Watch Phil Tufnell struggle to contain himself as co-commentator mentions ‘bareback riding’ leading to awkward silence
PHIL TUFNELL was creased over laughing live on air after a “bareback riding” comment from his colleague left him bowled over.
The 58-year-old cricket legend was providing commentary on the second day of England’s Test match with the West Indies at Lords when the hilarious incident occurred.
Ex-spin bowler Tufnell was working on the BBC Test Match Special show when his colleague Alison Mitchell described going “bareback riding”.
Mitchell said: “I did a bit of bareback riding but that was in the sea in Jamaica though.”
Webcam footage has now shown how Tufnell completely lost his composure and got the giggles upon hearing his colleague’s comment.
Tuffers spun away from her and proceeded to place his head on the desk while he shook with laughter, with a grinning Mitchell patting him on the back.
Former England captain Alistair Cook was nearby in the commentary box and he was also spotted laughing at the comment.
After Mitchell’s first comment, there was a long pause, but Mitchell eventually then added: “And it was very enjoyable.”
That caused more hysterics for Tufnell, who wisely kept his microphone away from his mouth to avoid his laughter being caught on air as he spoke to somebody off camera.
But the ever cool Mitchell was undeterred by her partner’s reaction as she proceeded to continue calling the action without a fuss.
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Tufnell eventually regained his composure and returned to commentary just as Ben Stokes bowled to Jason Holder.
One fan reacted to the clip on social media by calling it “outrageously hilarious”.
Another declared that it was the “funniest thing for ages”.
While another wrote: “Crying with laughter after @AlisonMitchell mentioned bareback riding on @bbctms. @philtufnell couldn’t compose himself.”
Mitchell was born to an Australian mother and English father in Northamptonshire.
The cricket commentator and sports broadcaster has also worked for Australia’s Channel 7 as well as for the Beeb.
The 44-year-old made history when she became the first woman to be a regular commentator on the BBC’s Test Match Special.
She has been commentating on men’s and women’s international cricket around the world since 2007.
Mitchell also has a host of broadcasting experience at other sporting events having provided coverage from Wimbledon and numerous other tennis grand slams and the Olympics.
Tufnell, Mitchell and Cook all watched England close in on winning the first summer Test against the West Indies.
England were eventually bowled out for 371, giving them a 250-run lead after the first innings.
England Cricket fixtures summer 2024
Test
West Indies
First Test – July 10-14
Second Test – July 18-22
Third Test – July 26-30
Sri Lanka
First Test – August 21-25
Second Test – August 29 – September 2
Third Test – September 6-10
ODI
Australia – September 19, 21, 24, 27, 19
T20
Pakistan – May 22, 25, 28, 30
Australia – September 11, 13, 15
T20 World Cup
Scotland – June 4
Australia – June 8
Oman – June 13
Namibia – June 15