It’s not happening: Lawry declines jobs

BILL Lawry (pictured) has reportedly turned down offers to continue his cricket commentary career as broadcasters lock in more talent for the start of a new era next summer.

Fox Sports announced on Sunday they’ve added former Australian players Mark Waugh, Mike Hussey and Mel Jones to their line-up as well as ex-England representatives Michael Vaughan and Isa Guha. But former Australian Test captain Lawry, now 81, won’t return to Australian TV screens, according to News Corp.

Lawry had worked for the Nine Network only sparingly in recent years, adding his en- ergetic and quirky style to the commentary booth mostly for Tests at his beloved MCG.

He speculated that last season’s home Ashes series may be his last in the commentary box after a career spanning almost 40 years.

It’s understood Lawry was approached by both of crick- et’s new TV rights holders, the Seven Network and Fox Sports, to return to commentary.

The Seven Network announced on Friday it had signed Ricky Ponting, who made his mark as a commentator during the Big Bash League, as the face of their new-look team.

None of Channel 9’s stable of commentators — Ian Chappell, Mark Taylor, Shane Warne, Michael Slater, Michael Clarke, Ian Healy or Mark Nicholas — have been snapped up by Seven or Fox.

Fox has moved the quickest, adding the five new faces to join Adam Gilchrist, Allan Border and Brendon Julian.

It’s understood Lawry was approached by both of cricket’s new TV rights holders, the Seven Network and Fox Sports, to return to commentary.