Advertisement

Cricket commentator Henry Blofeld to leave Test Match Special after nearly 50 years

Legend: The 77-year-old has worked on TMS since 1972: Getty Images
Legend: The 77-year-old has worked on TMS since 1972: Getty Images

Henry Blofeld will retire as a BBC cricket commentator in September after more than four decades of service with Test Match Special.

The 77-year-old has worked on TMS since 1972 and is to hang up his microphone after the Lord’s Test between England and West Indies, due to take place from September 7-11.

Blofeld’s style was to talk as much about events off the field as on it but he acknowledged he was finding it more difficult than before to do the job well.

In a statement, he wrote: “After nearly 50 years in the Test Match Special commentary box, I have decided the time has come for the last of the old farts to hang up his microphone.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

“In all honesty, at the age of almost 78, although I am still rather keener than mustard, I find it harder work than I once did. And I wouldn’t want to let TMS down.

“Listeners will now be relieved to know that their chances of being told the right name of the fielders at third man and fine leg have greatly increased.

“I hope some will be sad that they will now hear less about the lifestyles of pigeons, seagulls, and helicopters although I fear the general feeling will be one of huge relief.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

“Now, I shall be able to come to the cricket without worrying about who is lurking down at third man. I shall also be able to have a drink without feeling I am being politically incorrect. And hallelujah to that.

“I leave, supremely confident that TMS is in the safest of hands, led by the ageless Aggers [BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew]. In the end, he will come to be seen as the best of the lot.”