Home Latest Barry Richards leads tributes to South Africa’s ‘cricket big’ Procter – Times of India

Barry Richards leads tributes to South Africa’s ‘cricket big’ Procter – Times of India

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Barry Richards leads tributes to South Africa’s ‘cricket big’ Procter – Times of India

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NEW DELHI: Barry Richards, a longtime pal and teammate, expressed his condolences for the late former South African all-rounder Mike Procter, who handed away on the age of 77 close to Durban on Saturday, describing his departure because the lack of an enormous within the cricket world.

“We were part of each other’s lives,” stated Richards of his 65-year friendship with Procter.

Richards and Procter, recognised as amongst South Africa’s best cricketers, competed in opposition to one another of their college days and later joined forces, representing Natal province and South Africa in junior and worldwide cricket collectively.

“Anyone who played for Natal, Rhodesia and Gloucestershire in the 1960s and 70s knew that they were in the presence of a genius,” stated Richards.

Procter and Richards joined forces in 4 Tests, taking part in pivotal roles for South Africa as they secured victories in all 4 matches in opposition to Australia in 1969-70. Unfortunately, their worldwide careers have been curtailed as a result of worldwide isolation ensuing from South Africa’s apartheid coverage.

Vintcent van der Bijl, who fashioned a devastating new ball partnership for Natal with Procter, described his former team-mate as “the most unpretentious great cricketer I knew.”

Van der Bijl, a former International Cricket Council head of umpires and match referees, stated Procter was “a warrior on the field”.

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“He played the game tough and yet amateur in spirit. He used to end every pre-game session by saying, ‘Let’s go and have some fun.’ He played the game as it should always be played. It was a real privilege to play with and against him.”

Procter was South Africa’s first coach when that interval of worldwide isolation led to 1991.

Fast bowler Allan Donald made his worldwide debut underneath him.

“I learned a lot from him. Just to listen to him was an experience. He made me aware of what was needed to have the mentality of a fast bowler,” he stated.

Ali Bacher, former managing director of South African cricket, captained Procter within the collection in opposition to Australia.

“He was one of the most outstanding cricketers that South Africa has produced. He bowled fast, swinging deliveries and as a batsman was good enough to have batted at number five for any country in the world,” he stated.

Cricket South Africa president Rihan Richards described Procter as “not just a giant on the field but a beacon of hope and inspiration off it.”

Dolphins Cricket, previously the Natal Cricket Union, stated in an announcement that Procter’s “legacy will endure as an inspiration for generations to come.”

“His career as a world-class cricketer was outstanding, his leadership prowess was noteworthy and his role as a cricket administrator and coach was remarkable.”

Gloucestershire County Cricket Club introduced it could fly its flag at half-mast till the beginning of the English county season as a tribute to the person who performed in 482 matches for the membership and was captain from 1977 to 1981.

(With inputs from AFP)

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