Jim Laker was one of my sterner critics at the start of my career. He had me down as a dilettante, flash harry hitter with no great talent. Fast forward to a Cavaliers Tour to West Indies. We were playing against an “Island” side which was rated officially as a “First Class Fixture”. Both sides wanted to win so there were no giveaway runs. One of the opposing bowlers was no less than the great left arm spinner Valentine. I was in top form, down the pitch one moment, right back and spearing the off-side field the next. If it was not 100 it was certainly in the 80s or 90s and not out. Back in the pavilion I suddenly sensed Jim at my elbow. “I just thought you would like to know,” he said "but that was the best innings I have ever seen.” Wow! Praise indeed.
It was at a party given by the New Zealand Captain Harry Cave in 1959 that the England team members present were invited to watch some home movies coverage of the England v New Zealand Test at Lord’s the previous summer. The very first frames were slow motion shots of Tony Lock which graphically revealed the very bent bowling arm and then the dramatic straightening, i.e. a rank “throw”. It was common knowledge that Lock’s quicker ball was suspect but these were standard deliveries. England team mates erupted into laughter and loud jeers, albeit in a jovial manner overall. The moment passed but the next morning at net practice it was a very chastened and hang dog Tony Lock who at first refused to bowl. He was mortified by what he had seen the evening before. When he finally gave in to Peter May’s cajoling, he bowled very slow lollipop balls, not worthy of a Junior Colts school match. That he went on to break bowling records in a long stint with Western Australia is testament to his innate skills. He was bowling much slower and the umpires were satisfied with his action.
Memory added on February 2, 2021
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