Geoffrey Boycott
England
Personal information
Full name	Geoffrey Boycott
Nickname	Boycs, Geoff, Fiery, GLY (Greatest Living Yorkshireman), Sir Geoffrey[1]
Born	21 October 1940 (1940-10-21) (age 67)
	Fitzwilliam, Wakefield, England
Height	5 ft 10 in (1. The England cricket team is the national cricket team which represents England and Wales. Events 1512 - Martin Luther joins the theological faculty of the University of Wittenberg. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Fitzwilliam is a small Village on the edge of West Yorkshire, England. Wakefield lies at the heart of the City of Wakefield, a Metropolitan borough of West Yorkshire, England. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland 78 m)
Role	Batsman
Batting style	Right-handed
Bowling style	Right-arm medium
International information
Test debut (cap 422)	4 June 1964: v Australia
Last Test	1 January 1982: v India
ODI debut (cap 1)	5 January 1971: v Australia
Last ODI	20 December 1981: v India
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1962–1986	Yorkshire
1971–72	Northern Transvaal
Career statistics
	Tests	ODI	FC	LA
Matches	108	36	609	313
Runs scored	8114	1082	48426	10095
Batting average	47. Mike Powell cricketerjpg|thumb|200px| Warwickshire batsman Mike Powell]] A batsman in the sport of Cricket is depending on context Any Seam bowling is a phrase used for a Cricket bowling technique whereby the ball is deliberately bowled onto its seam to cause a random deviation This is a list of English Test cricketers. A Test match is an international Cricket match between two of the leading cricketing nations Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. Year 1964 ( MCMLXIV) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the 1964 Gregorian calendar. The Australian cricket team is the national cricket team of Australia. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) The Indian cricket team is an international Cricket team representing India. This is a list of English One-day International cricketers. A One Day International, or an ODI is an international Cricket match between two representative teams Events 1477 - Battle of Nancy: Charles the Bold is killed and Burgundy becomes part of France. Year 1971 ( MCMLXXI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1971 Gregorian calendar. The Australian cricket team is the national cricket team of Australia. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 The Indian cricket team is an international Cricket team representing India. Yorkshire County Cricket Club, who represent the historic county of Yorkshire, are one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English domestic Cricket Transvaal cricket team aka Gauteng cricket team is the First-class cricket team of the province of Transvaal (now Gauteng) in Test cricket is the longest form of the Sport of Cricket. It has long been considered the ultimate test of playing ability between cricketing nations Note Most of the information here pertains to men's cricket ODI matches are also played in Women's cricket. First-class cricket refers to the class of Cricket matches of three or more days scheduled duration between two sides of eleven players and officially adjudged first-class by List A cricket is a classification of the limited-overs (one-day form of the Sport of Cricket. Batting average is a Statistic in both Cricket and Baseball measuring the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters, respectively 72	36. 06	56. 83	39. 12
100s/50s	22/42	1/9	151/238	8/74
Top score	246*	105	261*	146
Balls bowled	944	168	3685	1975
Wickets	7	5	45	30
Bowling average	54. A delivery or ball in Cricket is a single action of Bowling a Cricket ball towards the Batsman. In the sport of Cricket the word wicket has several distinct meanings Meanings of wicket Set of stumps Primarily the wicket Bowling average is a Statistic measuring the performance of bowlers in the Sport of Cricket. 57	21. 00	32. 42	40. 26
5 wickets in innings	0	0	0	0
10 wickets in match	0	n/a	0	n/a
Best bowling	3/47	2/14	4/14	3/15
Catches/stumpings	33/–	5/–	264/–	99/–
As of 12 September 1986 Source: Cricinfo profile

Geoffrey Boycott OBE (born 21 October 1940) is a former cricketer for Yorkshire and England. An inning, or innings, is a fixed-length segment of a game in any of a variety of Sports &ndash most notably Cricket and Baseball during For other uses see Stump (disambiguation Stump is a term used in the Sport of Cricket where has three different meanings Events 1213 - Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British Order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. Events 1512 - Martin Luther joins the theological faculty of the University of Wittenberg. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Cricket is a bat-and-ball team Sport that originated in England and is now played in more than 100 countries Yorkshire County Cricket Club, who represent the historic county of Yorkshire, are one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English domestic Cricket The England cricket team is the national cricket team which represents England and Wales. In an illustrious, but sometimes controversial career from 1962 to 1986, Boycott established himself as one of England's finest opening batsmen. Mike Powell cricketerjpg|thumb|200px| Warwickshire batsman Mike Powell]] A batsman in the sport of Cricket is depending on context Any ^[2] Famous for his ability to occupy the crease, sometimes for a number of days, Boycott made his debut in a 1964 Test match against Australia. Test cricket is the longest form of the Sport of Cricket. It has long been considered the ultimate test of playing ability between cricketing nations The Australian cricket team is the national cricket team of Australia. ^[3][4] While less successful in One Day International matches, becoming the first ever wicket in that form of the game, Boycott went on to be a key feature of England's Test batting line up for many years. Note Most of the information here pertains to men's cricket ODI matches are also played in Women's cricket. He accumulated large scores, but often encountered friction with his team mates, notably Ian Botham, Fred Trueman and Mike Brearley. Sir Ian Terence Botham, OBE (born 24 November 1955) is a former England Test Cricketer and Test team captain and current Frederick Sewards Trueman OBE (February 6 1931 – July 1 2006 was a Yorkshire and England Cricketer regarded as one of the greatest John Michael Brearley OBE (born in Harrow, Middlesex, on 28 April, 1942) is a former Cricketer who captained the England ^[3] Ian Wooldridge commented that "Boycott, in short, walks alone"^[5] however others have stated that his introverted nature has been exaggerated, and that while he was "obsessed with success" he was not a selfish player. Ian Wooldridge OBE ( 14 January, 1932 – 4 March, 2007) was a British sports journalist. ^[6]

