Australian Test cricket icon Mark Taylor has faced down some of the fiercest bowlers in history, and now he has skillfully brushed off criticism directed at his commentary during the diving events at the Paris Olympics.
Many were taken aback when Taylor joined the Channel Nine commentary team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He is part of the studio commentary crew that stayed in Australia, providing commentary on diving events featuring Australian athletes, alongside former Olympic diver Sam Fricker.
This decision led to former Network Ten star Tim Bailey—who was let go by the network in 2020—taking a shot at Taylor.
‘Mark Taylor calling the diving. A fantastic cricketer. But rather disrespectful to the athletes,’ Bailey posted on X.
‘Tubby [Taylor’s nickname] likely knows little about this sport. He has acknowledged as much. The [executive producer] who made this choice? You’re done.’
Taylor is part of the Channel Nine commentary team that stayed in Australia, collaborating with former Olympian Sam Fricker on the diving events
While Fricker supplies expert analysis, Taylor has been keeping viewers informed about scores and medal requirements for Australians (pictured, divers Domonic Bedggood and Cassiel Rousseau compete in Paris)
Tim Bailey, a well-known weatherman on Network Ten before being released in 2020, criticized Taylor on social media, calling his commentary ‘disrespectful’
In response to Bailey’s remarks, Taylor appeared on radio station 2DAY FM and, when asked if the criticism affected him, he said, ‘Not really.’
‘I don’t typically follow social media closely. I knew when I agreed to take on this role that there would be critics – naysayers – that’s just part of it,’ he clarified.
‘However, I don’t accept the notion that my commentary is disrespectful. My daughter came home from teaching and mentioned that someone said it was disrespectful toward the athletes. I disagree with that sentiment.
‘I met the athletes about a month ago, and they were thrilled that I volunteered for this role.
‘Sam Fricker is the expert in this field, not me; I’m simply there to provide scores, which is not unlike what I did in cricket.’
‘I am doing my part; it is not disrespectful – that’s complete nonsense.’
Taylor has faced significant backlash on social media, with changes made to his Wikipedia page, including designations like ‘Olympic diving expert’ and ‘diving doyen.’
‘It’s clear Tubby is not suited to commentate diving. Very poor coverage,’ one commenter noted.
‘He’s no Daryl Eastlake,’ another added.
Although many viewers sided with Bailey, Taylor also had a strong base of supporters.
Taylor has faced a barrage of criticism online, and his Wikipedia page has also been altered
Former Hockeyroos star and Olympian Georgie Parker defended Taylor on social media against Bailey’s comments
Georgie Parker, a former Olympic field hockey player and AFLW star, who is now a television presenter, criticized Bailey’s remarks.
‘A commentator’s role is distinct from that of a special comments/expert contributor,’ she posted.
‘Sam Fricker serves as the expert. It’s no different than having a main caller during a football match with the expert offering insights.’
A follower quickly noted that Bailey had a long career as a television weatherman without holding a degree in meteorology.
‘You weren’t a meteorologist but discussed the weather for years. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black,’ they commented.
Others highlighted that Taylor is not the first cricketer to commentate Olympic diving events.
‘This brings to mind London 2012 when former cricketer Michael Slater commentated on the diving events. Michael Murphy was a diving expert during the #Olympics in 2012,’ one user pointed out.
Some suggested that Bailey should extend more respect to Taylor, who boasts an impressive record of 19 Test centuries and 40 fifties, with 157 slips catches throughout his distinguished career.
‘I agree, Tim, but to a degree, it’s also somewhat disrespectful to a cricket legend like Mark Taylor.’
