Cover-up a viewer turn-off
Batsmen may be happier and safer wearing helmets, but, according to the Sydney Morning Herald , they prevent fans seeing the batsmen's faces, which, market research has found, makes it hard for them to relate to the players.
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
Batsmen may be happier and safer wearing helmets, but, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, they prevent fans seeing the batsmen's faces, which, market research has found, makes it hard for them to relate to the players.
But, as Philip Derriman notes, it’s not all gloom.
If they're bad for TV, they're about the only thing in cricket that is. In other respects, cricket is a broadcaster's dream. It lasts all day; the main action is concentrated in a smallish area; it's essentially a one-on-one (bowler-against-batsman) contest; the game lends itself to endless analysis by commentators; and the short breaks between overs are ideal for slotting in commercials.
Martin Williamson is executive editor of ESPNcricinfo and managing editor of ESPN Digital Media in Europe, the Middle East and Africa