Boycott was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year for 1965, and made 108 Test match appearances for England, ending his career in 1982 with over 8,000 runs and an OBE. The Wisden Cricketers of the Year are Cricketers selected for the honour by the annual publication Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, based primarily on their ^[3][7] He followed up his playing career by becoming an often outspoken and controversial cricket commentator on both radio and television. In 1998 he faced allegations of assaulting his former partner, Margaret Moore, and in 2002 he was diagnosed with throat cancer for which he underwent radiation treatment. His commentating career was revived in 2003, however, and continues to attract both praise and criticism. ^[2][7][8]

Early life

Boycott was born in the mining village of Fitzwilliam, near Wakefield in Yorkshire. Fitzwilliam is a small Village on the edge of West Yorkshire, England. Wakefield lies at the heart of the City of Wakefield, a Metropolitan borough of West Yorkshire, England. Yorkshire is a historic county of Northern England and the largest in Great Britain. He was the son of Jane (née Speight) and Thomas Wilfred Boycott, a colliery worker. Coal mining is the extraction or removal of Coal from the Earth by Mining. ^[2][3] When Boycott was eight years old, he fell over some iron spikes near his home, and punctured his chest. He was rushed to hospital, nearly dying. When Boycott was ten, his father had a serious accident down the pit, being hit by empty coal tubs which damaged his spine. ^[9] Boycott went to Fitzwilliam School, but failed his 11-plus exams and went on to the local Kingsley Secondary Modern School. A Secondary Modern School is a type of Secondary school that existed in most of the United Kingdom from 1944 until the early 1970s under the Tripartite System ^[9] He later passed late-entry exams and attended Hemsworth Grammar School, where in 1958, he won the school's Individual Cricket Cup. He played for the schools First XI and captained it at age 15. ^[10] He also played for the Leeds United under-18 football team, alongside Billy Bremner and attracted the attention of Leeds United scouts in the summer. Leeds United Association Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Leeds United or informally Leeds, are an English professional football William "Billy" John Bremner (born Stirling, Scotland, December 9 1942; died Doncaster, England, December During the winter he played cricket in the nets at his uncle John Lawrence's house. Cricket nets are practice nets used by batsmen and bowlers to warm up and/or improve their Cricketing techniques

By the end of 1958, Boycott had passed his O-levels, but choose to leave school aged 17. The O-level (Ordinary Level is a subject-based qualification conferred as part of the General Certificate of Education (GCE He later stated to the BBC in 1965 that this was because he no longer wished to be a financial strain on his parents, and because he wanted to pursue his cricketing career. ^[11] He worked as a clerk in the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance from 1958 until 1963 while at the same time playing at a number of cricket clubs, averaging 70 in the South Elmsall district team, which he captained. The Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance or MPNI was a British government ministry responsible for the administration and delivery of welfare benefits He also played for the Yorkshire Federation's Under 18s, and played for Barnsley where he was noticed by Clifford Hesketh, who was a member of Yorkshire's County Cricket team committee. ^[12]

Playing style

Boycott's playing style revolved around intense concentration, solid defence and attention to detail while avoiding heavy hitting or slogging. ^[13] Richard Hutton, Yorkshire and England batsman and son of Len Hutton, described Boycott as a "one-pace player" unable to alter his playing pace as the circumstances dictated. Richard Anthony Hutton (born September 6, 1942, Pudsey, Yorkshire) is a former English Cricketer who played in 5 Sir Leonard Hutton (born June 23, 1916 in Fulneck near Pudsey, Yorkshire, died September 6, 1990 in ^[14] Nevertheless, Boycott maintained an "impeccable" defensive technique, and a temperament ideally suited for five-day Test matches. ^[15]

While this enabled his solid defensive strokes, he was an inhibited stroke player and susceptible to hand and arm injuries due to this approach. Such injuries would be common throughout his career. ^[16] He was occasionally vulnerable to left arm bowlers, either due to his inability to adjust his line of stroke or to the fact that during his career there were few fast left-hand bowlers against him to practice in the nets. ^[17] However he was never vulnerable to one bowler in particular, Michael Holding being the most successful against him, dismissing him seven times, a statistic jointly held against Boycott by Gary Sobers and Dennis Lillee but with Holding doing it in the fewest matches. Michael Anthony Holding (born February 16, 1954 in Kingston, Jamaica) is a former West Indian Cricketer One of the Sir Garfield St Auburn Sobers, AO (born 28 July 1936 in Bridgetown, Barbados) often known as Garry Sobers (though earlier in his life he preferred Dennis Keith Lillee, MBE (born 18 July 1949 in Subiaco, Western Australia) is a former Australian Cricketer rated as the "outstanding fast ^[18] Peter Lever also spent an entire evening discussing with Boycott his vulnerability when playing the hook stroke, with which he was to get out on more than one occasion. Peter Lever (born 17 September 1940 in Todmorden, Yorkshire) is a former English Cricketer who played in 17 Tests ^[19]

