JONATHAN AGNEW will step down from his role as the BBC’s Cricket correspondent in the summer.

The 64-year-old has been at the helm of the Beeb’s cricket coverage for a whopping 33 YEARS following his appointment as Christopher Martin-Jenkins’ successor.

But the former Leicestershire ace has decided now is the time to move on to pastures new.

His fans, however, will still get to hear his unique and entertaining insight on the BBC‘s Test Match Special for the next four years.

He said: “I am really delighted that I shall continue to present Test Match Special for the next four years.

“It is a unique programme of which I am immensely proud, and means so much to so many people.

“However, this does seem the right time for me to step back from my role as BBC cricket correspondent.

“This summer, my 34th in the post, will be my last.

“In a quickly changing cricket landscape, it is time for fresh legs to cover the daily duties, leaving me to focus entirely on TMS.”

Cricket fans up and down the nation were quick to react to the news on social media.

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One said: “Fantastic news for any cricket fan to have Jonathan leading the TMS team covering the sport for the next four years at least.”

Another said: “Excellent journalist that really understands the sport and its listeners.”

And another said: “I’m happy to hear that Jonathan Agnew has signed a new four-year deal with the BBC.

“Whatever your views are on the BBC, their Summer cricket RADIO coverage is simply the best.”

One remarked: “The voice of cricket that bloke, could listen to him talking about absolutely anything.”

It’s not clear if Agnew will continue his commentary duties after the expiration of his new four-year deal.

The expiration of Agnew’s contract coincides with the end of the BBC’s current exclusive radio broadcast deal for all international and domestic cricket in England and Wales.