Today marks one of the high-water marks in the year's sporting calendar.
The final Test match in the Ashes series starts at the Oval this morning while in Berlin, Usain Bolt, who broke the world record in the 100m earlier this week, is running in the 200m at the World Athletics Championships this evening.
The two events could hardly be more different - one lasting up to five days and including lunch and tea, the other over in just a few seconds..
But, with Bolt demanding so little of our time, where does that leave the commentator?
Henry Blofeld, that colourful doyen of Test match commentators, has a laid-back style all of his own, his descriptions of the on-field action are peppered with such languid pronouncements as "Oh, and a big red bus is going down the Harleyford Road"; "A pigeon has just flown in front of our window. How splendid" and regular profuse thanks for cakes sent in by listeners.
Those commentating on sprints, however, have no such room for manoeuvre: a rapid-fire incantation of names and it's all done and dusted.
So, do you prefer sports which are over in a flash - sprinting, judo, weightlifting - and the commentary that goes with them - or something a bit more sedentary and reflective, golf, snooker or cricket, perhaps?
We'd like you to tell us which you prefer, and why.
Concerning Mr. Blofeld's comment, "There is a timeless element to cricket": Comparisons are invidious, but there is a timeless element to hell. Harry Orbach, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland
I appreciate the efforts of both Henry Blofeld and Mike Costello, but what I cannot stand is the commentators, how ever well informed, who shout. Invariably my partner and I turn off your programme when this happens and you lose two listeners for that day, indeed most days from the 7.30 sports item during the football season. Good manners dictate that you do not shout at people and if John Humphrys can manage to speak to politicians without doing so, it must be possible for it not to happen in a football commentary. Maureen Stagg, Totnes Devon UK
I'm surprised the BBC has the nerve to promote the Test Match when it is the only major sport that isn't televised. Thank goodness I adore listening to TMS but my favoured method is to watch it on TV with the sound off whilst listening to the wonderful commentary on radio. HEAVEN!! Susan Cowles, Norwich Norfolk
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