Brian Johnston, popularly known as “Johnners,” was a legendary cricket commentator who made an indelible mark on the game with his infectious laughter and humorous quips. He was a beloved figure in the cricketing world, and his legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans worldwide.
Early Life and Career
Brian Johnston was born on June 24, 1912, in Little Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England. He was educated at Eton and Oxford, where he developed a passion for cricket. Johnston played for Oxford University and later for Middlesex, where he was a part of the successful county team in the 1940s.
After retiring from cricket, Johnston began his career as a cricket commentator in 1948, when he was invited by the BBC to join their team of commentators. He quickly became a popular figure, known for his distinctive voice, encyclopedic knowledge of the game, and infectious laughter.
The Johnners Laugh
Johnston's laughter became his trademark and was affectionately known as the "Johnners laugh." His infectious giggle was often triggered by his co-commentators, who would intentionally make him laugh with their humorous anecdotes and jokes.
Johnston's laughter became so popular that it spawned a series of comedy records, including "Johnners' Trivia Test Match," which featured his humorous commentary on a fictional cricket match.
Memorable Moments
Johnston's career was full of memorable moments, and his commentary was peppered with humorous anecdotes and witty one-liners. Some of his most famous moments include his commentary during the 1976 Test match between England and the West Indies, where he famously said, "the bowler's Holding, the batsman's Willey," causing his co-commentators to burst into laughter.
Another famous moment came during the 1991 Ashes series when a stray seagull interrupted play. Johnston quipped, "the seagulls are diving on the pitch, they're trying to get the ball, for God's sake, stop it," causing laughter in the commentary box and among the spectators.
Legacy
Johnston's legacy continues to live on, and his infectious laughter and humorous commentary have become synonymous with the game of cricket. His influence can be seen in the way modern-day commentators approach the game, with many opting for a more lighthearted and humorous approach.
Johnston's contribution to the game was recognized when he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009, becoming the first broadcaster to receive the honor.
Conclusion
Brian Johnston was a beloved figure in the cricketing world, and his legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans worldwide. He will always be remembered for his infectious laughter, humorous commentary, and his love for the game of cricket.