BBC Radio cricket commentator Henry Blofeld has announced he’s retiring after 45 years working on Test Match Special.
Known to audiences as ‘Blowers’, the 77 year old will step down after the England v West Indies test match in early September.
Henry became a sports journalist in the 1960s, before joining TMS in 1972. He has also written for newspapers including The Times, The Guardian, The Independent and the Sunday Express.
Alongside working for the BBC, he was involved in cricket commentary for Sydney’s 2UE and sister stations and also commentated on matches in New Zealand for TVNZ.
He said: “All good things come to an end. After nearly fifty 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. 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. The one thing I don’t want to do more than anything, is for my incompetence to let TMS down.
“You haven’t heard my final My Dear Old Thing quite yet. Happily, I shall be commentating next month on the first two Tests against South Africa, and then for the last one of the summer against the West Indies at Lord’s. I leave, supremely confident that TMS is in the safest of hands, led by the ageless Aggers. In the end, I think he will come to be seen as the best of the lot. 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.”
Test Match Special broadcasts on BBC Radio 4 LW and BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra
Watch Blowers’ announcement published on his website:
Here’s some early reaction from colleagues and fans:
The end of an era as @blowersh bows out of @bbctms. Just a joy to listen to over the years. Will be missed. @bbc5live
— Rachel Burden (@rachelburden) June 23, 2017
Nooooooooooooooo!
Terrible news. One of the greatest cricket commentators in history.
Thank you, Blowers. https://t.co/1berNNjVTr— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 23, 2017
Just been told all Pigeons will hold a minutes silence today at 11 to honour @blowersh retirement announcement …. #MyDearOldThing
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 23, 2017
No one has conveyed the richness and the fun of cricket like Blowers. Delighted to have worked with a legend. A glorious retirement awaits! https://t.co/kHJ5OM6hVl
— Eleanor Oldroyd (@EllyOldroyd) June 23, 2017
@SofalaValeria We'll miss you Blowers, partic the colour you bring, but glad we get a few more Tests with you yet ? ? pic.twitter.com/uhOiZ4Cu6c
— AlisonMitchell (@AlisonMitchell) June 23, 2017
Summer's voice. Can't tell you how much help, advice, entertainment & friendship Blowers has given me. Dear old thing. ❤️ https://t.co/2Vr3NoxeTB
— Charles Dagnall (@CharlesDagnall) June 23, 2017
