Ex-Cricketers and the media seem to be a match made in heaven thesedays. Sky Sports' cricket coverage provides you with the opinions of ex-captains in Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Ian Botham and David Gower, with The BBC and the Test Match Special team having ex-captain Michael Vaughan and ex-players such as Geoffrey Boycott. Although they provide a weatlh of knowledge all are very opinionated, something which Agnew has stayed away from in his blogs for the BBC website and even on air for Test Match Special.
It is this fair judgement from "Aggers" which helped him become the BBC Cricket Correspondent and then after Brian Johnstons death he became the lead commentator on Test Match Special. His realationship on-air with Geoffrey Boycott has also led to admiration from listeners and even the cricketing bible Wisden who described the pair as the "Lennon and McCartney of cricket broadcasting."
What does seperate Aggers from other cricket broadcasters and writers though is his analysing of situations especially when it comes to England. Although a mild mannered commentator he has been very critical of previous England captains and coaches and it always seems to be right at the time when the decision is made for resignations or sackings. An example of this is Agnews writing and opinons after England's ashes failure in 2007 calling for the head of Duncan Fletcher. Although Fletcher reamined in charge for the 2007 Cricket World Cup after a dismal performance in that he resigned. Although pressure from the media isn't as high in cricket in football it still forces the ECB's hand and Agnews criticism of Fletcher's coaching and Michael Vaughan's role as England One Day captain was certainly backed up by many print journalists.
Although best sports journalist leaves many other great choices such as David Conn and Henry Winter, it is Aggers mild mannered approach and thoughtful views in the cricket world that makes him the best at his job.
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