Former West Indies Fast Bowler Michael Holding Retires From Cricket Commentary

Former West Indies speedster Michael Holding has announced his retirement from commentary, at least from international cricket. He ends his 20-year association with Sky Sports, for whom he last commentated during the recently-concluded (or not concluded) Test series between India and England.

Michael Holding’s smooth, soft, and calm voice, embracing Test cricket will be missed by fans, so will be his opinions and detailed analysis.

Speaking to the BBC, he revealed that it was his age, 67, which is the key reason for taking this decision; travelling, staying away from families, stick protocols amid the covid-19 pandemic seems to be other reasons for the legendary pacer bidding adieu to the commentary box.

“I am not too sure how much further than 2020 I will be going with commentary. I cannot see myself going much further down the road at my age. I am 66 years old now, I am not 36, 46 or 56. I told [ Sky] that I could not commit to more than a year at a time.”

“If this year gets totally destroyed, I might have to think about 2021 because I can’t just walk away from Sky, a company that has done so much good for me.”

The lanky seamer took 249 Test wickets and 142 ODI wickets in his 12-year international career for West Indies.

I think what puts people batsmen off is Bumrah’s limited run-up and his powerful strong action: Michael Holding

Michael Holding is often talked about for his comments on Jasprit Bumrah when the Indian pacer burst onto the scene. He had made reservations about Bumrah’s longevity due to his action.

However, now, he reckons, Bumrah’s action and his slow, short run-up are the aspects that make him outstanding.

Speaking to the Telegraph, the Jamaican said, “I think what puts people off [batsmen] is Bumrah’s limited run-up and his powerful strong action that produces the pace. If he had a long rhythmical run-up and bowled with the same delivery action at the same pace, batsmen would not find it as difficult. Even Jeff Thomson and Lasith Malinga had ‘different’ actions, but they had a run-up through which batsmen could get some sort of rhythm from.”

Bumrah was once again brilliant for India against England. He snapped 18 wickets in 4 Tests. His double strike in the second session on Day 5 at The Oval expedited India to victory.

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