Christo Buchner

Johannesburg – English commentator Geoffrey Boycott got involved in a heated argument with Radio 2000 staff while the English were handed a cricketing lesson by the Proteas on Saturday.

Michael Abrahamson and Craig Marais were the commentators when Boycott, who is working for several radio stations and TV channels, sat in the rest area behind the commentary area.

Boycott approached one of the SABC producers to complain about the two commentators talking too loudly.

When he was told that all commentators talk like that and that it is an African trait, he apparently started shouting at the producer and said: “But they are not Africans.”

Boycott was then told that everybody born in Africa are indeed Africans.

The former English Test captain then stormed into the Radio 2000 commentary box and told Abrahamson and Marais to talk softer while they were on air.

Marais told Boycott to leave the area.

“Who gives him the right to storm in here while we are doing our work,” Marais said later.

“It’s not as if we even raised out voices unnecessarily. As a commentator he should know how you talk when broadcasting,” he said.

“I always respect older people, but what he did was uncalled for and I could not stop myself from telling him to get lost.”

Another commentator said that Boycott is the last person who should be entitled to say anything about talking loudly during commentary.

“He did radio commentary during the third Test in Cape Town and was animated during those last few overs. To be honest, he shouted and carried on until the last ball was bowled and the Test ended in a draw.

“Not to mention how he packed out about South Africa’s appeal after the ball had struck Stuart Broad on the shoulder. For him to complain about anyone else is ridiculous.”