Mike Procter, RIP

Another sporting figure from my youth has passed away - Mike Procter, a South African cricketer who came to play for Gloucestershire in 1968. As the Guardian obituary says, "In 1968 overseas players were allowed to adorn the English game and Gloucestershire promptly signed up Procter". Those were the years when I saw a great deal of county cricket, partially under the influence of my friend Robert, whose father played for Gloucestershire and might even have captained them that year.

Mike was an all-rounder: a good batsman but also a fiery opening bowler. He had a peculiar style of delivery that always seemed to compose of no-balls, as the ball left his hand whilst his stance was on 'the wrong leg'. I remember watching his bowling from the members' enclosure via binoculars: it was truly frightening.

Mike came to prominence in the years when South Africa was banned from international cricket, so he only managed to play a few test matches before the ban came into operation. Otherwise I have no doubt that he would have become one of the greatest all-rounders of his time, if not of all time.

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