'Marshall's poise and neutrality was a marvel'
Arunabha Sengupta, writing for cricketcountry.com , focuses on legendary cricket commentator, from the 1930’s, Howard Marshall
Carlyle Laurie
25-Feb-2013
Arunabha Sengupta, writing for cricketcountry.com, focuses on legendary cricket commentator, from the 1930’s, Howard Marshall. He says Marshall, along with BBC director Seymour de Lotbinière, formed the equivalent of Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe in the art of cricket commentary.
The poise and neutrality of his broadcasts were a marvel to many. When he showed a minute bit of emotion at the dismissal of Stan McCabe, Glasgow Herald wrote, “Mr Howard Marshall very successfully dispelled one false impression ... that if Bradman himself dropped dead at the wicket, (he) would not allow even such a shocking happening as this to betray him into raising his voice or indicating anything untoward has happened. When Mr. Marshall came on at 2.20 on Saturday he was describing an over by Farnes to McCabe, and the beautiful voice went easily on, soothing as sunshine to a holidaymaker taking it easy in a deck chair after a good lunch. And then there was a fearful shout as if Mr. Marshall had swallowed his tonsils. ‘He’s out.’”