Boycott was also a very occasional medium-pace in swing bowler. Muralijpg|thumb|250px|right|The world's leading off-spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan sends down a delivery]] A bowler in the Sport of Cricket is usually He was never a genuine all-rounder but took seven wickets at Test level at an average of 54. An all-rounder is a Cricket player who excels at both batting and bowling. 57, often bowling while wearing his cap turned back-to-front so he could see. ^[3] At the start of his career, however, he was a below average fielder, having received no coaching on this from Yorkshire and having had little inclination to rectify it when concentrating on his batting. Ken Taylor, a fellow Yorkshire batsman, worked with Boycott who was "limited in [fielding] ability" but had "tremendous determination. Kenneth Taylor may refer to Ken Taylor (cricketer (b 1935 English cricketer Ken Taylor (U " Together with Taylor and Boycott's two brothers, his fielding improved and he became a safe pair of hands, though he continued to lack power and pace in the field. ^[20]

County career

Boycott began playing for his home county in 1962, after impressing in league cricket. In 414 matches for Yorkshire he scored 32,570 runs at 57. 85 with a high score of 260* against Essex, and 103 centuries in all. Essex County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English domestic Cricket structure representing the historic county of He scored another 8,699 runs in List A cricket at 40. 08. He twice averaged over 100 in a first class season, 100. 12 in 1971 and 102. 53 in 1979 and is one of only 2 players to have achieved this twice - Mark Ramprakash being the other (in 2006 and 2007). Mark Ravin Ramprakash (born 5 September 1969) is an English Cricketer A right-handed Batsman, he first made his name playing for He was made captain of Yorkshire in 1971 but was sacked in controversial circumstances in 1978 after failing to win a trophy while in charge. ^[21] There was more strife when he was dismissed and then reinstated as a player after a members revolt. Boycott continually clashed with other strong personalities at the club during his career, including Fred Trueman, Brian Close and Ray Illingworth, but remained hugely popular with the Yorkshire crowds. Frederick Sewards Trueman OBE (February 6 1931 – July 1 2006 was a Yorkshire and England Cricketer regarded as one of the greatest Dennis Brian Close (born 24 February 1931 in Rawdon, near Leeds, Yorkshire) usually known as Brian Close, was a Cricketer Raymond ("Ray" Illingworth (born 8 June 1932 in Pudsey) is a former English Cricketer, Cricket commentator and cricket administrator ^[4]

Early days

In his early days, playing occasionally for Yorkshire's second XI together with Dickie Bird and Michael Parkinson, he faced a delivery from Bill Foord which Boycott dispatched to the boundary for four. Harold Dennis Bird MBE, commonly known as "Dickie" Bird (born in Barnsley, Yorkshire on April 19, 1933) is a Sir Michael Parkinson, CBE (born March 28 1935) is an English broadcaster and Journalist. Charles William Foord is a first class cricketer who played 51 first class matches for Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 1947 and 1953 Foord turned to Parkinson and asked "Christ almighty, what's this lad's name?"^[22] Boycott earned his first Yorkshire cap in 1963, his batting based on a watertight defensive technique, with his favorite scoring shots being the on drive and forcing through the covers off the back foot. Andrew-Strauss-Cricketer-detailjpg|thumb|right|250px| Andrew Strauss batting for England during the 2005 NatWest Series]] In the Sport of Cricket, batting Early in his career he played in spectacles, before later switching to contact lenses for fear that his career would have ended had he not,^[23] as his eyesight was poor. ^[24] Boycotts initial appearances for Yorkshire failed to impress, and he continually came in second to his main rival, John Hampshire. John Harry Hampshire (born February 10 1941 Thurnscoe Yorkshire) better known as Jackie Hampshire was an English Cricketer When Brian Close took over from Vic Wilson as captain of Yorkshire, however, Close persuaded the committee to keep Boycott on and was rewarded when Boycott scored 145 against Lancashire. Vic Wilson may refer to Vic Wilson (motor racing driver Vic Wilson (cricketer Lancashire County Cricket Club is one of the eighteen major county clubs which make up the English domestic Cricket structure representing the historic ^[25] Boycott cemented his place with successive knocks of 76, 49*, 50 and 71. He handed in his notice as the Ministry of pensions that same year. ^[26] He then suffered a brief dip in form, however shored up his place in the side with at 68, 28 and 113 in the following matches. ^[27] Boycott went on to hit his highest score thus far, 165 again against Lancashire, and ended his first season with 1446 runs at 46. 64, coming second out of the entire country. ^[28]

