'Too much analysis, too many commentators, too much statistics' - David Lloyd disappointed with modern-day commentary styles

David Lloyd played nine Test matches and eight ODIs for England. However, he became a household name when he began commentating for Sky Sports in 1999. Lloyd's in-depth knowledge of the game can be understood clearly from the way he speaks about it.

The 76-year-old recently revealed that he does not like the modern-day approach to commentary, where more emphasis is given on stats. According to Lloyd, commentators should focus on making the sport easier to understand for the viewers.

“Analysis. Ohhhh analysis. Nooo … I keep hearing we’re trying to simplify things, make it more watchable for people who don’t normally tune in. ‘His grip’…oh for goodness’ sake, give it a rest!” Lloyd told Telegraph.

“How many read stats out? Bloody brilliant! And they’re mainly irrelevant. It’s when they can’t describe what’s going on … read some stats. There’s a stats guy who gets paid handsomely: if there’s a stat, he’ll give it you.”

Previously, there used to be two people commentating at a time but these days there are often three commentators working together alongside a stats person. Lloyd said that he is not a fan of too many people commentating at one particular time, adding that he wants the commentators to speak as they see the action unfold and not prepare too much beforehand.

“It’s not uncommon to have nine or ten commentators, now. Too many. You can go to the pictures in the afternoon and not miss your stint," he said. “I’ll strip it right back … Never seen them (former broadcasters) with a note. Not one of them. Describe what’s going on. Next ball. Say what you see. The next delivery is not in that book that you were writing in last night.”

Silence has untold value: David Lloyd

Lloyd also stressed on the importance of not talking all the time during commentary. He pointed out a golden rule in commentary that commentators should refrain from speaking when the bowler begins his run-up.

“I listen to new commentators – fly-by-night commentators – and the golden rule is do not talk when he’s running in. If you’re talking and telling him about Jimmy five years ago in this match and off stump flies out of the ground, you’re dead in the water. Silence has untold value," he said.