Australian announcer given his marching orders for Monty Panesar race gaffe

30 November 2013

The announcer at England's game against the Chairman's XI in Alice Springs has been summarily sacked for reportedly using an Indian accent when announcing the name of England bowler Monty Panesar.

Cricket Australia took exception to the idiosyncratic conduct of public address announcer David Nixon at England's tour match at Traeger Park. Nixon is an employee of ABC, and undertook the PA job separately in the tourists' fixture.

His irreverent tone was evident throughout, until he was relieved of his duties after lunch today, the second and final day.

A spokesman for the Australian board said this afternoon: "Cricket Australia deemed the conduct of the PA announcer as inappropriate and as such he will take no further part in the match."

Reportedly he used an Indian accent when announcing the name of England bowler Monty Panesar but Cricket Australia would not comment on the specifics of the dismissal.

The controversy over Nixon's performance comes against an antagonistic backdrop so far in this winter's Ashes, which has included an outbreak of 'sledging' in England's first-Test defeat at the Gabba last week and a frosty, partisan reception for the tourists from media and home crowds alike.

Ian Bell, leading England in Alice Springs in the absence of the rested Alastair Cook, appeared mystified by the turn of events.

The England and Wales Cricket Board made no complaint about Nixon, and was unaware of his sacking until told by the hosts.

At his post-match press conference, Bell said: "We weren't aware of it, didn't know anything about it.

"Until now ... I don't think any of the team were. We were focused on the cricket.

"You could hear him through the game, but hadn't heard he'd been sacked."

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Australian announcer given his marching orders for Monty Panesar race gaffe

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