At the start of the 1964 season Boycott hit 151 against Middlesex following by another hundred against Lancashire in May, and then played the Australian tourist side at Lord's, hitting 63. Middlesex County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic Cricket structure representing the historic county For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Lord's Cricket Ground (generally known as Lord's) is a cricket ^[29] On May 31, 1964 he was called up for the first Test against Australia at Trent Bridge. Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Year 1964 ( MCMLXIV) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the 1964 Gregorian calendar. Trent Bridge is a Test, One-day international and County Cricket ground located in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, Though he became renowned for his ability to occupy the crease for hours he was capable of attacking play. ^[4] His highest one day score, a match-winning 146, czme in the 1965 Gillette Cup final against Surrey. ^[30] In his previous Gillette Cup match, the quarter final against Somerset, Boycott had taken 32 overs to accumulate 23^[31] and so at Lord's, after Yorkshire had plodded to 22 for 1, captain Brian Close promoted himself to number 3 to urge Boycott into action. Lord's Cricket Ground (generally known as Lord's) is a cricket "I joined Geoffrey in the middle and said to him: "Listen, if I call, you bloody well run. " Boycott later claimed this plan had been agreed on a fortnight previously. ^[23] Nevertheless, Boycott hit out, making 146 with 15 fours and three sixes. ^[23] One of these shots, a lofted straight drive off England paceman Geoff Arnold was nearly caught by Boycott's team mates on the players' balcony, despite the modern-day fielding restrictions not existing in 1965 and thus allowing more fielders to patrol the boundary. Geoffrey Graham Arnold (born 3 September 1944 is a Cricketer who played 34 Tests and 14 One Day Internationals for England. Close and Boycott added 194 for the second wicket as Yorkshire posed a then record 317. ^[23] John Woodcock wrote in The Times that "His magnificent innings contained every stroke in the book. The Times is a daily national Newspaper published in the United Kingdom since 1785 when it was known as The Daily Universal Register. " 17 years later, in 1982, Boycott and Graham Stevenson added a record 149 for Yorkshire's tenth wicket against Warwickshire; Stevenson hitting 115. Graham Barry Stevenson (born December 16, 1955, Ackworth, Pontefract, Yorkshire) is a former English Cricketer

The captaincy

Boycott captained Yorkshire for eight seasons from 1971 to 1978, having been given the position following the sacking of Brian Close in 1970. Being captain of Yorkshire had been one of Boycott's aims since he started county cricket in 1963. ^[32] Yorkshire's scorer Ted Lester commented, however, that Boycott "never got the support he deserved from the committee. After the captaincy was decided on a casting vote, the half that didn't want him never wanted him. "^[33] He also caused strife between his fellow players, with many leaving the club citing personal differences with Boycott as the reason for their departure. ^[34] Boycott's eight seasons of captaincy were among Yorkshire's least successful, with the club failing to win any competitions and ranking low in the league tables when they had at one time been a dominant force in English cricket. ^[35] Boycott himself, however, did not suffer a drop in form to mirror that of his county's, in his first year as captain he scored 2503 runs at 100. 12. His success was cited by Trueman to be evidence that his selfish nature was costing Yorkshire. ^[36]

Biographer Leo McKinstry, however, collects statistics to argue that Boycott's captaincy had little effect on Yorkshire, as the club's 47 points in 1971 contrasts to a close 49 in 1970 when Boycott was not captain, and is far higher than 30 in 1969, and in all but one of the matches where Boycott was unable to play, Yorkshire failed to pass 200 with the bat. ^[37] Boycott went on to top the national averages in 1972 with 72. 35, and was second in 1973 with 63. 62, however Yorkshire failed to win a single championship game in that season, which Wisden referred to as "disturbingly unsuccessful" and which led to greater calls for Boycott to be stripped of the captaincy. ^[38]

In 1974, Boycott's form dropped sharply, scoring only 75 runs in 7 matches, and both he and Yorkshire suffered through 1975 and 1976, as did his international career as he refused to play for England from 1974 until 1977. ^[39] The summer of 1978 saw Boycott injured with a broken finger, and John Hampshire taking over as captain. Boycott returned later in the season, scoring 968 runs at 50. 94, however this was second to Hampshire's 1463 at 54. 18 and a poll of the dressing room showed that 95% of the players wanted a change in the captaincy. ^[40] On September 15, 1978 Boycott's mother, to whom he was very close, died of cancer, placing further pressure on him. Events 668 - Eastern Roman Emperor Constans II is assassinated in his bath at Syracuse Italy. Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) on 29 September, the Yorkshire club committee met with Boycott to discuss terminating his captaincy. A statement by the club outlined Yorkshire's interest to retain Boycott as a player while giving the captaincy to Hampshire. ^[41] Boycott, in response, attacked the Yorkshire club and its decision in an appearance on Parkinson on October 7, prompting both strong criticism from the club and strong public support for his own position. Parkinson is a surname and may refer to Cecil Parkinson (born 1931 Baron Parkinson of Carnforth British politician C ^[42]

Later years

Boycott, after much thought, continued as a player at Yorkshire, scoring 1941 runs at 61. 70 in 1979. This season saw him hit six hundreds, which surpassed Len Hutton's record of 129 first-class centuries. Sir Leonard Hutton (born June 23, 1916 in Fulneck near Pudsey, Yorkshire, died September 6, 1990 in ^[43] In the early 1980s, Boycott continued his run of form, however a slow 347-ball knock of 140 incensed captain Ray Illingworth and created friction between Boycott and his supporters and the rest of the Yorkshire Committee. The 1980s was the decade spanning from January 1 1980 to December 31 1989. Raymond ("Ray" Illingworth (born 8 June 1932 in Pudsey) is a former English Cricketer, Cricket commentator and cricket administrator On October 3, 1983 this culminated in a unanimous decision not to offer Boycott a contract for the next season. Events 42 BC - First Battle of Philippi: Triumvirs Mark Antony and Octavian fight an indecisive battle with Caesar's Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) This generated much protest from Boycott supporters, who rallied for his reinstatement on October 9 in Ossett, Yorkshire. Ossett (pronounced /ɒsɪt/ is a Market town within the Metropolitan borough of the City of Wakefield, in West Yorkshire, England Bill Athey also left the club at this time, and while Boycott in his biography maintained that he had no reason to believe Athey's departure was as a result of his actions, Athey later stated to biographer Leo McKinstry that "Boycott's attitude and the atmosphere he created had everything to do with my decision to leave Yorkshire. Bill Athey (born Charles William Jeffrey Athey on September 27 1957 in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England) was an English " The "Members 84 Group", consisting of strong supporters of Boycott, met regularly to clamour for the batsman's reinstatement. ^[44]

