New Zealand and England are locked in a competitive first Test at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, but the action on the field was overshadowed by an unfortunate incident off it. Before play commenced on November 30, broadcasters Talksport revealed that their camera equipment had been stolen overnight, disrupting their planned coverage for Day 3.
The shocking development was announced on social media by presenter Jon Norman and former England cricketer-turned-commentator Steve Harmison. They explained the delay in their broadcast and informed viewers that while the commentary would continue in audio format, there would be no visual coverage on their YouTube channel.
ALSO READ: Rain Halts India’s Pink-Ball Tour Game, 50-Over Match Scheduled For Day 2
“We’ve had a break-in. We’ve lost our cameras and won’t be able to broadcast via the Talksport cricket YouTube channel today. There will be audio, but no pictures,” said Jon Norman, expressing disappointment over the situation. He also acknowledged the warm hospitality they had experienced in New Zealand up until this incident.
Not the news we wanted to bring you ahead of Day 3 at Hagley Oval
🎙️ @FulhamJon & @Harmy611 report
Hear #NZvENG live & exclusive on @talkSPORT2 & the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube Channel
📻 Listen 👉 https://t.co/giS0Yf685T
📺 Watch 👉 https://t.co/89cxbZDC8j pic.twitter.com/mjuiMwWHBT— talkSPORT Cricket (@Cricket_TS) November 29, 2024
Harmison echoed his colleague’s sentiments, adding, “We came in this morning, expecting another brilliant day of Test cricket. Unfortunately, this theft is out of our control, and we can’t bring you the visuals from this great venue.”
Despite the setback, the commentary team reassured fans that their live audio coverage on Talksport 2 would continue uninterrupted, keeping cricket enthusiasts updated on the proceedings.
ALSO READ: Mitchell Johnson Urges Marnus Labuschagne’s Omission For Adelaide Test Amid Form Slump
As for the game, England continued their strong performance, building on their overnight score of 319/5 with Harry Brook’s stellar 132. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 499, securing a healthy 151-run lead. In response, England’s bowlers struck back, reducing New Zealand to 155/6 by the end of the day. With a slender four-run lead and only four wickets in hand, the hosts face an uphill battle to salvage the Test on Day 4.
