1981

John Woodcock, the cricket correspondent of The Times since 1954, succeeded Norman Preston as editor. While Denis Compton led the tributes for Preston, Woodcock promised little change, explaining that "Since ... I was admonished for reading Wisden in form, I have had a deep affection for it as it is". The only difference of note was a change in qualification for the Births & Deaths section, with all Test cricketers included. Woodcock started his first set of Notes on a depressing tone: the unsatisfactory lbw law, the unnecessary dissent shown by players, and the amount of cricket being played - "We must be careful not to kill the goose that lays the golden egg."
Editor John Woodcock
Pages 1231
Price £6.95

Almanack essays

Notes by the Editor

Donning the helmet and more, 1981