By January 21, 1984 the Yorkshire Club committee, in the face of this rising pressure, agreed to award Boycott a contract for 1984. Events 1189 - Philip II of France and Richard I of England begin to assemble troops to wage the Third Crusade. Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Members of the committee, including Trueman, Billy Sutcliffe and Ronnie Burnet also resigned. William "Billy" Herbert Hobbs Sutcliffe ( October 10, 1926 in Pudsey, near Leeds, Yorkshire, England - September Ronnie Burnet (b John Ronald Burnet, October 11, 1918 in Saltaire, Shipley - March 7, 1999) was a British Of the replacement members of the committee, 17 were from the Members 84 Group, and Boycott himself was elected, leaving him with both a position on the team and on the Yorkshire Club committee. ^[45] The 1984 season was, however, not the most prolific for Boycott. He scored slowly in several matches, "60 in 52 overs against Somerset; 53 in 51 overs against Derbyshire; 17 in 26 overs against Leicestershire; 77 in 67 overs against Sussex" records McKinstry, and this coupled with continued friction between himself and both players and club members. ^[46] In particular, Boycott's place on both the team and the committee lead to feelings of distrust from both. Critically, this led to the loss of support from long-term ally Sid Fielden. ^[47]

His success on the field continued in 1985, where he scored 1657 runs at 75. 31, behind no one but Viv Richards in the national averages. Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, KNH, (born St John's, Antigua on 7 March 1952 is a former West Indian Cricketer. He also hit a record opening partnership of 351 with Martyn Moxon. Martyn Douglas Moxon (born 4 May, 1960 in Stairfoot, Barnsley, South Yorkshire) is an English Cricketer who played In contrast to the friction between Boycott and the club and senior players, many junior members of the team remember 1985 and 1986 as very pleasant times to be around Boycott, who often coached them on their technique. ^[48] 1986 saw Boycott scores 890 runs at 52. 35, his season cut short by injuries which were becoming more frequent as he passed the age of 45. ^[49] This season was the first that he had not hit an overall total of 1,000 runs since 1962, he finished eight short in his final match, when he was run-out for 61. Since 1984 the support for Boycott has waned in light of his slow scoring, multiple injuries and the general friction around him, and on September 23, 1986 it was confirmed that he would not be offered a contract for the following year. Events 1122 - Concordat of Worms. 1459 - Battle of Blore Heath, the first major battle of the English Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) He was offered contracts from other counties, including Derbyshire and Glamorgan however he never took these offers up, nor played professional cricket again. Derbyshire County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English domestic Cricket structure representing the historic county Glamorgan County Cricket Club (Criced Morgannwg is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh national Cricket structure ^[50]

Test Match career

Over Boycott's 18 year career he scored 8,114 runs in 108 Test matches for England. Test cricket is the longest form of the Sport of Cricket. It has long been considered the ultimate test of playing ability between cricketing nations He was the first England cricketer to pass 8,000 Test runs and is still fourth on England's all-time run scoring list (behind Graham Gooch, Alec Stewart and David Gower). Graham Alan Gooch, OBE (born July 23 1953) is a former Cricketer who captained Essex and England. Alec James Stewart OBE (born 8 April 1963 in Merton, Greater London) is a retired English Cricketer a right-handed Batsman - Wicketkeeper David Ivon Gower, OBE (born April 1, 1957) is a retired Cricket player and current cricket broadcaster His average of 47. 72 runs over 193 innings is second only to Kevin Pietersen among England players since 1970. His Test career included 22 centuries (an England record that he holds jointly with Wally Hammond and Colin Cowdrey). Walter Reginald "Wally" Hammond (born 19 June 1903 in Dover, Kent, died 1 July 1965 in Kloof KwaZulu-Natal Michael Colin Cowdrey Baron Cowdrey of Tonbridge, Kt, CBE ( December 24, 1932 - December 4, 2000) was an English England did not lose a Test match in which he scored a century and only 20 of his 108 Tests ended in defeat. ^[51]

Debut

Boycott began his Test career only two years after his first class debut, in the first Test of the summer against Australia in 1964. Martyn Douglas Moxon (born 4 May, 1960 in Stairfoot, Barnsley, South Yorkshire) is an English Cricketer who played The Australian cricket team is the national cricket team of Australia. He top scored on debut, making 48 runs from 118 deliveries before he was bowled by Grahame Corling, as England declared at 216 for eight wickets. Grahame Edward Corling (born July 13, 1941, Waratah New South Wales) is a former Australian Cricketer who played in 5 Tests The match ended as a rain-plagued draw, and Boycott did not bat in the second innings as he had suffered a cracked finger. ^[53][54] He made 48 at Old Trafford, and then hit his maiden century, 113, at Headingley. The Old Trafford Cricket Ground, usually known as simply Old Trafford, is a Cricket ground situated on Talbot Road in Old Trafford, an area of Headingley is an inner suburb of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. He finished his first Test series with 291 runs at 48. 50. In the same year he topped the country's domestic averages with 59. 45. ^[55] In the winter of 1964, Boycott was selected for the England team touring South Africa. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa After a low scoring series of warm up matches, he hit 73 in the opening Test, and another 76 in the fourth, followed by 117 in the fifth and final match. He averaged 46. 99 overall, and took three three wickets with the ball as England won the test series 1:0. ^[56] He had a mixed impact on the other England players, who were impressed by his talent but perplexed by his introverted attitude each time he was dismissed. ^[57]

Early career

A graph of Boycott's run rate and runs scored across his 108 Test match career. In Cricket, the run rate ( RR) or runs per over ( RPO) is the number of runs a batsman (or the batting side scores in an The red line represents the number of minutes spent at the crease, while the blue line is the number of runs scored. ^[58] Innings for which no information exists, or when Boycott was not required to bat, manifest as gaps in the lines.

