END OF ERA
David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, 74, retires from Sky Sports after legendary 22-year career following pals Botham, Gower & Holding
RETIRING David Lloyd has called 'over' on his time as a Sky Sports cricket pundit after 22 years.
'Bumble' follows the likes of pals Ian Botham, David Gower and Michael Holding by hanging up the microphone.
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The Lancashire legend, 74, said: "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.
"Sharing a commentary box in Australia in 2013 with my broadcasting hero Bill Lawry was a real highlight."
Lloyd enjoyed a fine first-class career with his home county, also featuring 17 times for England across Test and one-day cricket, before taking up roles in umpiring and coaching after his retirement in 1983.
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But since quitting as England head coach in 1999, he has been a mainstay on the TV with his witty commentary, insightful analysis and frequent sing-songs.
He helped pioneer the launch of Twenty20 on Sky with great success, too.
Lloyd continued: "It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Ian Bishop, Ravi Shastri, Shane Warne, Shaun Pollock and Ian Smith amongst many others.
"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."
Tributes poured in for the popular Accrington Stanley fan after he tweeted the news.
'Bumble' has an extraordinary ability to inform and entertain in equal measure
Sky Sports
Key said: "What a sad day. The best person I know. By some distance as well. Love always @BumbleCricket. Nobody does it better. Congratulations on a magnificent career."
Jeremy Snape wrote: "Congrats on 'another' amazing career @BumbleCricket your passion for the game and ability to see the lighter side will be sorely missed. Wishing you a healthy and happy retirement."
Another replied: "Bumble. I can honestly say you’ve been one of the inspirations to me when it comes to enjoying and watching cricket. You made it fun, informative and kept us giggling through some of the dullest rained off moments. You’ll be sadly missed."
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And a final user simply commented: "Watching cricket will never be the same."
Sky Sports Cricket said: "David 'Bumble' Lloyd has been a star of the Sky Cricket commentary box for over two decades, with an extraordinary ability to inform and entertain in equal measure.
"Perhaps his finest hour came during the Ashes Test match at Trent Bridge in 2015 - calling Stuart Broad's amazing performance with perfection.
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"He is much 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 apologised to Azeem Rafiq who claimed Bumble had said 'getting subs out of Asian players (at cricket clubs) was like trying to extract blood from a stone'.
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