31^st October 2008. Jolly Beech Hotel, Antigua

BK-Thank you for agreeing to this interview for MTWD

KH-Thank you for asking me.  As journalist myself it would be a little ironic and more than a little harsh to refuse an interview request.

BK- Firstly, what is your opinion of the Stanford 20/20 series and Middx performance?

KH- It has been a great exhibition, rather than a great sporting occasion. Criticism has been unfair and the event needs to be looked in context of what tournament is. Hopefully, problems like poor scoreboard & lighting will be sorted next year. Middlesex have done exceptionally well. We need to remember we had little preparation and first 2 games could have gone either way. Then we lost to a world force. We can take a lot of positives from this and player’s heads should be held high.

BK- Are you going to India for the Champions League?

KH- Yes. Not sure in working or holiday capacity.

BK- I’m going to start with a few questions about you Kev?

KH – So this is boring bit.

BK- I can always make it more interesting!

BK- Have you always wanted to be a sports/ cricket commentator?

KH- Yes. Wanted to play cricket but when realised wouldn’t make grade this was my ambition. I commentate on football too for BBC Radio London.

BK- What would you do professionally if you were not a journalist?

KH- Would try harder to be a professional cricketer. Otherwise due Irish family links would be in building trade.

BK- Do you have a life outside commentating?

KH- Yes. I’m coming up to 30 and need to devote more time to family and home life. There is a significant other (interrupted by BK joke about Hand in marriage). Perhaps I should be looking for more of an office based journalism role to fulfil my outside life better.

BK- Are you a Middlesex fan?

KH- Yes. Even though born South of River became a Middlesex fan, as was a great admirer of Mark Ramprakash.

BK Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?

KH- Agnew, I find reassuring, especially in tandem with Boycott.

BK- What research do you do before matches?

KH - Very little time to reflect and prepare- same applies for players. Half an hour before start I check stats on laptop from cricket info etc. I’m lucky to have this aid unlike commentators of old.

BK- Do you find it difficult commentating on 4 days games when little is happening?

KH- No. There are always sub plots to commentate on e.g. who’s coming in next and then again there are e-mails which I rely on to keep thing going. I always think how lucky I am being paid for this.

BK- How about 20/20 in comparison?

KH- The tempo is different, but great fun. I am hopeful there is room for all forms of cricket, but do fear for future of test cricket.

BK- Do you read MTWD?

KH- No. I have really a great picture of what’s going on through e-mails. I was well aware of Tim Murtagh issue through e-mails and interview with Tim. After a day’s play need to switch off. However, during winter will be tempted to have a look.

BK- What is the best and worse about your job?

KH- Best- being paid for watching professionals in action

Worse- (long hesitation)

BK- You don’t have to answer this part

KH- I enjoy my job so much- but at times the travelling and being away from home difficult. But won’t complain considering all the plusses.

BK- Favourite/ Worse grounds

KH- Favourite is Lords definitely. It’s history, the view everything.

Worse- Derby - the side on view makes it difficult. Taunton once commentated from shed full of dead flies- not nice.

BK. Is there any truth in rumour you once got into trouble for stripping while commentating?

KH- I’ll kill that Mark Church. What happened was I was commentating at Bath Somerset v Surrey on a very hot day. My shirt was stuck to me and needed to apply lotion and took shirt off to do this. I was virtually down to trunks. While, this happening, a Somerset member made a complaint to BBC. Luckily, they were sympathetic to reasons and has become subject of ridicule amongst co-commentators.

BK- If there was one thing you would change about cricket what would that be?

KH- Light readings. Inconsistency, poor communication. Unless dangerous you need to keep players on as much as possible,

BK- Can you excuse me I have a call of nature? (this not annotated word for word)

KH. No problems

10 mins later

BK. My apologies more runs than Middlesex in Antigua. Have you ever been caught short while commentating?

KH- Never always prepared. I recall once on a freezing day at Fratton Park was relieved to hear half time whistle and the feeling in the convenience was one of my commentating highs. Known other commentators to be caught out

BK- Do you ever get confused on what’s going on while commentating?

KH-. No. I back my judgement 100%. I enjoy commentating on live TV games to prove my judgement. In early days player recognition was a problem, but overcame this quickly.

BK- Have you ever had to edit an e-mail you’re reading due to inappropriate content?.

KH- It happens a lot and need to think on feet. Co commentators have been unfairly abused in a middle of e-mail.

BK- Finally. What do you think of Middlesex future prospects?

KH- Very bright. Appointment of Angus Fraser the catalyst. I’m convinced we will be very successful. His experience with ICC and media vital. Expected structural changes will lead us in right direction.

BK Thank you on behalf of MTWD for your interview and hours of entertainment on radio for our fans. Has anyone told you have a good face for radio?

KH. Cheers Kev the pleasure is mine.

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