Fred Trueman RIP
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 8:20 pm
My interest in cricket began in 1963 when all the talk was of the West Indian fast bowlers, Hall and Griffith, compared to an ageing Trueman and Statham.
As it happened Fred bowled magnificently and was the best individual bowler in that series and became an instant hero to a little boy, yours truly.
The following year, 1964, he became the first bowler to take 300 test wickets which, at the time, was considered an amazing feat.
Fred finished in test cricket the following year after playing against New Zealand when another hero of mine from schooldays, one JA Snow Old Blue, made his test debut.
After retirement from playing Fred joined the team on Test Match Special and was an astute observer on the game even if latterly he became a slight caricature of himself.
A sad day overshadowed by England's inevitable capitulation in the football.
As it happened Fred bowled magnificently and was the best individual bowler in that series and became an instant hero to a little boy, yours truly.
The following year, 1964, he became the first bowler to take 300 test wickets which, at the time, was considered an amazing feat.
Fred finished in test cricket the following year after playing against New Zealand when another hero of mine from schooldays, one JA Snow Old Blue, made his test debut.
After retirement from playing Fred joined the team on Test Match Special and was an astute observer on the game even if latterly he became a slight caricature of himself.
A sad day overshadowed by England's inevitable capitulation in the football.