David Lloyd has retired as Sky Sports cricket pundit after 22 years.
“Bumble” follows the likes of Ian Botham, David Gower and Michael Holding by hanging up the microphone.
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The 74-year-old Lancashire legend said: “After 22 wonderful years with Sky Cricket, I have decided now is the right time to go to the microphone.
“Trying to bring the sport I love to the homes of people up and down the country has been an enormous privilege.
“There are so many wonderful memories, so many great games and incredible performances.
“I have been fortunate to have traveled the world sharing with you all the ups and downs of the Ashes, the World Cup victories and defeats, the valor and the heartache.
“Sharing a commentary box in Australia in 2013 with my broadcast hero Bill Lawrie was a real highlight.”
Lloyd enjoyed an illustrious first-class career with his home county, before taking on roles in umpiring and coaching following his retirement in 1983, making 17 appearances in Test and one-day cricket for England.
But since 1999, he has been a mainstay on TV with his witty commentary, insightful analysis and consistent sing-alongs.
Lloyd continued: “It’s been a great pleasure working with Ian Bishop, Ravi Shastri, Shane Warne, Shaun Pollock and Ian Smith among many others.
“With the passing of Bob Willis and the decision to move on by my good friends David Gower, Ian Botham and most recently Michael Holding, the commentary box feels a bit empty.
“And so I think it’s time for me to do the same and move on to the next chapter.
“I leave Sky Box in extremely capable hands, led by my friends Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Ian Ward and Rob Key.
“Chore that mic for those who follow it. Inform and entertain so the next generation will fall in love with this amazing game.”
“I’ve worked with Sweet Caroline now, but in the words of Elton John, ‘I stand still!’ Lots of love, Bumble.”
Tributes poured in for the popular Accrington Stanley fan.
Sky Sports Cricket said: “David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd has been a star of the Sky Cricket commentary box for more than two decades, with an extraordinary ability to inform and entertain alike.
“Bumble played a big part in helping Sky launch Twenty20 in 2003, bringing cricket to new audiences – a format that has changed the game forever.
“Perhaps his best time came during the Ashes Test match at Trent Bridge in 2015 – summarizing Stuart Broad’s amazing performance to perfection.
“A year later he was on lead commentary during an incredible T20 World Cup finale, but handed the microphone to Ian Bishop when it became clear West Indies were going to win.
“He is greatly loved and respected by his fellow commentators and production team, who cherish the time spent working with him. Thank you Bumble for your service.”
In November, Lloyd apologized to Azeem Rafiq, who claimed that Bumble had said ‘subscribing from Asian players (in cricket clubs) was like trying to get blood out of a stone’.
More to follow…
