ECB today announced that its long-serving PA announcer for international matches Johnny Dennis has been forced to retire due to illness.
An actor who has appeared in numerous stage and music hall productions as well as featuring in popular TV series such as Dr Who and The Bill, Johnny covered his first Test Match at The Oval in 1976 during England’s series against Clive Lloyd’s legendary West Indies team.
Since then Johnny has covered a further 136 Test Matches and more than 250 One Day Internationals as well as frequently fulfilling the same PA announcer’s role for Middlesex County Cricket club.
A hugely popular figure on the domestic and international cricket circuits, Johnny received the ECB’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the PCA Annual Awards Dinner in 2010.
He will be replaced for the remainder of the current international season by Graham Woodward.
ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: "Johnny Dennis has been the voice of cricket in grounds across England and Wales for 37 years. He has kept generations of cricket followers entertained and informed in his own eloquent and elegant style.
"He is a recipient of the ECB Lifetime Achievement Award and we all at ECB thank him for his service to the game and wish him well in the future. I know he will be missed by all connected with the game."