For two decades, the voice of Glen Hawke has been the live soundtrack to some of Australian cricket's most magical moments at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Newcastle-based ground announcer recently celebrated a significant milestone, working his 20th consecutive SCG Test match during Australia's 4-1 Ashes series victory over England.
A Legendary Beginning at the SCG
Hawke's journey in the commentator's box began with one of the most famous farewells in modern cricket history. His debut coincided with the Sydney Ashes Test of 2006-07, which marked the retirement of Australian icons Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Justin Langer. "To have a front-row seat to so many wonderful Test matches in Sydney has been really special," Hawke told the Newcastle Herald. "It's certainly a job I've never taken for granted."
From that unforgettable start, Hawke has announced every SCG Test since. His role expanded in the 2013-14 season when Cricket Australia appointed him to cover all home Tests across the country. Last week's match was his 63rd Test match overall, cementing his place as a familiar and respected voice for cricket fans nationwide.
Pinch-Yourself Moments at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Reflecting on his career, Hawke cites several iconic SCG performances as personal highlights. These include Michael Clarke's unbeaten 329 against India in 2012, a monumental innings that captivated the nation. He also recalls David Warner's blistering century in a single session against Pakistan in 2017, and the emotional comeback story of Usman Khawaja's twin centuries in 2022.
"It's pinch-yourself stuff to think that you get a chance to do that job," Hawke said, emphasising the privilege of providing the live commentary for these historic sporting achievements. His path to the SCG was paved by his impressive work as an announcer at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, which caught the attention of cricket officials.
From Baseball to the Big Leagues: An Accidental Career
Hawke's entire announcing career began almost by accident in the mid-1990s. As a 19-year-old, he cheekily offered to take over the microphone at Hunter Eagles baseball games at McDonald Jones Stadium after criticising the existing announcer. "Bold as brass I rang [the owner] and asked about the job and he gave it to me straight away," he laughed, attributing the opportunity more to the previous announcer's performance than his own non-existent credentials.
This led to roles with the Newcastle Breakers and United in the National Soccer League, before he joined the Newcastle Knights in the 2003 NRL season. Today, his voice is heard not only at the cricket but across multiple NRL clubs, including the Knights, Sydney Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Cronulla Sharks, and Penrith Panthers. "My most stressful day of the year is when the NRL draw comes out and I do the juggle," he admitted.
Over his more than 20-year career, Hawke has witnessed a significant evolution in sports presentation, with loud music and high energy now defining leagues like the NRL and the Big Bash. However, he notes that Test cricket has proudly maintained its traditional atmosphere. "Cricket fans don't need to be screamed or yelled at when it's 8.30 in the morning and they rock into the ground," he observed, praising Cricket Australia for preserving the unique, respectful vibe of the long-form game.
For Glen Hawke, what started as a bold phone call has become a lifelong front-row seat to sporting history, a journey he continues to cherish from his vantage point high in the SCG stands.
