'Absolute gun': Cricket fans rave over Holly Ferling commentary cameo
Holly Ferling has won widespread praise for her cameo as a commentator on Channel 7’s cricket coverage.
With the majority of the broadcast team unable to travel to Brisbane for the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Gabba, Channel 7 called in Ferling and fellow Queenslander Matthew Hayden to provide some insight from the ground.
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Channel 7’s primary commentators have had to call the Test from the studio in Sydney, crossing to Ferling and Hayden for pitch reports, local knowledge and in-person player interviews.
The sight of Aussie cricket great Hayden was a welcome one for cricket fans, but his cameo was largely overshadowed by Ferling’s efforts.
Fans flocked to social media to praise Ferling’s insight and knowledge, as well as her prescence and calmness on screen.
“A great addition to the @7Cricket coverage is @Holly_Ferling. Absolute gun,” tweeted 3AW’s Shane McInnes.
A great addition to the @7Cricket coverage is @Holly_Ferling.
Absolute gun. 👏— Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes) January 16, 2021
Must say that Holly Ferling and Matthew Hayden been a breath of fresh air on the coverage. Haydos is pretty vanilla but Ferling has huge potential in broadcasting.
— Matt Nicholls (@matt__nicholls) January 16, 2021
Hearing Holly Ferling on the Test coverage is just a reminder of what we’ve lost with her injury issues.
Pre injury she was a glorious mix of slightly uncoordinated youthful athleticism, speed and flying hair & elbows highly reminiscent of the early Richo at @Richmond_FC— Burly Richmondite (@Ambiguous_Andy) January 15, 2021
Holly Ferling just gave more insight from a bowling perspective than Glenn McGrath did in an entire season of tests last summer #AUSvIND
— Social Kristancing (@DesignedToFade) January 15, 2021
How good ... two quality Queenslanders (and both Kingaroy kids I believe) talking with knowledge about The Gabba pitch and Brissie weather
— gjm (@gjm1508) January 16, 2021
The 25-year-old Ferling has played three Tests for Australia and 22 one-day internationals.
She plays for the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL and represents Queensland in state cricket.
Aussies praying rain stays away in Brisbane
There is growing hope in Brisbane that rain will not be a factor on the decisive final day of the four-Test series between Australia and India.
Wet weather washed out the final session on day two of the Gabba Test, while stumps were called prematurely on day four because of showers.
The prospect of squeezing in the maximum possible 98 overs on Tuesday had been bleak.
But the updated forecast is far more promising regarding the likelihood of future interruptions.
India resumed at 0-4 on Tuesday, having been set a target of 328 after Australia were bowled out for 294 on a topsy-turvy fourth day of the Test.
Tim Paine’s team require a victory to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
The result will also have a major impact on the world Test championship standings, which Australia top as they bid to take part in this year's final at Lord's.
The tourists were slated to face 25 overs on Monday afternoon but umpires were forced to call stumps after just 1.5 overs.
Paine was criticised by some former players for not declaring earlier.
“We're certainly not weathermen,” Steve Smith said.
“You have to play the game the way you see it.”
The highest successful chase in a Gabba Test came in 1951, when Australia finished 7-236.
with AAP
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