ECB mourn legend Bedser

Sir Alec Bedser
12 April 2012

Former England cricketer Sir Alec Bedser has died at the age of 91.

Bedser, widely regarded as one of the finest bowlers of the post-war era, passed away on Sunday following a brief illness. The former Surrey fast bowler enjoyed an outstanding career which spanned 21 years and was knighted for his services to cricket in 1996.

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke led the tributes to Bedser, saying: "Alec Bedser deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest England bowlers of all time, a master of the craft of seam bowling and a true legend of the game."

He added: "His contribution to cricket in this country as a player and an administrator was immense and he will forever be associated with Surrey's famous County Championship-winning sides of the 1950s.

"All cricket-lovers in England and Wales will mourn his death and our deepest sympathies go to his family for their loss."

Bedser took 1,924 first-class wickets and 236 in 51 Tests for England in a career which lasted from 1949-1960.

He played two matches without taking a wicket before a seven-year break due to the Second World War. But, on his return, Bedser immediately impressed, taking over 100 wickets in his first full season at Surrey.

He was swiftly selected for England, making his debut aged 28 in what was only his 13th first-class match and taking 11 wickets against India.

Bedser spearheaded England's attack for most of the following decade, helping them to Ashes victory in 1953.

Before his death he was the last man alive to have taken the wicket of Australian legend Donald Bradman - something he did six times, more than any other cricketer. Bedser, who remains one of England's greatest ever bowlers, twice dismissed Bradman for a duck.

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