Former England player and coach turned commentator David Lloyd has announced he’s stepping away from the Sky Sports commentary box after more than 20 years behind the microphone.
“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,” he wrote in a statement on social media.
“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.”
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Lloyd represented England in both Test match and one-day cricket, before becoming coach in 1996. He relinquished the post after the 1999 World Cup.
“Sharing a commentary box in Australia in 2013 with my broadcasting hero Bill Lawry was a real highlight,” he wrote.
“It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Ian Bishop, Ravi Shastri, Shane Warne, Shaun Pollock and Ian Smith amongst many others.
He made mention of the recent departure of Michael Holding, among others, as influences on the decision.
“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.”
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