1969

The editor opened up the 1969 edition with a grim message: "At a time when we admire the American astronauts who encircled the moon on Christmas Day, we have to record ... the petty squabbles of men on earth." He was referring to the Basil D'Oliveira Affair, when England cancelled their tour of South Africa after their government indicated that D'Oliveira would not be welcome because of his colour. Michael Melford, in his assessment of the situation, described the English game as "caught up in a whirlpool of acrimony and political argument such as it can seldom have known before". Away from the controversy, Colin Cowdrey, Brian Statham and Trevor Bailey received tributes.
Editor Norman Preston
Pages 1055
Price 25 shillings

Notes by the Editor

An exasperating year, 1969

Benefits and testimonials in 1969

T. W. Graveney and more

Brian Statham - Gentleman George

Sometimes he bowled too superbly, 1969

M.C. Cowdrey — centurion and captain courteous

One by one the records have gone down before him, 1969

T. E. Bailey — resolute and impenitent

More than a cricketer of monumental achievement, 1969

The D'Oliveira case

Cancellation of South African tour, 1969

The heritage of our cricket grounds

The mighty halls of the game, 1969

Watery reflections from Australia

Poor pitches and the throwing debate, 1969

Yorkshire the top county

Their post-war history, 1969

Australians in England, 1968

Report | Matches

India in Australasia, 1967–68

Report | Matches

India in New Zealand, 1967–68

Report | Matches

M.C.C. in West Indies, 1967–68

Report | Matches