On the fourth day of the first Test between the Proteas and Australia, presenter Lesego Pooe found herself at the centre of a viral moment after an unexpected on-air slip-up.
Introducing her expert panel on set during a tea-break segment in Durban, Pooe flawlessly welcomed South African cricketer Khaya Zondo before gesturing toward seasoned Fox Cricket commentator Mark Howard.
However, seemingly having forgotten his name in the moment, she introduced him simply as “the Australian man.”
The unexpected moniker sent social media into overdrive, with cricket fans across Australia and South Africa taking to X and TikTok to share the clip. While some online viewers cringed at the awkward exchange, Howard proved to be a good sport, taking the hilarious rebrand in stride alongside his fellow Fox Cricket commentators, who spent the following sessions playfully teasing their colleague about his new nickname.
Industry peers also quickly rallied around Pooe. Prominent South African sports broadcaster Thomas Mlambo, among many others, praised her dedicated work ethic and success as a broadcaster, reminding fans that live broadcast slips happen to the best in the business.
YOU CAN SEE THE CLIP FROM THE PROTEAS BROADCAST BELOW AND THE SUPPORT THE PRESENTER RECEIVED
For anyone that knows Lesego Pooe, they will tell you just how outstanding she is at her job. She’s one of the most professional individuals I’ve ever come across and also one of the most knowledgeable. Every one has a slip now and then. The hate and comments are so unnecessary. https://t.co/1t1kiKWfpi
— Sam (@SamNaik01) October 13, 2026
Couldn't have said it better myself 💯. Live television is not child's play. It comes with skill and finesse that she definitely has. This moment shouldn't erase the amazing work she has done. I mean, she is an award-winning sports journalist and presenter, and that says a lot 🔥
— Likho Mpama (@LikhoMpama) October 13, 2026
Lesego Pooe is an exceptional broadcaster who has done so well for such a long time. Yes she had an unfortunate blank moment but she should not be hung out to dry like this. https://t.co/xbOaZhEj69
— Greybeard (@Episode88) October 13, 2026
Only 5.
— Mark Howard (@MarkHoward03) October 13, 2026
I’m disappointed in you mate. 😁
This is what we call a brain fart. It happens to everyone. @JonGericke has "the Spain", I just couldn't say "Canada". It kept coming out as "Canaydia". There is script, autocue, people in your ear, people in front of you, a monitor… it happens under pressure. Leave her be. https://t.co/U7OGtuZTRP
— Bhavna Maharaj (@BhavMaharaj) October 13, 2026
An incredible broadcaster she is ❤️. We all make mistakes, live broadcasts, especially with how long a test match is, you’re there all day, the brain is bound to freeze at times. This mistake should never take away the fact that she’s so good at what she does! ❤️❤️ https://t.co/F5g6KP6hu9
— Naledi🌟🇿🇦 (@Naledi__Aphane) October 13, 2026
Well said Ros! https://t.co/Cvj7AXrhSJ
— Rob Houwing (@RobHouwing) October 13, 2026
I've worked in broadcasting for years and this happens even to folks with over 20yrs experience.
— The Eazy Ed🌐 (@TheEazyEd) October 13, 2026
Switch on a mic 🎤 and person just blanks out and forget how to talk for seconds.
Bloopers are part of live broadcasting 🙂 https://t.co/gszjEjOjvb
South Africa looking to bounce back
Reflecting on the Proteas’ heavy loss to Australia in the first Test, captain Temba Bavuma said it had served as a wake-up call.
“It is disappointing. It’s not the way you want to start a series, any kind of series, let alone just against a top outfit like Australia,” Bavuma said.
“The emotions are obviously still a little bit high. You probably want that to settle before you get into the conversations but there are obvious things that we could definitely improve on. No one is happy in that change-room, looking at the result that has played out.”
“Going forward, there’s going to be conversations that need to happen. Guys understand that’s just how professional, high-level sport goes. If you’re not delivering the goods and if there is someone else who’s waiting in the wings, they’ll get that opportunity.”