England hosted New Zealand and South Africa in 1965. Performing moderately against the former, hitting 23 and 44 in the first Test at Edgbaston and 76 in the second at Lords, Boycott missed out on the third Test due to injury. He returned for another Lords match, this time against South Africa, however scored 31 and a slow 28 in 105 minutes. ^[59] Speculation arose over his place, and after a duck and a two hour and twenty minute long 16, when England needed to mount a large total quickly, and which Wisden described as a "dreadful effort when courage was needed" he was dropped and replaced by Eric Russell. William Eric Russell (born July 3, 1936, Dumbarton, Scotland) is a former English Cricketer He was an opening batsman ^[60] Boycott was brought back into the team following the summer and toured Australia that winter with the Marylebone Cricket Club to compete the Ashes, however illness dogged his performance initially. Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC is a private members' club founded in 1787 The Ashes is a Test cricket series played between England and Australia. ^[61] He then hit a form of "brighter cricket" during the first and second tests. Uncharacteristically, he hit a four from his very first delivery at Perth, and put on 98 in 16 overs with Bob Barber in the second Test. Perth may refer to Robert ("Bob" William Barber (born on 26 September 1935 in Withington, Manchester) is a former English Cricketer In the third, Boycott and Barbder put on an opening partnership of 234 in four hours, Boycott hitting 84, his highest score of a series where he also took three wickets with the ball. His form deserted him again, however, when the MCC went on to tour New Zealand. ^[62]

In 1966, England faced the West Indies, and Boycott struggled with a series average of 26. 57, however few English batsmen impressed. He was left out for the first Test, however did partake in a partnership of 115 with Tom Graveney. Thomas William Graveney (born June 16 1927) in Riding Mill, Northumberland, is a former English Cricketer and was the President ^[63] Nevertheless, it was a disappointing year for Boycott both for England and Yorkshire, and his average for the former fell to 36. 60. ^[64] Furthermore, he had only passed 50 twice in his last 12 first-class innings. ^[65] He rediscovered his form the following summer, however. Boycott's highest Test score of 246* came against India on June 8—June 9, 1967 on his home ground of Headingley. Events 68 - The Roman Senate accepts emperor Galba. 536 - St Silverius becomes Pope (probable Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits Year 1967 ( MCMLXVII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the 1967 Gregorian calendar. Batting for 573 minutes^[66] (slightly under ten hours),^[67] Boycott struck thirty fours and a six at a strike rate of 44. Boundary has two distinct meanings in the Sport of Cricket; (i the edge or boundary of the playing field and (ii a manner of scoring Boundary has two distinct meanings in the Sport of Cricket; (i the edge or boundary of the playing field and (ii a manner of scoring 32. ^[66] He began his innings slowly, scoring 106 runs in six hours, with 17 of those in the first and eight in the second. This particularly frustrated the England selectors as the pitch was excellent for batting, and the Indian attack had been weakended by injury. ^[67] Such frustration was exacerbated by Boycott's adding of 140 runs in four hours on the second day. Ian Wooldridge recording in the Daily Mail that Boycott "could not be excused by his nearest and dearest relations. Ian Wooldridge OBE ( 14 January, 1932 – 4 March, 2007) was a British sports journalist. The Daily Mail is a British newspaper currently published in a tabloid format "^[67] He did not bat in the second innings as England won by 6 wickets. ^[66]

This slow scoring and what was perceived as a selfish attitude led to Boycott being dropped from the team after the match. ^[65] A combination of low confidence and a throat infection limited Boycott to two other Test appearances, against India and Pakistan respectively, for the rest of the year. He nevertheless again topped the domestic averages with 1260 at 48. 46. ^[68] 1967 took England to the West Indies, where Boycott hit a rich seam of form, scoring 463 runs at 66. 14 and seeing England home safely with a series victory of 1:0. ^[69]

Headingley Cricket Ground, in Leeds, was Boycott's home and favourite ground, the scene of his hundreth first class century

The next two years saw only a sporadic inclusion of Boycott in the test team. A back injury in 1967 forced Boycott to miss half the season, and an average of 32. 00 against the Australians during the follow years Ashes was unspectacular with Boycott hitting scores of 35, 11, 49, 36 and 31 in the series. ^[51] Domestically, his injury also limited his contribution, however he did hit five centuries before he was forced to stop playing in June 1968. ^[70] A tour of Pakistan in the winter of 1968 left Boycott behind complaining of troubles with his spleen and with adjusting to his new contact lenses. The spleen is an organ found in all Vertebrate animals In humans the spleen is located in the abdomen of the body where it functions in the destruction of redundant Red ^[71] He was back in the team by the summer of 1969, scoring 128 against the West Indies at Old Trafford, and another century at Lords, however his form slipped and he scored 12 and zero in the next match. Boycott then suffered at the hands of New Zealand, averaging only 20. 20 with two ducks, and then succumbed to an injury towards the end of the domestic season. ^[72]

