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Gloucestershire saddened to hear former BBC journalist, Bob Hunt, has died aged 70

2 May 2024

Words by Ian Randall

Gloucestershire Cricket is saddened to hear long serving BBC commentator, Bob Hunt, has passed away aged 70.

Bob began covering Gloucestershire CCC in one-day cricket long before the glory years of the late 1990's and early 2000's, a spell that saw the club win six finals at Lord's. 

He became the voice of the BBC's ball by ball Championship coverage of the club in 2012, and held the role for eight years through until 2019, Gloucestershire's promotion season from Division 2. 

Bob retired due to ill health in 2020 but over more than 30 years his on-air presence was distinctive, mixing his passion for the game with a sense of humour that was never far from the surface. His jovial personality and length of time covering Gloucestershire made him well known to players and supporters alike.

The BBC's current Gloucestershire Cricket commentator, Ed Seabourne, said: "Bob was my guide through my initial tentative steps into the world of cricket broadcasting, right from my debut in a BBC commentary box. I am utterly convinced that his kind words about me that day are the reason I'm now in the position I am, and I remember vividly him calling me up the night before my first day as a lead commentator to make doubly sure I knew what I had to do to get the broadcast on air.

"Enjoyment was the best lesson he could have taught me. His enthusiasm allowed you to ride its wave both when working with him and listening to him. His sense of the surreal and the farcical, and his seemingly innate ability to tell stories made his broadcasts some of the most pleasurable I've ever listened to, and I'm proud to have been able to call him not just a mentor figure but a colleague."

The thoughts of everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket are with Bob's family and friends at this time.

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