Mike Procter |Biography of Mike Procter

Mike Procter, the legendary allrounder and the inaugural coach of South Africa’s post-Apartheid era, passed away at the age of 77 due to complications arising from heart surgery.

Born in South Africa, Procter’s cricketing prowess shone bright despite the challenges posed by his nation’s sporting isolation during the tumultuous years of the 1970s and 1980s. His international career was limited to just seven Tests, all against Australia in 1966-67 and 1969-70, where he showcased his exceptional talent, claiming 41 wickets at a remarkable average of 15.02. Procter’s unique chest-on action, delivering the ball from unconventional angles, baffled batsmen and cemented his status as one of his country’s greatest players.

Notably, Procter played a pivotal role in South Africa’s triumph in six out of his seven Test appearances, with his standout performance being a remarkable 6 for 73 in the second innings of his final Test, contributing to a resounding 323-run victory.

Beyond his international exploits, Procter’s career flourished in domestic cricket. Representing teams such as Natal, Rhodesia, and notably Gloucestershire, where he spent 14 seasons from 1968 to 1981, Procter left an indelible mark. During his tenure with Gloucestershire, he amassed 14,441 runs at an average of 36.19 and claimed 833 wickets at an impressive average of 19.56.

One of his most memorable moments came during the Benson & Hedges Cup semi-final in 1977 when he snatched four wickets in five balls, dismantling Hampshire’s formidable batting lineup. His stellar performance propelled Gloucestershire to victory in the final, adding to their triumph in the Gillette Cup final of 1973.

Procter’s achievements earned him recognition as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1970 and a place in cricketing history for hitting six consecutive sixes off Somerset’s Dennis Breakwell in 1979.

Following South Africa’s readmission to international cricket, Procter transitioned to coaching, leading the national team’s return to Test cricket and guiding them through the 1992 World Cup campaign. Despite facing challenges, including a controversial defeat in the World Cup semi-finals, Procter’s leadership laid a foundation for South African cricket.

In later years, Procter served as an ICC match referee and South Africa’s convenor of selectors, contributing to the sport’s governance and development. His legacy extends beyond the boundary, leaving an indelible mark on South African cricket.

Mike Procter’s passing leaves a void in the cricketing world, but his contributions and achievements will forever be cherished. He is survived by his wife Maryne and two daughters, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations of cricketers to come.