Cowdrey, (Michael) Colin (1932–2000)
English cricketer. An orthodox but elegant right-handed batsman and a brilliant slip fielder, who when his international career ended in 1975 held the record for both the most runs and catches in test match cricket. He scored 42,719 first class runs between 1950 and 1976, a career total that only 12 players have exceeded.
Career highlights
Test cricket (1954–75)
appearances: 114; runs: 7,624; average: 44.06; not out: 15; 100s: 22; best: 182 (v. Pakistan 1962); catches: 120
All first-class cricket (1950–76)
appearances: 692; runs: 42,719; average: 42.89; 100s: 107; best: 307 (v. Victoria 1962); catches: 638
Awards
Wisden Cricketer of the Year
1956
He captained England in 27 Tests between 1959 and 1969, providing the team with solid if not inspirational leadership. He also captained Kent from 1957 to 1971, and in 1970 he led the team to its first County Championship title for 57 years.
| He was president of the MCC in 1986–87, and an influential member of the International Cricket Council until 1993. He received a knighthood in 1992 for his services to cricket. In 1997 he became Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge. His eldest son Chris also captained Kent and won six England caps, 1984–86, and another son, Graham, also played for Kent. |
