Lives in Cricket No 30 - MJK Smith

82 to pretend that he might win the Cardiff seat – while Cowdrey was reported to be uncertain to tour, The Cricketer citing ‘family reasons’ for his reluctance to commit himself. Cowdrey had, in any case, just been dropped from the England team, though he was to return at The Oval and make an unbeaten 93. With the election eventually called for 15 October, the unsuccessful Tory in Cardiff South East was able to join the team, which Dexter duly did as vice-captain, a post in which he gave Mike unswerving support. MCC set off on a mission where few commentators expected success. The South Africans had drawn a series in Australia the previous winter, and several of that side had given notice of talent that was to blossom on the world stage. The Pollock brothers, Eddie Barlow, Colin Bland and Denis Lindsay were youngsters bursting with ability, and there remained the guiding hand of Trevor Goddard as captain. England, by contrast, had a batting line-up heavily dependent on Barrington and Dexter, with hopes that Geoff Boycott would build on promise shown in the recent Ashes series, but runs would also be needed from Parfitt, a largely unproven Barber, wicketkeeper Parks and the captain. Titmus and Allen were spinners of quality who might Triumphant in South Africa The MCC side which toured South Africa in 1964/65, winning the Test series 1-0. Back row (l to r): P.H. Parfitt, J.T. Murray, J.M. Brearley, G. Boycott, R.N.S. Hobbs. Middle row: R.I.A. Nicholas (physiotherapist), J.S.E. Price, N.I. Thomson, D.J. Brown, R.W. Barber, T.W. Cartwright, M.McLellan (baggage manager). Front row: D.A. Allen, K.F. Barrington, D.B. Carr (manager), M.J.K. Smith (capt), E.R. Dexter, F.J. Titmus, J.M. Parks (wk).