After Dale Steyn and Lasith Malinga another fast bowler stepped down from his calling but this time from the role of a commentator. Michael Holding also known as Whispering Death for his brutal fast bowling called it a day for commentary after 20 long years at the sacred job of storytelling.
He served Sky Sports as a commentator and broadcaster for almost 20 long years. With the continuously growing number of cricket games and his age catching up, Holding realized that it will be in the best interest of his health to step down from the job that has forged his alter ego after a rippling cricketing career.
Michael Holding left an enviable legacy of cricket and commentary in the wake of his farewell
Holding represented West Indies in 60 Test matches and 102 ODIâs that saw him snap up 391 international wickets. These figures are just a façade of the destruction that he was capable of inflicting. More than the wickets, he was hellbent on hurting batters with rib-wreckers and nasty sweet-chin-music.
He spawned quite a few controversies with his commentary in the BBC Podcast. He was also heard quoting, âIn the Caribbean, Iâve been called biased before: âHe doesnât like Trinidad, he doesnât like people from Antigua, he doesnât like no one from Guyanaâ. After a while, although these people donât like what I say, they respect what I am saying. So, I donât worry much about that [public opinion].â
The West Indian explained why he chose to step down from commentary
He already dropped a few hints hither and yon since April 2020 about bidding adieu to his commentary career. He cited, âI 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.â
He was also one of the major criticizers of George Floydâs death as his famous monologue on Sky Sports grabbed a lot of attention. He was an absolute alien to bigotry or priggishness of any sort. His iconic baritone in the commentary box will definitely be missed.
Twitter bowed down in respect as another legend stepped down from the mantle of greatness.
Michael Holding has retired from cricket commentary after more than 30 years in broadcasting.
Holding worked for Sky Sports for more than 20 years having retired from playing in 1987 with 391 international wickets. pic.twitter.com/mS34J4LMF3— Anmar Goodridge-Boyce (@anmargboyce) September 15, 2021
One of the greatest commentators of all time, and one of the finest voices the game has ever heard..end of a great innings..sad to see him call it a day..the man has been all class! #MichaelHolding pic.twitter.com/VqowZu1B9O
— Hemant (@hemantbuch) September 15, 2021
The great Michael Holding is to retire from cricket commentary. Sad news as he's been commentating as long as I've been watching. He was one of the games greatest fast bowlers, but will now also go down as one of its greatest commentators. That voice will be missed #Cricket pic.twitter.com/wNddeC4Ykc
— Dominic J Brown ð°ðŸðª (@DomJBrown) September 15, 2021
I always love to watch test cricket in England regardless of which team is playing, and Michael holding voice always adds more beauty in the match, Absolute legend#Cricket pic.twitter.com/miSp6UySad
— Arsalan Siddique (@Sportsjourno01) September 15, 2021
Michael Holding didnât have majorly quotable lines, but his words were never wasted & he was never anything other than himself even when pressured to be otherwise.
Never more so than in âWhy We Kneel, How We Riseâ, a work that will only become more important as the years go by. pic.twitter.com/SSuZyRlrwK
— Nakul Pande (@NakulMPande) September 15, 2021
"Mooorning everyoneâ
ââŠRons.â
Former West Indies legend and one of our childhood favourites Michael Holding has announced his retirement as a cricket commentator. He served Sky Sports for almost 20 years. He will be missed! pic.twitter.com/5bnVTJYyAD
— Farid Khan (@NotFareed) September 15, 2021
Michael Holding. Incredible bowler. Superb commentator. An inspiration. Writer of an incredibly important book.
Happy retirement sir. Terrific spell. pic.twitter.com/CaVe5UMFHH
— Cricket Badger #ENGvIND #IPL2021 (@cricket_badger) September 15, 2021
What a mountain of a man Michael Holding is. Richie Bennaud levels of sadness at the news he's retiring from cricket commentary. That voice will be hugely missed. pic.twitter.com/mr0Qp5zaOs
— Tasker (@Mr_Tasker) September 15, 2021
We may not have gotten to see him play in his heyday, but his voice & analysis have made an indelible impact on cricket enthusiasts all over the globe.
Happy retirement to Michael Holding, it won't be the same without you in the comm box. pic.twitter.com/r8wXH1klw2
— Change of Pace (@ChangeofPace414) September 15, 2021
My fab 4 is broken ð Happy retirement Michael Holding. pic.twitter.com/MV0A46e6tw
— MKðµð° (@kazmi12_) September 15, 2021
https://twitter.com/thecricketmen/status/1438152143073071104
