Henry Blofeld retires amidst standing ovation at Lord's

Legendary cricket commentator, Henry Blofeld chose to hang up his boots after the 3rd Test between England and West Indies at the regal Lord’s Stadium on Saturday. The 77-year-old has given the game of cricket a voice for nearly five decades and is revered as one of the best by many. The Test match concluded with England achieving a mammoth 9-wicket victory, winning the series 2-1.

Blofeld, who is popularly known as ‘Blowers’, has been a prolific English sports journalist and was employed with the BBC as a cricket commentator for Test Match Special for more than 45 years on the trot. In his tenure, he has worked with stalwarts like John Arlott and Brian Johnston. As he signed off from the commentary box, he received a standing ovation from the Lord’s crowd, who had been listening to his voice on the earpieces.

Signs off from behind the microphone

As endearing as ever, Blofeld uttered his parting words to his profession on the microphone as he said, “I’ve got no last word because handing over to next commentator has always been an adventure for me. That ladies and gentleman is the end of it. It’s been wonderful talking to you. I will miss you something dreadful, I must try not to fall over when I hand over to the next commentary who I think is going to be Ed Smith. How lovely.”

He departed the packed TMS commentary box amidst loud cheers and an extended standing ovation from the appreciative crowd at the stadium and later went on for a lap of honour after the final Test ended. Subsequently, he was honoured by the England team in their dressing room as Joe Root presented him with a signed shirt. Earlier in the year, the famed commentator had announced the England-West Indies series as his final stint in the commentary box.

Watch the lap of honour

Here it is…

The moment @blowersh signed-off from 45 years of TMS commentary.

We'll miss him.#bbccricket pic.twitter.com/Zp1JUMDUOz

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) September 9, 2017

A wonderful gesture by the England team to honour the legend

A wonderful gesture from @englandcricket who invite @blowersh up to the dressing room! pic.twitter.com/pvzL2r5pW2

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) September 9, 2017