Колин Милберн: Англия крикетшісінің өмірі мен трагедиясы

English cricketer

Colin Milburn (23 October 1941 – 28 February 1990) was an English cricketer, who played in nine Test matches for England, before an accident led to the loss of much of his sight and prompted his retirement. Cricker writer Colin Bateman commented, "he was a clean, natural hitter of the ball who had an infectious zest for the game and life". Bateman added, "he hit the ball with the strength of a lumberjack and he had the courage of a lion, but he was no Neanderthal clubber".

In 1960, Milburn signed for Northamptonshire because they offered 10 shillings a week more than Warwickshire. He soon made a name for himself with his forceful strokeplay and useful medium paced bowling, backed up by a larger than life, gregarious and convivial personality. By 1963 he was being talked about for the England team, but an indifferent game for Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) against Frank Worrell's West Indians meant he was passed over. He also taught PE during the off season at Cherry Orchard SM School in Northampton, just about a mile from the site of his later accident.

Milburn had a reputation as an all or nothing batsman, sparkling centuries alternating with indifferent scores, but by 1966 he had forced himself back into the Test reckoning. Selected for the First Test against the West Indies, he had the most ignominious start for an opener, run out for a first innings duck. Milburn was called up in an emergency to reinforce the MCC touring party in Pakistan. He scored a spectacular 139 in the Karachi Test in March 1969, before it was abandoned because of rioting. It was his highest Test score in what would prove to be his final Test innings.

Returning to Northampton for the 1969 season, Milburn started out with 158 against Leicestershire. On 23 May, he was returning home when he was involved in a motor accident. This cost him the sight of his left eye, the lead eye for a right handed batsman. His right eye was also damaged. Taking as an example the Nawab of Pataudi, who had resumed his career after suffering eye damage, Milburn harboured thoughts of a comeback. On 8 January 1971, The Times reported his retirement, but Milburn did return in 1973 and 1974. However, he was a shadow of his former self, and these games did little beyond reducing his career batting average.

Milburn continued in league cricket, and went into the world of coaching youngsters, after dinner speaking, public appearances and radio commentary. However, on 28 February 1990, he collapsed with a heart attack in Newton Aycliffe and died in the ambulance on the way to hospital. His funeral was attended by hundreds, including ex players and fans, with Ian Botham one of the pallbearers. Nicknamed "Ollie" in reference to Oliver Hardy. Milburn never married. He is buried at Burnopfield. He was a subject of the television programme This Is Your Life in April 1970.

In his cricket themed autobiography Fatty Batter, Michael Simkins cites watching Milburn play as the start of his lifelong obsession with the game.