Our dear old thing: Cricket waves goodbye to Henry Blofeld, one of the great commentators

England’s victory in the final and deciding Test match of their series against the West Indies seemed almost to play second fiddle to the last commentary of the legendary Henry Blofeld.

The 77-year-old, who has been with the BBC since 1972, has become one of Test Match Special’s most famous voices in his many years on the airwaves.

Allelujah! The sun is shining for what looks as if it will be my last day commentating with TMS. Let’s hope for a humdinger of a finish!

— Henry Blofeld (@blowersh) September 9, 2017

And during the afternoon’s play at Lord’s he rounded off his commentary career to the applause of thousands in the ground, and many more outside it.

Fairwell to a @bbctms legend – The one and only @blowersh signs off from his final radio commentary broadcast pic.twitter.com/zAqYeyH9QC

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 9, 2017

One of the many quirks of Blowers’ commentary has been his ability to describe the game using every tiny detail, from the comings and goings of buses, to the behaviour of pigeons.

We’ll miss you @blowersh, you dear old thing. pic.twitter.com/tXNpDyZ6w0

— Greg James (@gregjames) September 9, 2017

His brightly coloured clothing, despite his appearing on the radio, also became part of his legend, as well as his fondness for addressing people as: “My dear old thing.”

Listening to TMS. Blowers final innings. A marvellous contribution to cricket and the red trouser wearing community. Legend.

— Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) September 8, 2017

Just woke up in San Francisco to hear Blowers commentate on his last ever ball. Britain not the same without him ??#TMS

— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) September 9, 2017

You’ll be pleased to know Blowers was well fed on his final day in front of the microphone.

As it’s his last Test, Lord’s have delivered @blowersh his favourite for lunch – lobster thermidor! pic.twitter.com/uxwXc6jQPh

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) September 9, 2017

And he rounded off the day with a lap of honour, richly deserved.

Rarely seen such goodwill for anyone in cricket as Blowers is getting as he walks round Lord’s.

— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) September 9, 2017

Blowers is doing a lap of honour at Lord’s. This is superb.

— Tim Peach (@TimPeachBBC) September 9, 2017

Should you wish to watch his final stint as a commentator, the BBC posted it in its entirety to their Facebook page – Blofeld takes his seat at around 1:30.