David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd: Legendary commentator expecting Ashes arm wrestle as part of Seven’s broadcast team

Former England Test opener David Lloyd knows exactly what dangers await the current crop of touring batsmen when the Ashes begin with the West Test at Optus Stadium on November 21.

Lloyd, a left-hander, was famously struck in the abdominal protector at the WACA Ground in the 1974-75 Ashes by menacing Australian paceman Jeff Thomson.

The “box” was protracted, leaving Lloyd doubled over on the WACA pitch.

The late Richie Benaud once reflected on the incident: “David Lloyd he said at a team meeting that Thomson wasn’t a worry to him. He said he could play Thomson with what is laughingly known as his appendage … and he went out and proved it.”

Better known as “Bumble”, the affable Lancastrian is also a former first-class coach and is revered as both a deep thinker and witty caller.

He told The West Australian the WACA was one of the “world’s great Test venues” and he also reflected on his famous meeting with Thommo: “The pain had gone, the swelling remained”.

“It was a very partisan crowd, which is what you want anyway. You don’t want it easy.” Lloyd said in another interview.

“If you are a visitor and you are playing international sport, you know you are going to cop something. As an opening batsman you are No. 1 target.”

The typically fast and bouncy Optus Stadium pitch is knitted from the same plot of South West clay that made the WACA famous.

Lloyd, who played nine Tests for England among 407 first-class games, joins a Seven commentary team headlined by Ricky Ponting, Stuart Broad, Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Alison Mitchell, Aaron Finch, Simon Katich, Greg Blewett and Damien Fleming.

Among Lloyd’s most memorable lines was this on former fast bowler Steve Harmison: “If this bloke’s a Test match bowler then my backside is a fire engine.”

Lloyd said a recent prediction England would win 5-0 was a big joke.

“I said I’m going to be Glenn McGrath, I’m changing from David Lloyd to Glenn McGrath. You ask Glenn McGrath the question and it’s 5-0 even if it’s a three-match series,” he said.

“It’s going to be nothing like that. It’s going to be really hard fought. You might get a 3-1 or a 3-2, and I wouldn’t know which way it’s going. I think they’re going to be evenly matched and you are going to need your A-game.”

Every ball of the Ashes will be live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.