Lives in Cricket No 30 - MJK Smith

122 once again averaged over 50. Heading the bowling averages was Norman McVicker with good support from Gibbs and Brown, now recovered from a serious shoulder injury, while the newly-signed Bob Willis gave the opening attack the sharp edge it had previously lacked. With Gibbs’ time with Warwickshire coming to an end and all four of their West Indians released to play Tests in the second half of 1973, the county was never again in contention for titles as Mike’s own career wound down. He enjoyed two years with an average still in the respectable upper-thirties, but in 1975, when David Brown took on the captaincy, Mike played in only 13 matches and retired at the end of the season. ‘Wootton Court was now established and, at the age of 42, that had to be my priority.’ The following year Mike’s contribution to cricket was recognized with the award of the OBE, for which Diana, Barbara and Carole accompanied him to Buckingham Palace. ‘Would you mind if I came back?’