Famous Cricketers No 69 - G. Boycott

Introduction Undoubtedly the most controversial cricketer of his, or perhaps any other generation, Boycott is still making headlines, although it is over 13 years since he last batted for Yorkshire. Has there ever been a more single-minded and resolute cricketer? Did anyone ever practise harder or analyse the art of batting more intensely? Was there ever anyone more determined to preserve his wicket, possibly not always in the best interests of his team? Certainly more words have been written about Boycott than any other player. His best playing years were Yorkshire’s worst. In the early 1980’s the annual blood-letting and political shenanigans surfaced wearily at the end of each Yorkshire season. The one thing Boycott certainly never inspired was neutrality. You were either for him or agin’. This volume is a record of Boycott’s statistical achievements and little reference is made to the controversies that seemed permanently to surround him. Libraries of these can be found elsewhere. A biographer’s nightmare - possibly; a statistician’s delight - certainly. Immensely popular with the general public, (who can possibly forget Headingley 1977?) he has now achieved almost cult status as a commentator. Twenty minutes ago I sadly watched Tufnell edge a catch to Cullinan and England had been bowled out yet again on a flat track, this time for just 126. Boycott was once dropped by England for scoring 246 too slowly. Anyone repeating that today would probably get a knighthood. He bridged the last great age of English batsmen - from Cowdrey, Graveney, Barrington and Edrich, through to Gower, Gooch, Botham and Gatting. How we could do with their like today. 4