The Guardian (19th May) has reported that former England Test Captain Michael Vaughan will return to Test Match Special and TV highlights coverage for this summer’s Tests starting with England v Ireland at Lords.
Vaughan was dropped from appearing in 2022 after he was charged with making racist remarks in a Yorkshire game while still playing. Vaughan denied he had made the comments and a subsequent hearing found that there was not sufficient evidence to suggest that he did.
While Vaughan’s social media of 10 and more years ago did suggest at best some inappropriate comments on cricket in general he has subsequently been very clear that there is no place for racism in cricket.
He has also detailed the impact of the allegations on his personal and family life, although this may be balanced, albeit he was not involved,with the continuing issue of racism and Yorkshire cricket and the impact that has had.
His return to TMS is the appropriate and right thing to do. That said TMS is not the programme it was when I first started listening in the 1960s. At that stage John Arlott was the voice of liberal reason but in recent times TMS has diversified significantly in respect of its commentary team. In my view this is an entirely positive development
While I thought Vaughan was a shrewd England Test captain I’ve never been a great fan of his commentary. That said at least he doesnt shout.
Leave a Reply