England great Geoffrey Boycott announced on Friday that his lengthy run as a commentator on BBC Radio’s Test Match Special (TMS) had come to an end.
The 79-year-old Boycott, who was left off a list of on-air talent published by the BBC ahead of the rescheduled Test series at home to the West Indies, said he would have been interested in continuing.
But he explained the coronavirus had made the decision for him following a recent quadruple heart by-pass.
“I would like to thank @bbctms @BBCSport for a wonderful 14 years,” Boycott told his Twitter followers.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed it and just love cricket with a passion. I also wish to thank all those that have said how much they have enjoyed my commentary and for those that haven’t – too bad.”
The former Yorkshire and England opening batsman added: “My contract with BBC finished end of last summer. I would loved to continue but need to be realistic & honest with myself.
“Covid-19 has made the decision for both of us.”
Boycott also explained he was the “wrong age” to be working in confined spaces at a time of social-distancing regulations.
Boycott was knighted last year. He had previously been criticised for saying he would been more likely to receive the award had he “blacked up” while claiming honours were given to West Indian cricketers “like confetti”.
