The sad death of Sir Alec Bedser on Sunday night at the age of 91 is the passing of a true great of English cricketer. On and off the pitch, Bedser influenced English cricket for over 40 years as player, selector, and Chairman of selectors.
He didn’t make his Test debut until the age of 28 and had a bowling average of 24.89, from 51 Tests, that is an average that stands up against anyone elses in World cricket, past or present. Had it not been for illness and the outbreak of World War 2, who knows what he might have gone on to achieve.
Not an express bowler by any means, Bedser was a skilful master of his art who didn’t need pace to compete with the best, it was known at times for wicketkeepers to stand up to the stumps against him.
He enjoyed playing against greats like Garry Sobers and Don Bradman, dismissing The Don 6 times. Bradman once said Bedser “worried me more than any other Englishman.” A fitting tribute from the greatest player himself.
RIP