From Wickets to Words: How a Kiwi great and a Mother shaped today's Danny Morrison
Danny Morrison returns to Bangladesh for BPL commentary after 6 years, Cricfrenzy
Martin Crowe, regarded as New Zealand’s greatest batter, profoundly impacted today’s one of the best voices in cricket, Danny Morrison’s career.
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After an impressive career, Crowe ventured into commentary and became a producer for Sky TV. Around the same time, Morrison, who had recently retired from cricket in 1997, began working as a sports coordinator for Cricket Max while dabbling in commentary. Crowe, seeking to add humor to a cricket magazine show, brought Morrison on board.
In an exclusive interview with Cricfrenzy amid the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, Morrison reminisced about how Crowe influenced the start of his commentary career.
"Martin Crowe, the legendary Kiwi batter and captain, introduced me to professional commentary. Sky had just started in New Zealand, and Martin was working with them. In early 1997, I had just retired, and many of us former players were exploring commentary opportunities. Crowe wanted to create a magazine show with a mix of serious discussion and humor. That’s when he gave me my first big break. That’s where my journey began."
Morrison’s life took a pivotal turn during a 1999 tour of India, his first overseas commentary assignment alongside Ian Smith. Smith, who later focused more on rugby, the popular game at that time, left a gap in Sky’s cricket coverage in Asia. Upon Morrison’s return, Crowe made a significant decision.
"Martin called me and said, ‘Danny, from now on, you’re our representative in Asia.’ That moment changed everything for me. I owe him so much for that opportunity," Morrison shared.
Before retiring, Morrison had been New Zealand’s strike bowler after Sir Richard Hadlee, taking 160 wickets in 48 Tests and 126 wickets in 96 ODIs. However, it is as a commentator that he became a household name, blending cricket analysis with theatrical flair.
The Influence of Susan Morrison: The Theatrical Roots
Morrison’s unique commentary style owes much to his mother, Susan Morrison, a drama graduate who completed her diploma in 1978. Susan often took young Danny to Auckland’s Mercury Theatre, where she acted in plays. Her then-boyfriend, a lighting director, also exposed Danny to the technical side of production.
"I spent a lot of time at the theatre with my mom," Morrison recalled. "I watched my mother perform pantomimes and play various characters. She taught me how to express emotions through gestures and facial expressions. That understanding of non-verbal communication has been invaluable in my commentary career."
Susan’s influence extended beyond the theatre. She encouraged Danny to participate in pantomimes and other art forms, teaching him how to connect with people through storytelling.
"Watching her act helped me learn how to communicate effectively, whether in front of a camera or a crowd. It’s shaped the way I approach commentary today," Morrison said.
From a promising cricketer to one of the most distinctive voices in global cricket, Danny Morrison’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and family influence.
