By Andrew Wu
There was plenty of talk leading into the Sydney Test about Glenn Maxwell's omission from the one-day side, but it's the sudden absence of Gerard Whateley from the ABC commentary team that has been the biggest shock.
Whateley's departure from the ABC for Melbourne's sports radio station SEN blindsided many in the industry, not least his colleagues. But did the national broadcaster leave itself vulnerable to having arguably its biggest and most decorated name poached?
Veteran sports caller Gerard Whateley has left the ABC for a Melbourne sports radio station.
There have been several theories floated as to why Whateley left. Some say it's for the extra money available from commercial radio, others say it's for lifestyle, or could it be the ABC underestimated the market interest in their star caller and left its run too late? One thing we can be certain of is the ABC did not want him to leave.
"He was a very valued member of the team," ABC Radio's head of spoken content Judith Whelan told The Tonk.
Glenn McGrath celebrating 10 years of the Pink Test which raises awareness for women with breast cancer.Credit: Glenn Campbell
The Tonk has been told Whateley's preference had been to stay at his home of 13 years and would have signed a new contract had one been offered but, with no firm offer on the table from Aunty, he was left to explore other options.
Those options, we're told, came as late as the week before Christmas when he fielded a call from Craig Hutchison's Crocmedia, the new owner of SEN, with an offer to be the station's chief sports caller, an offer he could not refuse. There may also be a ripple effect from Whateley's defection as he has a close circle he trusts.
Whelan disputes suggestions Whateley was not offered a new deal. "We don't normally comment on contract negotiations but the suggestion that Gerard Whateley was not offered a contract with the ABC for 2018 and beyond is not true," Whelan said.
The ABC knew during the Boxing Day Test Whateley was leaving but were happy for him to call in Sydney, which explains why he did not say goodbye to listeners in Melbourne. But there was a change of heart and Whateley was not given the chance to finish the series.
Whateley's absence leaves a huge hole in the ABC's cricket coverage, which he has helped rejuvenate since he joined commentary doyen Jim Maxwell in the 2015/16 season. Not only is Whateley a top-class caller, his news sense has given the team editorial rigour.
Among the contenders to replace him are Melbourne-based duo Alister Nicholson, who is filling in this Test, and Matt Clinch, plus Corbin Middlemas, who works from Sydney. Outside the ABC, English broadcaster Alison Mitchell and Adam Collins, who has called the Australian team for the ABC in six different countries, are also in the running.
McGrath back in the fray
There are some notable names in the Cricket Australia XI squad to play England next week but it's the man who won't be batting or bowling that has caught the eye. Glenn McGrath is the team's assistant coach. It's the first time the fast bowling great has held an official coaching role with a CA team. But before we get too excited, The Tonk has been told his appointment is a stepping stone to him merely getting a level three certificate rather than for a return to the international circuit. The team will be captained by forgotten man Matt Renshaw and features young gun Mackenzie Harvey, the nephew of former Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey, and Harry Nielsen, son of former national coach Tim Nielsen.
Test nursery
England's Mason Crane bowling in the SCG nets.Credit: AP
Mason Crane's Test debut for England is another tick for the Sydney grade cricket competition. It brings to 10 the number of graduates who have played in this Ashes series. Australia has eight – its six NSW-based players plus former Blue Usman Khawaja and Manly's Jackson Bird – while England's two are Mark Stoneman and Crane. Crane was presented with his cap by former Test spinner Graeme Swann, who told him to "soak it all up" because you don't know when the end will come.
Still hope for England
They've lost the women's Ashes as well as the men's but there's another urn still up for grabs: the Parliamentary Ashes. The Lords and Commons Cricket Club is in Australia but, regardless of what happens on the field, their tour has already been a success. The team, which is open to British MPs, peers and their staff, has donated $17,000 to The Chappell Foundation, which is tackling youth homelessness. The offer was made in Melbourne after captain Nigel Adams MP was introduced to Greg Chappell by national coach Darren Lehmann. Lehmann met Adams from his playing days in Yorkshire.