Cricket fans watching the fifth Test between Australia and England in Sydney got an unexpected dose of confusion during TNT Sports’ live coverage.
What was meant to be routine commentary turned into a head-scratching moment when the commentators mistakenly reacted to a replay as if it were happening live.
Mistaken Run-Out Frenzy
The drama began when England’s Jamie Smith was run out by Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne, leaving the team in trouble with six wickets down and captain Ben Stokes stepping up to bat.
Later, TNT aired highlights of Smith’s dismissal, but the commentary team seemed to believe the footage was live.
In a moment of sheer confusion, they shouted as if Stokes had also been run out.
Commentator Rob Hatch blurted: “It’s happening again, it’s happening again! Stokes goes, two run outs in two overs, England are imploding!”
Another voice chimed in, trying to reassure viewers: “Well thankfully someone’s looking out the window of the box, and it’s Alastair Cook!”
Alastair Cook Steps In to Clarify
The commentary box then fell silent, until former England captain Alastair Cook clarified the situation.
He assured viewers: “Good news for people who are waking up, England are six wickets down.
Rob was giving them seven, but we’ll forgive you—we’re not used to four days.
If you were dozing, you’ve woken up now. Stokes is still there, it’s fine!”
The gaffe quickly went viral, with many calling it one of the worst moments of cricket commentary they had ever seen.
Fans Take to Social Media
Viewers wasted no time expressing their disbelief online.
One fan tweeted: “I have not watched a lot live of the Ashes coverage but seen criticism of TNT.
Just watched the commentary team believe that a replay of an earlier run out was live and someone else had been run out. Very amateur!”
Another commented: “Commentators thinking Stokes was run out because they can’t tell if they’re seeing a replay or live gameplay from THE STUDIO IN LONDON is, put simply, shambolic.”
A third fan added: “Oh my days, not TNT almost giving a heart attack.
Replay of the Smith run out but the commentator thought it was live and Stokes was run out.”
England’s Struggles Continue
Stokes, who was carrying an injury, eventually managed just a single run before being dismissed by Australia’s Steve Smith.
England’s score slipped to 267-7 as the fourth day neared its conclusion.
TNT commentary summed it up succinctly: “It was a case of how long he could last. He was still there and he’s gone now.”
What Comes Next?
The mix-up left fans questioning the professionalism of the broadcast team and joking about the “ghost run-out” moment.
For TNT Sports, this will likely be remembered as one of the more embarrassing episodes in Ashes commentary history.
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