1969
The editor opened up the 1969 edition with a grim message: "At a time when we admire the American astronauts who encircled the moon on Christmas Day, we have to record ... the petty squabbles of men on earth." He was referring to the Basil D'Oliveira Affair, when England cancelled their tour of South Africa after their government indicated that D'Oliveira would not be welcome because of his colour. Michael Melford, in his assessment of the situation, described the English game as "caught up in a whirlpool of acrimony and political argument such as it can seldom have known before". Away from the controversy, Colin Cowdrey, Brian Statham and Trevor Bailey received tributes.
Editor Norman Preston
Pages 1055
Price 25 shillings
Benefits and testimonials in 1969
Brian Statham - Gentleman George
Sometimes he bowled too superbly, 1969
M.C. Cowdrey centurion and captain courteous
One by one the records have gone down before him, 1969
T. E. Bailey resolute and impenitent
More than a cricketer of monumental achievement, 1969
The D'Oliveira case
Cancellation of South African tour, 1969
The heritage of our cricket grounds
The mighty halls of the game, 1969
Watery reflections from Australia
Poor pitches and the throwing debate, 1969
Yorkshire the top county
© John Wisden & Co
