An attacking right-hander and a solid wicketkeeper, Gerry Alexander was a popular captain whose initial selection for the 1957 tour of England was far from popular. Alexander had experience of the conditions - he was a Cambridge Blue in 1952 and 1953 - but it was felt there were better keepers in the Caribbean. He struggled, and his retention in the side caused further dismay, as did his appointment as Frank Worrell's successor as captain. But he rose to the challenge, leading by example, before stepping aside when Worrell returned. Relieved of the captaincy, his batting blossomed and in Australia in 1960-61 he scored at least a half-century in every Test, heading the averages with 484 runs at 60.50. He was also a football Blue, and he won an England amateur cap and an FA Amateur Cup winner's medal. A veterinary surgeon, he retired after the 1960-61 tour.
Martin Williamson