David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, former England cricketer, umpire, and coach turned commentator has announced on Tuesday (Dec-21) that he has decided to leave his role as a commentator with Sky Sports.
The legendary England commentator who was associated with Sky sports for 22 years has announced his decision by sharing it on Twitter today.
David Lloyd who is known as “Bumble” in the cricket world was a left-handed batsman and left-arm spin bowler. He has played eight one-day international matches and nine test matches representing England.
Former England cricketer and commentator David Lloyd retires from Cricket commentary
His highest test score was 214 not out and 116 not out in One Day International matches. He took 237 wickets in first-class cricket.
David said in his statement, “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.”
Below is the full statement shared by David Lloyd on his official Twitter handle announcing his retirement from cricket commentary. Have a look!
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) December 21, 2021
David was born in the year 1947 in Accrington, Lancashire. Lloyd made his debut in the world of cricket in 1965 where he played in a County Championship match against Middlesex at Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester representing Lancashire.
One year later in 1966, he made his debut in one-day matches in Gillette Cup quarter-final against Somerset at Taunton cricket ground. After his retirement as a cricket player, David became a first-class umpire, and later he was the coach of the Lancashire and England cricket team from 1993 to 1998.
David further added, “Sharing a commentary box in Australia in 2013 with my broadcasting hero Bill Lawry was a real highlight. 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.”
David said that the untimely death of his colleague Bob Willis in 2019 was also one of the reasons for his decision to leave.
A couple of other reasons include the retirement of Michael Holding and Sky’s decision to let David Gower and Ian Botham go in 2019.
Below are a few of the reactions from the cricket fraternity on David Lloyd’s retirement.
You’ve provided great entertainment over the years and changed cricket comms forever.
You’ve proved people can be themselves, have a laugh and still talk sense.You’ve inspired me to be the commentator I am today.
Thank you Bumble, for everything. https://t.co/3Dem4wAANO
— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) December 21, 2021
My fav! You’ll be missed Bumble! Legend 🐐 🎤 https://t.co/k4VtKaM5Gm
— Danielle Wyatt (@Danni_Wyatt) December 21, 2021
🐐 of 🐐’s https://t.co/Tqef1uzc3k
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) December 21, 2021
Absolute legend you are bumble . Go well and see you when am there ❤️😉👍 https://t.co/dOo5kJAsjF
— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 21, 2021
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. https://t.co/9VjQ6qRPxT
— Rob Key (@robkey612) December 21, 2021
David was in the news last month for issuing an apology to British Asian Cricketer Azeem Rafiq after he was accused of attempting to smear him. He had also made some disrespectful comments about the UK’s Asian cricket community.