His form returned by 1970. While he was left out of the first three Tests against the World XI, he played in the fourth and scored 15 and 64, and in the final Test of the summer scored 157. He won the Walter Lawrence Trophy for this century. The Walter Lawrence Trophy is an annual award made to the player who has scored the fastest century in English First-class cricket that season in terms of balls received (not Over the winter of 1970/71 Boycott toured Australia, and averaged 95. 93 over all first-class matches. He scored 173 in the first warm up match, followed it with 124 against Queensland. Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern corner of the mainland continent In the third Test match, having hit good partnerships in the first two, Boycott made 77 and 142*. ^[73] During the second match, Boycott allegedly told Basil D'Oliveira, the latter having just announced that he had worked out the action of Australian spinner Johnny Gleeson, that he had "sorted that out a fortnight ago. Basil Lewis D'Oliveira CBE (born 4 October 1931 is a retired Cricketer Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, he was classified as 'coloured' John William Gleeson (born March 14 1938 in Kyogle New South Wales) is a former Australian Cricketer who played in 29 Tests " This incident was used as evidence for Boycott's selfish attitude for many years after. The fifth Test was drawn, Boycott making 12 and 76*, and in the sixth Test he was run out for 58. Boycott initially refused to leave the ground in disbelief, and eventually walked off to boos from the crowd. ^[74] He injured his arm in a following one day match and missed the final Test, where England retained the Ashes. He later maintained that the injury permanently affected his wrist, and that he carried a squash ball in a sock in his pocket, which he could squeeze to keep his wrist strong. ^[75]

In 1971, Boycott made his One Day International debut against Australia. He was the first batsman to receive a ball in a one day international and his was the first wicket to fall,^[76] scoring eight from 37 balls. ^[77] In the summer of 1971 he enjoyed an average of over 100 in domestic cricket, and scored 112 against Pakistan at Lords. ^[78]

Exile and controversy

Boycott spent 1974-77 in self-imposed exile from the England team. He claimed he had simply lost his appetite for Test cricket and the stress got too much for him,^[79] but the move may also have been linked to the appointments of Mike Denness and then Tony Greig as England Captain in preference to him. Michael Henry Denness (born 1 December 1940, Bellshill, North Lanarkshire) is a former Scottish Cricketer who played for Anthony "Tony" William Greig (born October 6, 1946) is a former English Test cricketer and currently a commentator ^[80] Boycott was very critical of Denness' captaincy and his standard of batting in his autobiography. This period of "exile" also enabled him to avoid fast-bowlers Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, Andy Roberts, and Michael Holding at their peaks, although he came back to face the West Indies pace battery at its most fearsome in the late 70s and early 80s. Dennis Keith Lillee, MBE (born 18 July 1949 in Subiaco, Western Australia) is a former Australian Cricketer rated as the "outstanding fast Jeffrey Robert Thomson (born 16 August 1950 in Greenacre New South Wales) is a former Australian Cricketer Known as "Thommo" he was one of the fastest Anderson Montgomery Everton 'Andy' Roberts (born 29 January 1951 on the island of Antigua in the West Indies) is a former West Indian Michael Anthony Holding (born February 16, 1954 in Kingston, Jamaica) is a former West Indian Cricketer One of the The Caribbean (ˌkærəˡbiən kæ'rəbiən Cariben|Caraïben or Caraïben; Caraïbe or more commonly Antilles; Caribe is a Region consisting

In his autobiography and an interview, Boycott has responded to these accusations by pointing out that Lillee had been out of cricket for 21 months suffering from a serious back complaint and that Thomson had not played in Tests for 23 months prior to the 1974-5 Ashes series, since an unsuccessful debut Test against Pakistan (Thomson's match figures were 0-110). ^[81] Furthermore, he was dismissed for 99 in the first innings against the West Indies at Port-of-Spain in 1973-74 and scored 112 in the second, followed by a career-best 261 not out against a West Indies Board President's XI. All of these teams included both Roberts and Holding. ^[82]

Comeback Tests

Boycott came back to Test cricket in 1977, and continued to build his career run total over the 8,000 mark.

In his "comeback" Test against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1977 he ran out Derek Randall in front of his home crowd before going to make a century. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Trent Bridge is a Test, One-day international and County Cricket ground located in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, Derek William Randall (b 24 February 1951 Retford, Nottinghamshire) is a former Cricketer who played First-class cricket for Nottinghamshire In this match, in which Ian Botham made his England debut, he batted on each of the five days of the match: his first innings 107 started at the end of the first day, he batted throughout the second day and was dismissed on the third day; he started his second innings at the end of day four and batted throughout England's successful run chase scoring 80 not out. Sir Ian Terence Botham, OBE (born 24 November 1955) is a former England Test Cricketer and Test team captain and current Among England batsmen, only Allan Lamb and Andrew Flintoff have emulated this feat of batting on all five days. Allan Joseph Lamb (born 20 June 1954 is a former English Cricketer. Andrew Flintoff, MBE, (born 6 December 1977 in Preston, Lancashire) is a Cricketer who plays for Lancashire and England. Botham later remarked that "The Aussies, shell-shocked at having to bowl at Boycott for twenty-two and a half hours, capitulated without much of a fight. "^[83]

