1958

Denis Compton's retirement was dealt with by Neville Cardus, who made no bones on the huge impact Compo had had on the game. "He lifted cricket into an atmosphere of freedom of personal expression," and after the war, he "renewed life and hopes of a land and nation that had come out of the dark abyss". Other retirements included Doug Wright, Eric Hollies and Bruce Dooland - who are all mentioned in an article called "Googly bowlers and captains retire". Lord Birkett proclaimed his love of cricket, quoting the words of James Love: "Hail, Cricket! glorious, manly British game!". Peter May, Surrey's manly new captain, led them to a sixth straight win.
Editor Norman Preston
Pages 1035
Price 16 shillings

Almanack essays

Notes by the Editor

England reign supreme, 1958