Henry Blofeld retires after 45 years at BBC as cricket commentator

Henry Blofeld is a renowned and venerated name in the UK. He is a commentator with BBC’s “Test Match Special” for almost 45 years. On June 23, Blofeld was also known as “Blowers”, decided to call time on his illustrious career. “All good things come to an end” wrote the 77-year old on his website to announce his decision.

He is one of the legendary voices of BBC and was famous for misidentifying players at various fielding positions which added charm to his work and using the phrase “my dear old things” a lot. Blofeld went to Eton College in Windsor and was a wicket-keeper batsman for them. He was hailed as the finest of talents to play for Eton College and was destined to play for the country. But as faith would have it, he met with a dreadful accident when he was knocked off from his bicycle aged just 17 and spent 28 days in a coma. He did recover to play 17 first-class games and a List A game for Cambridge University and Norfolk but decided to switch to journalism. His best score was 138 and he alos record 3 fifties during these games.

My dear old things, all good things come to an end https://t.co/dZH6yHbKYr @bbctms

— Henry Blofeld (@blowersh) June 23, 2017

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan expressed disappointment at the decision and urged Blofeld to not quit.

No @blowersh…. Please please change your mind …. https://t.co/utZMIJ8X2t …. We need 'My Dear Old thing' for a few more years … RT

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 23, 2017

Blofeld’s commentary was loved by many but he decided to have a stint with Sky Sports for a brief while. His move to get back to the airwaves was applauded by many fans when he returned in 1994. Vaughan heaped praises on the veteran.

Many players have bought joy to thousands but I can't think of anyone who has bought more joy to the airwaves than @blowersh #MyDearOldThing

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 23, 2017

The decision will not come into effect immediately as Blofeld will commentate in the first two home Test matches of England against South Africa starting July 6 and 14 at Lord’s and Trent Bridge respectively. His last game will be the English season’s last too when the West Indies play England in the third and final Test match starting September 7 at the Lord’s.