'Great storyteller and entertainer' - Cricket fraternity reacts as David Lloyd bids farewell to commentary

Cricketer-turned-commentator David Lloyd (called Bumble popularly) had officially announced his retirement from Sky Sports. While he started his career behind the microphone in 1999, he went on to become a mainstay of their cricket coverage team. As a matter of fact, he was one of the most loved commentators, and had a charismatic voice.

From the commentary box, ‘Bumble’ has been a part of several iconic moments. Some of them include the iconic eight-fer by Stuart Broad during the Ashes 2015, as well as the Carlos Brathwaite onslaught against Ben Stokes, during the ICC T20 WC 2016 final.

Following the introduction of the T20 format in 2003, the former English player was known as the voice of T20 cricket on Sky. The former English coach took to Twitter to announce his decision. In the tweet, he also cherished some of his memories which he shared alongside several legends.

After 22 wonderful years, I’ve decided the time is now right to pass on the microphone: David Lloyd

“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” read his Tweet. Towards the end of his tweet, the veteran commentator said that he has now left the Sky box in the capable hands of a few of his colleagues.

“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.” Sky Sports Cricket acknowledged his contributions, and thanked him for his service as well.

Here is how cricketers reacted to David Lloyd’s retirement

Still my favourite, looking back at the way you commentated when I was bowling still gives me goosebumps amazing memories…. All the best Legend , May God bless you and your family all the best .

— Tino95 (@tinobest) December 21, 2021

Oh this is sad. Such a great story teller and entertainer in the commentary box. #wallop https://t.co/C4dRToeR4S

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) 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

My fav! You’ll be missed Bumble! Legend 🐐 🎤 https://t.co/k4VtKaM5Gm

— Danielle Wyatt (@Danni_Wyatt) December 21, 2021

You were/are awesome! 🙏🏽

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 21, 2021

Hearing cricket just won’t be the same 😢

A man who helped me, gave me advice and welcomed me when I got the privilege to work with him 🙌🏻

Thank you @BumbleCricket 🥰 https://t.co/r7XKv3PeMs

— Kate Cross (@katecross16) 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

Congratulations Bumble on a fantastic career and for bringing so much entertainment to our tv’s. Happy retirement 👍🏻 #legend https://t.co/d7G0WratLk

— Rikki Clarke (@RikkiClarke81) December 21, 2021

Thanks for making cricket so fun and interesting Bumble. I've absolutely loved listening to you. You will be missed. Enjoy the next chapter.

— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) December 21, 2021

“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,” read the Sky Sports Cricket response. “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,” it added.

Serval Twitter uses reacted to this news by congratulating him on his successful commentary career. As he’s one of the most celebrated voices of cricket, many fans perceived this as bad news. Thus, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the commentary panel won’t be the same without the 74-year-old.