Lives in Cricket No 42 - Frank and George Mann

102 Captaincy Decisions MCC had not yet appointed a captain for the tour to Australia in the northern winter of 1950/51, but Norman Yardley, England captain for the first two Tests against the West Indies, declined their invitation during the Second Test for ‘business and family reasons’. Despite the fact that George had already turned down the opportunity twelve months earlier, MCC turned again to him in the hope that his recent appearances for Middlesex indicated that he might be having a change of heart, and the demands of business were less than anticipated, so that he could tour after all. He received a letter from Ronald Aird, assistant secretary of MCC, headed ‘M.C.C. Tour to Australia and New Zealand, 1950/51’ and dated 6 July: I am instructed by the M.C.C. Committee to invite you to captain the M.C.C. team to Australia during the coming winter. It is realised that you may wish to consult certain people before giving a definite answer but as the time factor is important it is hoped that you will be able let us know your decision as soon as possible. I need hardly say that the M.C.C. Committee hope very much that you will accept their invitation.’ Three days later MCC issued a statement from Lord’s disclosing that George had been invited to accept the post of captaincy of the MCC team which would leave for Australia in September. Later the same day a second statement revealed that he had been unable to accept the invitation, saying that: ‘It has been an extremely hard decision and there is nothing which I would personally have loved more than to lead England in Australia. I have been compelled to turn down the offer purely for business reasons. In fairness to my firm I do not think it is right I should go away.’ The next Into the sunlight. George and Margaret Mann leaving the church in Parktown, Johannesburg after their wedding on 1 December 1949.