There was a time when cricketers were big players – on and off the field | Matthew Engel

Dec 20, 2018

Derek Pringle’s unconventional autobiography romps through the 80s and is a reminder of a lost age – when cricket was a serious game and sociable with it

I first met Derek Pringle on 23 April 1982, St George’s Day. It can be dated exactly because the occasion is noted in Wisden: Cambridge University v Glamorgan at Fenner’s. Our conversation is reported in Pringle’s new book.

He was the dashing captain of Cambridge who had just come extremely close to leading his team to victory over a first-class county for the first time since, well, a long time. And almost wholly through his own brilliant batting. But they hadn’t won, because with five wickets down, Pringle still in and the target within reach, he started blocking for a draw.

Tags: Cricket England cricket team Essex Sport