JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Mike Procter, a fearsome pacer and highly effective batter whose cricket profession was restricted by a global ban on South Africa due to apartheid, has died. He was 77.
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Cricket South Africa (CSA) stated in a press release Sunday that it “mourns the passing of Mike Procter, one of the game’s greatest all-rounders.”
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CSA president Rihan Richards called Procter “not only a big on the sector however a beacon of hope and inspiration off it,” including that “Procter’s career as a fast bowler, capable off-spinner, hard-hitting middle-order batter, and astute captain is etched in the annals of cricket history.”
Procter was the first man to coach his country after the post-apartheid return to international cricket for South Africa. He had been considered one of the most gifted players of his generation but was restricted to just seven test appearances — where he took 41 wickets at an average of just 15 — due to South Africa’s political isolation.
Instead he had the chance to showcase his abilities in English county cricket, where his exploits for Gloucestershire saw the club affectionately nicknamed “Proctershire” in his honor.
“Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and club legend, Mike Procter,” a press release from the county learn. “Widely thought to be one of many biggest to ever play cricket for Gloucestershire, Procter tragically died on Saturday 17 February in hospital in his hometown of Durban, South Africa.”
When the Proteas have been welcomed again into the worldwide sporting area, Procter was appointed the workforce’s head coach, guiding them by the earliest levels of their reintroduction and reaching the semifinals of the 1992 World Cup.
He later grew to become chairman of selectors and an International Cricket Council match referee.
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Source: www.hindustantimes.com
