In a moment of spectacular broadcasting confusion, TNT Sports' coverage of the Ashes descended into farce during the fifth Test in Sydney, when its commentary team mistook a replay for live action and incorrectly announced the run-out of England captain Ben Stokes.
The On-Air Mix-Up
The error occurred on the fourth day of the final Test at the SCG. England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith had been run out by Australia's Marnus Labuschagne earlier in the afternoon session, a dismissal which brought Stokes to the crease. Later, when TNT aired highlights of Smith's dismissal, the commentary team in their London studio believed they were watching live footage.
With Stokes having faced just three deliveries, lead commentator Rob Hatch dramatically exclaimed: 'It's happening again it's happening again! Stokes goes, two run outs in two overs, England are imploding!' Another voice in the box quickly followed, noting: 'Well thankfully someone's looking out the window of the box, and it's Alastair Cook!'
Awkward Silence and Swift Clarification
An awkward silence then fell over the commentary team before former England captain Alastair Cook stepped in to correct the mistake. Cook clarified the situation for viewers, stating: '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, Rob. Stokes is still there it's fine!'
The blunder meant that, for a brief moment, viewers were told England had lost seven wickets when they had in fact lost six. The timing was particularly ironic as Stokes, who is carrying an injury, was caught by Steve Smith almost immediately after the commentary error, as the day's play drew to a close.
Viewer Reaction and 'Ghost' Run-Out Mockery
The embarrassing gaffe did not go unnoticed by the audience, who swiftly took to social media to express their disbelief and mock the incident, dubbing it a 'ghost' run-out.
One fan posted on X: '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 critic highlighted the absurdity of the mistake, given the commentators' location: '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 viewer posted with wry humour following Stokes' actual dismissal: 'Oh my days, not TNT almost giving a heart attack. Replay of the Smith run out but commentator thought it was live and Stokes was run out. But well, Stokes out now. Caught in the slips.'
The incident marks a significant low point for the broadcaster's coverage of the high-profile series, raising questions about production standards and communication between the gallery and the on-air team when presenting highlights packages.
