An avid sports fan, Dan took time out of his day on Thursday to catch up with the first test match of this year’s Ashes between England and Australia. The presenter was particularly impressed with one Australian – Steve Smith. The batmen scored a brilliant century to keep his side in the match after England’s bowlers tore through the remainder of Smith’s side.
But Smith courted controversy last year.
Along with Cameron Bancroft and David Warner, Smith was caught rubbing sandpaper on the cricket ball in a bid to help his team.
The trio were subsequently banned by Australia and all three made their return to action on Thursday.
Taking to Twitter, Dan wrote: “What an innings from Steve Smith.
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“He’s done some daft stuff in the past but that was first class when it mattered.”
Despite his praise, some of his followers were unhappy at his assessment.
One wrote: “When you say ‘daft’ you mean cheated?”
Another said: “Daft you say?
“He’s a cheat should never be allowed to play cricket ever again.”
And a third added: “Daft stuff? A cheat despite his talent.
He’s a cheat – golf and snooker don’t tolerate them; why should cricket?”
Dan first took his place on the BBC Breakfast sofa as one of the main presenters after Bill Turnbull, 63, announced he was leaving following 15 years on the show.
His BBC Breakfast co-host is Louise Minchin.
In a recent interview with The Daily Mirror, Dan and Louise spoke out about their friendship.
Louise has claimed that they regularly help each other out of tight spots on air.
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC One.