Cook Launches Cricket Commentator Search
England Test captain Alastair Cook has helped launch Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week and, alongside former England captain Michael Vaughan, Alastair started the search for the Yorkshire Tea Young Cricket Commentator of the Year, a competition to inspire the next generation of commentators.
Children from The Hague Primary School had the chance to play with Cook up on a rooftop playground. A special commentary box also allowed the pupils to learn from Vaughan about how to be a commentator.
To enter the competition, any budding young commentators aged 7 to 14 can send their clips (audio and/or video) and can commentate on any game or type of cricket so long as their entry is no longer than 90 seconds.
The finalists will compete at the Kia Oval during Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week with Alastair Cook on hand as a judge. The lucky winner will visit the BBC Test Match Special box during a Test match in the summer.
Talking about the day Alastair Cook said: “I’ve played a lot of cricket, all over the world, but I’ve never played on a rooftop. It shows what an important job Chance to Shine is doing, supported by Yorkshire Tea. As a long-term supporter of Chance to Shine, it’s great to see the game at, I want to say grassroots level, but it’s at rooftop level!
“I hope as many young people enter the competition as possible. I think we found some future commentary stars here today and it’s brilliant to see so many kids enthused by cricket.”
Michael Vaughan added: “This is what it’s all about, a school that has created space on the rooftop. It’s great to see kids out here playing the game.
“The girls in the corner (commentating) are magnificent, I’m slightly worried. They are painting the picture and bringing enthusiasm. It’s such a good competition for aspiring young cricket commentators and you’ll probably be nicking my job in a few years’ time.”
During 20th to 24th June, thousands of schools will get involved in Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week, through their local County Cricket Board. Schools across the country are planning cricket-themed lessons in class, coaching in the playground, competitions at local cricket clubs and cricket festivals.
