Greatest influence on Cricket by a non Test player

[Malleeboy]

Reading the Grace v Bradman post, made me think of who was the greatest influence on cricket never to have played the game at the highest level.

My initial suggestion would be....

Kerry Packer.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Not the greatest, but a definite influence - John Buchanan.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Packer's a good shout.

Maybe Thomas Lord tho?

 

[sideshowtim]

Yep, Packer without a doubt.

 

[FRAZ]

Packer !

 

[Days of Grace]

Lord Harris, back in Grace's day. But he played one or two tests, so he doesn't count, I guess.

 

[SJS]

Martha Grace

 

[Goughy]

Christina Willes

 

[Days of Grace]

Martha Grace

That is not as silly as it sounds, actually.

Grace's father, Henry (?) wouldn't be a bad nomination either.

 

[NUFAN]

Gordon Withnall, inventor of the Super Sopper.

 

[archie mac]

The Royal Navy

 

[archie mac]

Christina Willes

Although John Major throws cold water over it, I think it a great story

 

[Burgey]

Earl of Sheffield in this country had a huge influence. Not sure if he played tests though.

 

[slugger]

the NZRU (only ralitive to NZL)

 

[neville cardus]

A few, not yet mentioned, who stand out in the humble estimation of this lowly judge:

Richard Nyren
William Clarke
Heathfield Stephenson
Tom Wills
Jesse Hyde
Sir William Clarke
Palwankar Baloo
Sir Neville Cardus
Charles Alcock
Frank Roro
Rachael Heyhoe Flint

And please, people, this does not purport to be a comprehensive list, so don't behead me if I've left anyone out.

 

[bond21]

Packer.....duh

 

[Smudge]

He played test cricket, but Martin Crowe's four-stump idea for Cricket Max was revolutionary.

And extremely stupid.

 

[Craig]

The person or group of people who came up with/invented cricket IMO.

 

[neville cardus]

Packer.....duh

This is not a thread open to much authentic debate (at least not of the sort that one might encounter over at the Don-v.-Doc skirmish), but I'd be very interested to see you elaborate on that contention, providing a few reasons for it. Your response, whatever it may be, would be a useful factor in helping me to decide whether you are at all worth taking seriously, or if insipid, mulish and tediously haughty comments are truly your forte.

 

[sideshowtim]

He played test cricket, but Martin Crowe's four-stump idea for Cricket Max was revolutionary.

And extremely stupid.

Hahaha. More details?