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'Won't be the same': Cricket world rocked by 'sad' David Lloyd news

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read
David Lloyd, pictured here during the third Test between England and India in August.
David Lloyd looks on during the third Test between England and India in August. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

The cricket world is paying tribute to David 'Bumble' Lloyd after the English cricket icon announced his retirement from commentary duties on Tuesday.

A former England player and coach, Lloyd has been behind the microphone with Sky Cricket for 22 years.

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The sad news comes after fellow former England players Ian Botham and David Gower also announced they were leaving Sky in recent times.

“After 22 wonderful years with Sky Cricket, I've decided the time is now right to pass on the microphone,” he wrote on social media.

“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. 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 now 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.”

Mike Atherton and David Lloyd, pictured here in discussion during the first Test between Sri Lanka and England in 2018.
Mike Atherton and David Lloyd in discussion during the first Test between Sri Lanka and England in 2018. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Cricket world pays tribute to David Lloyd

Sky said in a statement: “Lloyd had been a star of the Sky Cricket commentary box for over two decades, with an extraordinary ability to inform and entertain in equal measure.

“Bumble also played a huge role helping Sky launch Twenty20 taking cricket to new audiences in 2003 – a format that has changed the sport forever.

“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.”

Lloyd played nine Tests and eight one-day internationals for England between 1973 and 1980, and he coached the team from 1996 to 1999.

Last month he issued an apology after Azeem Rafiq said the 74-year-old was a "closet racist" after he made disparaging comments about Asian cricketers in 2020.

Rafiq named Lloyd in his testimony about a culture of widespread racism at his county club Yorkshire.

Sky had said they would be investigating Lloyd's comments.

with agencies

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