In this feature Martin looks at the life and times of a man for whom the great bowlers of the 1950s and early 1960s were just a warm up act for the real challenges that lay ahead
Nothing reflects an average Pakistani’s fascination with heroes better than the position of the Pakistan cricket captain, the man who in the eyes of an average Pakistani stands up to the dysfunctional and archaic institution that is the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and produces scintillating performances on the ground despite the system while their nose at the tools of control — the manager, selection committee, chairman etc. This is why this is the most coveted job in Pakistan cricket.
We are given to understand that Martin has batted on several strips of turf where, not so many years previously, Gordon Greenidge had done the same. Sadly Martin scored many runs fewer than Greenidge, but he still thought it a good excuse to write about one of the most punishing opening batsmen to have played the game
In this latest extract from Supreme Bowling, edited by Patrick Ferriday and CW’s Dave Wilson, Dave redresses the balance after unintentionally replacing Archie Mac in the previous feature. Sorry Archie!