guha sets pace
Former bowling star-turned-broadcaster Isa Guha still isn’t afraid to send a curly one down the pitch, writes Selina Steele
THE seismic shift in the cricket world – which has seen the women’s game explode and the men following their fine example, on and off the field – has not been limited to those playing the game.
Joining Fox Cricket’s pioneering commentary team last year, former England bowling superstar-turned-broadcaster Isa Guha is a case study in point.
Insightful and sassy, Guha not only won over audiences last summer, she held her own alongside Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and the stellar line-up of Fox Cricket commentators.
And she gave as good as she got
ut this season, the 34-yearold says, she’s ready to turn up the heat.
“I’ve always been in a male environment, from when I started playing boys’ cricket and I’ve learned if you can give back as much as they dish out, you earn their respect,” she says, before adding: “Also you don’t want to take yourself too seriously and I’m conscious that I never want anyone else to feel uncomfortable. To be honest,
I just love having fun, really.
“I mean, it is important to be serious and to have in- depth analysis ... but it’s also important to have fun.”
Indeed, Aussie audiences have welcomed her brand of brains and banter, slotting in like she’s one of our own.
“I love this team,” Guha says. “We have so many different personalities and that comes through in the coverage. To be honest, it really is quite freestyle, but I think that adds to the dynamism of the coverage and for someone watching, hopefully that energy comes through.”
In Warne, Guha argues, she’s found a front row seat for “one of the best cricket brains” she has ever been around.
“I grew up watching him play and he commentates the way he played,” she says. “He calls it how he sees it and he takes risks. It’s well documented that he is a bit of a gambler and I love how he takes risks.”
Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley is equally in awe of Guha “a superstar on so many fronts”, he says, “it’s scary.”
“She was a first- class international cricketer for England, can hold her own with anyone in the world in the commentary box and the camera loves her. She’s so down-to- earth and a whole lot of fun, with integrity and knowledge rolled into one. When Isa and Warnie got together on Fox Cricket, it became the new sound of summer … it just feels right.”
Sadly, her arrival on our screens was a time tinged with great sadness – delayed by the death of her beloved mother Roma after a short battle of cancer.
It was Roma who persuaded her husband and Guha’s father to let the tenacious teen play cricket with the local boys. Still feeling the loss deeply, Guha was grateful for the family she found at Fox.
“Last year was tough with everything that was going on back home with mum’s illness, and Fox were so incredibly supportive throughout,” she says.
“I’ve been fortunate to work all around the world, [but] this is one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with.
“In terms of the dynamics, the talent, the innovation in their coverage and the family vibe ... you can’t help but feel you’re part of something special.”
A medium-pace bowler, she made her international debut in 2001 at the remarkable age of 16 – the first player of Indian origin to join the national women’s team. She would go to a dazzling, decade-long career for England: winning two World Cups, three Ashes, and a one- day international series whitewash over Australia.
Retiring in 2012, she was instantly in hot demand as a commentator across continents, including the UK, India and the Caribbean.
Mindful of the historic rivalry between Australia and the Mother Country, Guha admits she thought twice before signing on the dotted line.
“You never know how you’re going to go down as an English commentator in Australia,” she says.
“I’ve always admired the Australian way and their competitiveness but I also think Australians love people just getting in and having a go.”
She has developed something of a sisterhood with her cocommentator and former foe
Mel Jones, as well as current women’s players Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy.
Shrewd and engaging, Guha plans to step things up this summer.
“I’m feeling more relaxed because I know what to expect now in terms of all the different styles of production,” she says.
Outside of game time, a 24/ 7 channel means cricket never sleeps on Fox, providing roundthe- clock opportunities for fans.
From a network that set the benchmark with dedicated NRL and AFL channels – Fox League and Fox Footy – Fox Cricket has made its own history, this year rolling out The Blast, the firstever dedicated women’s cricket show.
“These are exciting times,” Guha enthuses. “It’s such a great space for women’s sport and for cricket. The T20 Women’s World Cup [in Melbourne next March] will be incredible.
“If it is sold out, it will be a world record crowd for women’s sport and it will be one of the greatest days for our sport.”
TEST SERIES: AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN 8.30am, thursday, Fox cricket