South African cricket icon Mike Procter has died at the age of 77, his wife Maryna confirmed to the press after complications arose during heart surgery.
Procter, despite a brief international career, is celebrated as a Test great, having played seven Test matches against Australia. In these matches, he showcased his exceptional talent, claiming 41 wickets with a remarkable average of 15.02. His unique chest-on action and early release of the ball made him a formidable force on the field, contributing significantly to South Africa’s unbeaten streak, with six victories out of seven matches against Australia.
Beyond his bowling prowess, Procter displayed remarkable skill with the bat, notably making crucial runs during South Africa’s dominant 4-0 whitewash of Australia in 1969/1970. His remarkable contributions to South African cricket were duly recognized when Wisden named him one of their Cricketers of the Year in 1970.
Procter’s influence extended beyond his playing days. He served as South Africa’s coach upon the country’s readmission to international cricket, guiding the Proteas to the semi-finals of the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Later, he served as an ICC match referee from 2002 to 2008.
Procter’s legacy transcended borders. He played first-class cricket for 16 years, notably representing English county Gloucestershire for 14 seasons, where he achieved legendary status as both a player and captain. His exceptional talent and unwavering dedication earned him admiration and respect from teammates and opponents alike.
In his homeland, Procter made significant contributions to Natal cricket, his home province. His remarkable feat of scoring six successive centuries for Rhodesia, culminating in a career-best 254 against Western Province, remains etched in cricket history.
Mike Procter’s illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he loved. He is survived by his wife Maryna and their two children, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by cricket enthusiasts around the world.
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