Woody axed as cricket pundit

CHANNEL 9 has axed Todd Woodbridge from its cricket coverage, with network star Erin Molan to replace him as host of the Women’s World Cup later this week.

Last year Nine put Woodbridge at the helm of its men’s Ashes coverage, sparking outrage on social media from fans who couldn’t understand how a tennis grand slam great could head up the broadcast of cricket’s biggest stage.

Nine defended its decision to put Woodbridge in the hot seat by arguing he wasn’t there to provide expert opinion, but simply use his hosting skills during breaks in play.

However, the network’s new head of sport Brent Williams has decided to call game, set and match on Woodbridge at the cricket, with NRL hosts Molan and James Bracey to replace the doubles champion for the women’s World Cup starting on Friday night.

The versatile Molan and Bracey — who also have no background in cricket, but helped lead Nine’s tennis coverage during the summer — will alternate in the hot seat during the tournament.

Test great Mark Taylor and former Australian women’s international Julia Price will be featured as Nine’s in-studio experts, who will cross out to the ICC’s pool of commentators at the ground.

The entire women’s World Cup will be broadcast on Fox Cricket, with Nine to broadcast all Australian matches as well as the semi-finals and final.

Fox Cricket will provide two of the most prominent voices for the groundbreaking World Cup, with popular commentators Mel Jones and Isa Guha to feature in the commentary pool for the tournament.

Fox Cricket will also feature Megan Barnard and Alex Blackwell on its coverage, with Barnard a breakthrough talent on the women’s and men’s Big Bash this summer.

BEN HORNE