Boycott confirms BBC departure
CRICKET
SIR Geoffrey Boycott has confirmed his 14-year spell on Test Match Special is over after the BBC left him off a list of on-air talent published on Thursday.
The 79-year-old former England batsman said he would have been interested in continuing but added that the coronavirus pandemic had essentially made the decision for him following his recent quadruple heart by-pass.
Writing on social media, Boycott said: “I would like to thank @bbctms @BBCSport for a wonderful 14 years. 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.
“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 added that he was the “wrong age” to be working in confined spaces due to social distancing regulations.
Meanwhile, the BBC will show highlights from England’s Test and one-day international fixtures this summer.
England will play a three-match behindclosed-doors Test series against the West Indies next month, with games against Pakistan, Australia and Ireland scheduled for later in the summer but awaiting confirmation.
The highlights programme - fronted by
World Cup winner
Isa Guha - will be on BBC2.
In taking over from Channel 5, it will be the first time Test cricket in England has featured on the channel since 1998.
Michael Vaughan,
Phil Tufnell and Sir Alastair Cook will provide analysis.
The BBC’s director of sport Barbara Slater said: “We are delighted to welcome back Test match cricket highlights to BBC TV.
“Along with broadcasting some of the best classic matches from over the decades, the coverage will provide the perfect mix for cricket fans this summer.”