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David Lloyd announces retirement from commentary
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Follow UsLloyd was alongside Ian Bishop when Carlos Brathwaite’s helped Windies clinch T20 World Cup in 2016
On Tuesday, former England cricketer and coach David 'Bumble' Lloyd announced that he will be leaving his role as a commentator with Sky Sports. The 74-year old Lloyd, after a stint spanning over two decades, signed off by invoking famous British singer Elton John.
He has been a prominent voice for Sky Sports' cricket coverage since joining the team in 1999 and commentated on momentous occasions such as Stuart Broad's 8/15 in the 2015 Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.
In a statement on his social media account, Lloyd wrote: "After 22 wonderful years with Sky Cricket, I've decided the time is now right to pass on the microphone.
"It's been an immense privilege to try and bring the sport I love into people's homes up and down the country. There are so many wonderful memories, so many terrific games and incredible performances. I've been lucky to travel the world sharing Ashes highs and lows, World Cup wins and losses, heroics and heartaches with you all."
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) December 21, 2021
He said sharing a commentary box in Australia in 2013 with his broadcasting hero Bill Lawry was a "real highlight".
Llyod was alongside Ian Bishop during the final over of the 2016 World Cup when Carlos Brathwaite's four consecutive sixes took the Windies home.
"It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Ian Bishop, Ravi Shastri, Shane Warne, Shaun Pollock, and Ian Smith amongst many others," he added.
Lloyd said that the death of colleague Bob Willis in 2019 played a part in his decision, along with Michael Holding's recent retirement and Sky's decision to release David Gower and Ian Botham.
"With the passing of Bob Willis and after the decision to move on by my good friends David Gower, Ian Botham and more recently Michael Holding, the commentary box feels a little emptier. And so I feel it is time for me to do the same and move on to the next chapter.
"I leave the Sky box in immensely capable hands led by my pals Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Ian Ward and Rob Key. To those that follow, cherish that mic. Inform and entertain so the next generation can fall in love with this wonderful game."
"I'm done now with Sweet Caroline but in the words of Elton John, "I'm still standing!" Much love, Bumble."
Lloyd played nine Tests and eight one-day internationals for England between 1973 and 1980. He had one hundred in each format, including an unbeaten 214 in just his second Test, against India, at Edgbaston in July 1974.
(With inputs from PTI)