoffrey Boycott's first Test century
John Arlott's Final Cricket Commentary
JOHN ARLOTT --- The Voice of Cricket --- Part 2
Interview with John Arlott
JOHN ARLOTT --- The Voice of Cricket --- Part 3
Don Bradman's Last innings
Christopher Martin-Jenkins Classic ball by ball commentary 1981
Audio clip from the BBC Cassette 'John Arlott - The Voice Of Cricket' The legendary John Arlott commentating at Lord's in 1975 as England played Australia. The "Freaker" stole the show with help from Arlott.
Rare footage of an historic cricket moment, September 2, 1980. "Risking life and limb, photographers clambered to the top of the Lord's pavilion. Down below, swathed in September sunlight, the crowd was on its feet applauding. Their example was followed in the field by the Australian team and even Geoffrey Boycott took off his gloves and joined in the applause. Up in the radio commentary box, a BBC commentator, with no ceremony or flourish, had just uttered these few words: "Nine runs off the over, 28 Boycott, 15 Gower, 69 for two and after Trevor Bailey it will be Christopher Martin-Jenkins". It was 30 years ago today, September 2, at the 1980 Centenary Test, that John Arlott made his final broadcast on Test cricket after 34 years at the very top of his profession."
On August 17, 1964, Geoffrey Boycott scored the first of his eventual 22 Test centuries against Australia at The Oval in the fifth and the final match of the Ashes. Here John Arlott describes the moment.
Commentary from BBC Radio 3 MW of the Gillette Cup Final from Lords with Surrey playing Middlesex. This was John Arlott's last radio commentary.
John Arlott in conversation with Brian Johnston in 1980.
England vs Australia, 3rd Test, Graham Dilley (RIP), Chris Old, Sir Ian Botham bowls to John Dyson, Greame Wood. What a beautiful voice, CMJ (RIP) made you feel like you was a the cricket match, even you was thousands of miles away.
John Arlott in conversation with Brian Johnston in 1980.
Audio clip from the BBC Cassette 'John Arlott - The Voice Of Cricket' The legendary John Arlott commentating at Lord's in 1975 as England played Australia. The "Freaker" stole the show with help from Arlott.
A celebration of vintage cricket commentary with Jonathan Agnew, Henry Blofeld and other familiar voices from summers gone by. Sounds Of The Summer is a tribute to the great commentators who have graced the airwaves over the years, focusing on much-loved names including John Arlott, Brian Johnston, Richie Benaud and Christopher Martin-Jenkins, as well as notable summarisers such as Trevor Bailey and Fred Trueman.
Smarting from a first-rate set up the previous test, Brian Johnston exacts revenge on Aggers by setting up a spoof 'live' TV discussion with Fred Trueman and Jack Bannister - both having been instructed to be thoroughly uncooperative with the interviewer....
Rare footage of an historic cricket moment, September 2, 1980. "Risking life and limb, photographers clambered to the top of the Lord's pavilion. Down below, swathed in September sunlight, the crowd was on its feet applauding. Their example was followed in the field by the Australian team and even Geoffrey Boycott took off his gloves and joined in the applause. Up in the radio commentary box, a BBC commentator, with no ceremony or flourish, had just uttered these few words: "Nine runs off the over, 28 Boycott, 15 Gower, 69 for two and after Trevor Bailey it will be Christopher Martin-Jenkins". It was 30 years ago today, September 2, at the 1980 Centenary Test, that John Arlott made his final broadcast on Test cricket after 34 years at the very top of his profession."
Arsenal Stadium, Highbury. CU. Ball being kicked goalwards. SV. Ball headed clear from goal SV. Huge crowd cheering. SV. Goalkeeper making an acrobatic save. CU. Woman holding her head and shrinking with suspense. CU. Wildly excited man. SV. Players chasing ball. CU. Man in crowd on edge with suspense. SV. A goal is scored Crowd dancing with joy around crowded touchline. Hats being thrown in air. London. A.S. Arsenal Stadium. SV. Commissionaire standing by imposing entrance. SV. Lavish treatment room. Trainer Billy Milne treating Reg Lewis whilst Scottish International Jimmy Logie reclines on couch, receiving heat treatment. CU. Milne and Lewis. CU. Expensive looking equipment. SCU. Jimmy Logie reclining on couch. STV. Four Arsenal players bathing. Rotherham. SV. D. Brown (a ...
On August 17, 1964, Geoffrey Boycott scored the first of his eventual 22 Test centuries against Australia at The Oval in the fifth and the final match of the Ashes. Here John Arlott describes the moment.
Commentary from BBC Radio 3 MW of the Gillette Cup Final from Lords with Surrey playing Middlesex. This was John Arlott's last radio commentary.
Audio clip from the BBC Cassette 'John Arlott - The Voice Of Cricket' The legendary John Arlott commentating at Lord's in 1975 as England played Australia. The "Freaker" stole the show with help from Arlott.
Rare footage of an historic cricket moment, September 2, 1980. "Risking life and limb, photographers clambered to the top of the Lord's pavilion. Down below, swathed in September sunlight, the crowd was on its feet applauding. Their example was followed in the field by the Australian team and even Geoffrey Boycott took off his gloves and joined in the applause. Up in the radio commentary box, a BBC commentator, with no ceremony or flourish, had just uttered these few words: "Nine runs off the over, 28 Boycott, 15 Gower, 69 for two and after Trevor Bailey it will be Christopher Martin-Jenkins". It was 30 years ago today, September 2, at the 1980 Centenary Test, that John Arlott made his final broadcast on Test cricket after 34 years at the very top of his profession."
On August 17, 1964, Geoffrey Boycott scored the first of his eventual 22 Test centuries against Australia at The Oval in the fifth and the final match of the Ashes. Here John Arlott describes the moment.
Commentary from BBC Radio 3 MW of the Gillette Cup Final from Lords with Surrey playing Middlesex. This was John Arlott's last radio commentary.
John Arlott in conversation with Brian Johnston in 1980.
England vs Australia, 3rd Test, Graham Dilley (RIP), Chris Old, Sir Ian Botham bowls to John Dyson, Greame Wood. What a beautiful voice, CMJ (RIP) made you feel like you was a the cricket match, even you was thousands of miles away.
John Arlott and David Frith review batsmen 1896-1983.
A celebration of vintage cricket commentary with Jonathan Agnew, Henry Blofeld and other familiar voices from summers gone by. Sounds Of The Summer is a tribute to the great commentators who have graced the airwaves over the years, focusing on much-loved names including John Arlott, Brian Johnston, Richie Benaud and Christopher Martin-Jenkins, as well as notable summarisers such as Trevor Bailey and Fred Trueman.
England faced Australia at the MCG in 1977 to mark the 100th anniversary of their first Test. John Arlott takes a look back at the 100 year rivalry leading up to the match. Subscribe to Lord's: http://www.youtube.com/user/LordsCricketGround?sub_confirmation=1 If you have any concerns about the contents of this video please refer to our Notice and Takedown policy. http://www.lords.org/our-organisation/notice-and-takedown-policy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lordscricket Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeOfCricket Google+: https://plus.google.com/+lordscricketground/posts
Documentary written and presented by James Hogg featuring contributions from John Arlott, Bob Arrowsmith, Trevor Bailey, Henry Blofeld, Christine Forrest, Bill Frindall, Benny Green, Eric Hill, Brian Johnston, Tony Lewis, Robin Marlar, Fred Trueman, John Woodcock and Graeme Wright.