Cricket
Two Yorkists
Alan Gibson
I have had some long and wearying journeys lately, not improved by crowded and dallying trains, frequently wet and gloomy Weather, and cricket which has only occasionally been inspiring. However, I was Pleased to go to Leeds again, for Yorkshire's match against New Zealand, and to Sit amongst a Yorkshire crowd fiercely debating the merits, as captains, of Boycott and Hampshire. Yorkshiremen are sensitive about criticism of Boycott from outside the county, but feel entitled to have a go at him themselves now and then. You may have read of the recent incident when Hampshire (who had been a very successful captain during Boycott's absence earlier in the season) ostentatiously did not try to score runs, presumably as demonstration against a very slow hundred by Boycott. This action was understandable but undoubtedly disloyal, despite which Hampshire seems to be the current favourite at the Kirkstall Lane end. I3ut I am getting bored with writing about noycott, and turn to two other famous Yorkshiremen, whose names are always sufficient to start another little argument at Leeds or any other Yorkshire ground. I am Prompted by the recent appearance of two books I Don't Bruise Easily, the autobiography of Brian Close, written in collaboration with Don Mosey (Macdonald £4.95), and Illy, a biography of Raymond billingworth by Michael Stevenson (Midas Books £3,95). Illingworth and Close are the two best Yorkshire all-rounders since the last war: both Test players, both renowned captains, nearly contemporaries. Close was born at Rawdon in 1931, Illingworth at Pudsey in 1932. Close retired from first-class cricket last year, and Illingworth intends to at the end of this season. They have spent their latter playing days in exile (though their homes have remained in Yorkshire), Close with Somerset, and Illingworth with Leicest_ershire. Close is now playing League cricket at Todmorden. (Long ago, I nearly lived at Todinorden, for my father was offered a ministry there, but the Manse overlooked a graveyard, and my parents did not fancy the idea0f my playing amongst the tombs.) The plan is that Illingworth will, next Season become 'manager' of Yorkshire. It is a e .nlatively new idea to have team managers ! county cricket, and it has yet to prove 't self There is so much responsibility on the field that cannot be taken away from the tc:113tain. We have seen on touring sides that the relationship can be a difficult one. How I apportion his duties with 1,3aoYcott? It is interesting that Lancashire have moved in the opposite direction, by giving more power to their captain, who is now sole team selector.
Close was a very successful captain of Yorkshire, although he left them under circumstances about which he still feels bitter. Illingworth was never captain of Yorkshire, except for a few times as deputy, but has done very well with Leicestershire. Leicestershire had never won anything when Illingworth went there, and Yorkshire have never won anything since Close left. As England captains, both had their critics, but I imagine Illingworth will take a high ranking, as a man who beat Australia in Australia, and drew with them at home. Close was not captain of England long enough for us to make a proper judgement, though I have some sympathy with those who feel that the way in which he lost the job, through sheer stubbornness or worse (I am a strong-minded man: You are a stubborn fellow: He is a pig-headed ass) suggests he would have got himself into some bad trouble, sooner or later. I also have some sympathy with those who say that stubbornness can be a valuable assest when you are playing Australia. You would not call Illingworth exactly pliable, and there were some unpleasant exchanges on his Australian tour, but I think he was the better captain because he realises that there are times when you need to be generous as well as obstinate. When India had at last won a rubber in this country, at the Oval, and were rejoicing, Illingworth addressed the spectators. He congratulated India very properly, the better side had won on the day, et cetera, and added, 'Of course, they had the advantage of a home crowd.' He said it with a smile, and it went down well with all the brown faces. Could Close have risen to an occasion in such a way? I rather doubt it.
The books confirm this view of the two men, though it cannot be quite fair to compare eveh an admittedly collaborative autobiography with a biography. I think the difference between the two derives from the
course their careers have taken. Close burst into glory: the double (1000 runs and 100 wickets) in his first season; chosen in 1950 for Australia, and a century in his first match there. It was too much for a temperamental boy. He had a bad tour, it took him years to make his way back, and despite a few noble efforts his innings at Lord's in 1963, when he ran down the pitch at Wesley Hall; and the way he played the West Indian fast bowlers when recalled almost at the end of his career despite these, his Test match career was not commensurate with his talents. He had had too much, too soon.
Illingworth, on the other hand, came along late. For a long time, he was not altogether sure of his place in the Yorkshire side. He fought steadily through, though he cannot, when he left Yorkshire, have envisaged himself as a future England captain. I once suggested he might be compared to a liver-fluke. The liver-fluke (variety alaria mustelae) lives inside a mammal such as a sheep. Its larva is excreted and sets up house in a water-snail. After passing through the snail it has to be eaten by a tadpole or frog, which in turn has to be eaten by a mouse, which in turn has to be eaten by a mink or weasel. It leaves the mink in due course and, all being well, is eaten by a sheep, where it breeds. Unless all these things happen to it, the fluke cannot complete its life-cycle. No parasite Illingworth, but it was only by a series of improbable chances that he became England's captain: May and Dexter had to retire early, Smith had to be judged not quite good enough, Close to have his spectacular row with the authorities, Cowdrey to injure himself, Illingworth himself had to leave Yorkshire over a contractual disagreement and Leicestershire to make him captain. He did not miss his chance.
In their contrasting ways, both these men have given much service to cricket, and much pleasure to its followers. I wish them well in their relative retirement. Of the books, Stevenson's is the better one.
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