Legendary South African all-rounder Mike Procter, aged 77, breathed his last on Saturday (February 17) due to complications arising from heart surgery. Procter’s stellar cricketing career left an indelible mark on the sport, and his contributions were celebrated globally.
Procter’s remarkable stats showcase the prowess of a cricketing maestro – amassing an impressive 21,936 runs, including 48 centuries, and claiming 1,417 wickets at a remarkable average of 19.53 in 401 first-class games. A versatile all-rounder, he demonstrated exceptional skills, with 70 five-wicket hauls highlighting his bowling prowess.
While Procter’s career coincided with South Africa’s sporting isolation in the 1970s and 80s, limiting him to just seven Test appearances, he made those moments count. Facing Australia, he showcased high-quality seam bowling off the ‘wrong foot,’ claiming 41 wickets at a staggering average of 15.02. With the bat, he averaged 34.83 in his two series against Australia.
Procter’s prime years were dedicated to Gloucestershire, where he played as an overseas player for 13 successful years. His impact was profound, transforming the county’s fortunes in 1969 as he took over 100 wickets. Procter’s excellence extended to his batting, with six consecutive centuries for Rhodesia in 1970 and four first-class tons for Gloucestershire in 1971.
His cricketing prowess was acknowledged when he was named among Wisden’s five cricketers of the year in 1970. Known affectionately as “Proctershire,” he led Gloucestershire from 1977 to 1981, steering the team to victory in the Benson & Hedges Cup in 1977.
Post-retirement, Procter transitioned to the role of a match referee, though not without controversy. Notably, he was the referee at the Oval in 2006 during the infamous Pakistan ball-tampering incident and presided over the ban of Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh in 2008, a decision later overturned.
Mike Procter’s legacy extends beyond his playing days, contributing significantly to the cricketing fraternity. He is survived by his wife Maryne and two daughters, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will be remembered fondly in the annals of cricketing history.
