News Beat
TNT Sports pundit leaves Ashes coverage midway through series as England plunge to humiliating new depths
STEVEN FINN has walked away from TNT Sports’ coverage of the Ashes with two Tests remaining.
The former bowler, 36, has been among the broadcaster’s analysts and commentators for each of England’s defeats in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.
Australia retained the urn after moving into an unassailable 3-0 lead last week.
And Finn has taken to social media to confirm that he will not be on the mic for TNT Sports in the final clashes in Melbourne and Sydney.
In a post on X, he said: “So, my time in Australia is done. Always love visiting and being able to sit behind the bowler’s arm and watch. It’s the best view in the house.
“Have really enjoyed being part of the coverage for the Ashes on TNT Sports, even if the results haven’t been the way we wanted. Until next time Australia.”
Finn, who announced his retirement in 2023, took 125 wickets during his six-year Test career.
The ex-Middlesex seamer was also part of the last England squad which beat Australia in an Ashes series down under in 2010-11.
He helped his country to get their hands on the urn in 2013 and 2015 as well.
But England’s Ashes series has plunged to humiliating new depths after opening batsman Ben Duckett, 31, was reportedly filmed slurring his words following a heavy night of drinking.
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The incident happened last week, when the squad spent four nights in Noosa to recharge.
But there have been suggestions that it was treated as a “glorified stag do”.
England director of cricket Rob Key has promised an investigation into the drinking.
He said: “I’ve read what’s been written about Noosa. If they were drinking lots and it’s a stag do, all of that type of stuff, that’s completely unacceptable.
“I’m not a drinker. I think a drinking culture doesn’t help anyone.
“I have no issue with the Noosa trip if it was to get away, throw your phone away, down tools, go on the beach, all of that stuff.
“We have enough ways of finding out exactly what happened. All I’ve heard so far is that they had lunch, had dinner, didn’t go out late, had the odd drink. I don’t mind that. If it goes past that, then that’s an issue.”
Key also conceded that he and head coach Brendon McCullum’s jobs are on the line after England’s shambolic performances in Australia.
He added: “You don’t mind losing, the regret is that we’ve not played anything like our best.
“The decision on my future is for the ECB and whether they want to rip it up and start again, or whether they want to evolve and we’re the right people to do that.
“Clearly, I believe Brendon is an excellent coach. His record is very good. This is only the third series we’ve lost in four years.
“There have been some brilliant moments and I still feel there’s plenty of life in this whole thing. But we have to evolve. I’m completely gutted and sorry about this series.”
