Not really a joke...

[scakebread]

but I couldn't think where else to ask it.
I've often heard (or read) of the commentary on a cricket match which says "The bowler is Holding, the batsman's Willie" (or vice versa). Is this genuine (if so I'd appreciate Who said it? Where and When was it?) or is it another 'urban myth'?

[lardhelmet]

Adrian Moorhouse . There's a whole load of these in a book of the same name

[lilsecret]

http://en.wikipedia.o...#Incidents_and_gaffes

[bookbinder]

It seems to be an urban myth. Brian Johnston is supposed to have been the commentator who said it, but he has denied that. Henry Blofeld says he remembers it being said in a 1976 test match (W.Indies v. England). There was a W. Indies bowler called Michael Holding and an England batsman called Peter Willey, but there's no evidence that the remark was actually said.

[mushroom25]

it was alleged to have been said by Brian Johnston in an England-West Indies test match in 1976. England were on 81 for 7, Peter Willey was facing the bowling of Michael Holding.
Mr Johnston's son claimed he never said it, this is contracdicted by his co-presenter Henry Blofeld, who maintains that it was indeed said.

[scakebread]

Many thanks for some very promt answers. Opinions seem to be divided about its actuality, so possibly an 'urban myth' after all - which would be a bit of a shame really!

[heathfield]

No urban myth - I actually heard the broadcast. And though I can't recall who the commentator was, I do remember he ended up laughing so much, he couldn't say anything for about two minutes after.

[MalcolmY]

No. The urban myth is the very similar comment: The bowler's Holding, the Umpire's Dickie.