• The Spin: listen and subscribe to our brand new podcast
In March 1966 Rothman’s and the influential agent Bagenal Harvey announce that a three-game “World Cup” will be held in September, to be contested by England, West Indies – that summer’s tourists – and an all-star Rest of the World XI to be led by the Australia captain, Bobby Simpson, with the remainder of the team chosen – obviously – by readers of the Radio Times. Sadly England’s capacity for World Cup fever is exhausted by the football version, and the three matches attract a combined audience of 13,000 to Lord’s. Having not been organised by the International Cricket Council and with teams arbitrarily selected according to convenience and sponsorial whim, this World Cup does not count towards official records. It is the only one England have won.
Continue reading...