On 12 August 1977 he scored 191 against Australia in the fourth Test in front of a full house at his home ground of Leeds, becoming the first cricketer to score his one hundredth first class century in a Test match and the fourth English player to be on the field for the entire duration of a Test Match. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon - Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Headingley Stadium is a sporting complex in the Leeds suburb of Headingley in West Yorkshire, England. ^[84] Boycott reached the milestone with a characteristic on drive from the bowling of Greg Chappell through mid-on for four. Gregory Stephen Chappell, MBE (born 7 August 1948 in Unley South Australia) is a former cricketer who captained Australia between 1975 and 1977 and then joined the ^[85] Boycott ended the series with an average of 147. 33 and 442 runs, raising his average over 50 for the first time in his career. ^[83]

Appointed vice-captain for the ensuing tour of Pakistan and New Zealand that winter, Boycott took over as captain in 1978 for two Tests when Mike Brearley was injured, and brought with him his successful summer form, however he was replaced upon Brearley's return. Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island John Michael Brearley OBE (born in Harrow, Middlesex, on 28 April, 1942) is a former Cricketer who captained the England While the rest of the England team took part in warm-up matches, Boycott remained in Lahore and organized a special warm up match where the team would play itself, however he went on the occupy the crease for a long period of time, limiting the amount of time other players had to practice. ( lahor is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. He later stated that, as the number one batsman, he should have the most time in the middle. ^[86] In the second Test match, he scored 79 and 100*, increasing his statistics since his return to the England team to 684 runs at 136. 80. ^[86] It was between this match and the third Test that Brearley broke his arm, giving Boycott the captaincy. ^[86] Boycott led England to a draw in the fourth match, his leadership meeting mixed reviews. ^[87]

Following Pakistan, Boycott and the England team traveled to New Zealand. England were defeated in the opening Test for the first time in 48 years, Boycott taking seven hours and 22 minutes to score 77 runs, and England being bowled out for 64 when chasing 137 to win. ^[88] In the second match, Botham's first Test century took England to a commanding 418, however by the end of the match England needed to score quickly to force a draw. Boycott, however, told his team that he would play the way he always had, and proceeded to accumulate runs very slowly. Derek Randall was run out, and Botham came out to bat with his captain, informing the dressing room that "Boycs will be back in here before the end of the over. Derek William Randall (b 24 February 1951 Retford, Nottinghamshire) is a former Cricketer who played First-class cricket for Nottinghamshire "^[88] Botham then ran Boycott out, later claiming in his autobiography that he had done it deliberately. ^[89] Indeed, some have suggested that this was a team order. Boycott disputes the suggestion that the run-out was deliberate in his autobiography, referring to Botham's account as "a story that gets bigger and more fanciful with every telling". ^[90] The tale does nevertheless remain a renowned story. ^[91] Boycott then delayed his declaration, much to the frustration of England bowler Bob Willis. Robert ("Bob" George Dylan Willis (born in Sunderland 30 May 1949) is a former Cricketer who played for Surrey, England did eventually declare, and Willis took 4/14, New Zealand bowled out for 105 and England winning by 174 runs. Boycott suffered a scratch on his cornea and missed the last two days of the final match,^[92] and by the start of the 1978 season, Brearley had taken the captaincy back from Boycott. The cornea is the transparent front part of the Eye that covers the iris, Pupil, and Anterior chamber. ^[93]

Ashes series, West Indies and India

During the 1978-9 Ashes series, Boycott unusually went in at No. 11 in the second innings of a match against state side South Australia (not due to injury). ^[94] Boycott then played in the 1979 Cricket World Cup held in England, taking two wickets in the opening match against Australia, which England won. The 1979 Cricket World Cup (aka Prudential World Cup, 1979 was the second edition of the tournament and was won by the West Indies. The hosts then went on to win their next two games and topped their table for the opening round. Reaching the final after a close victory against New Zealand in which Boycott scored only two,^[95] he hit 57 from 105 balls as England chased Viv Richards 138*-inspired 286 to win, falling 92 runs short at 194 all out. ^[96] Boycott ended the competition with the fourth highest strike rate of 42. 99 and an average of 23. 00. ^[97]

Following the world cup, against Australia during a Test match at Perth in 1979-80, Boycott became the first man to be marooned on 99 not out in a Test when he ran out of partners. England then toured the West Indies. Here, Boycott again faced the West Indies feared pace attack, but succeeded in scoring centuries off of the likes of Holding, Roberts, Colin Croft and Joel Garner, despite having passed the age of 40 the previous year. Colin Everton Hunte Croft (born March 15, 1953 in Demerara, British Guiana) is a former West Indian Cricketer He provides Joel Garner (born December 16, 1952 in Christ Church Barbados) also known as "Big Joel" or "Big Bird" is a former West Indian ^[98] Other batsmen, such as David Gower found the attack difficult to cope with, and the later England captain stated that Boycott often had no sympathy. David Ivon Gower, OBE (born April 1, 1957) is a retired Cricket player and current cricket broadcaster ^[99] Boycott was, however, the most successful batsman during a tour where England went down 2-0. He scored 70 in the opening match, the only England player to pass 50. ^[99] In the third match, Boycott was to face what was later said to be Holding's greatest over. ^[100] Boycott was hit on the gloves by the first delivery, played-and-missed the second outside off stump, was hit on the thigh by the third, fended the next two deliveries away with his bat, and was then bowled by the final delivery. ^[101][100] He noted that "For the first time in my life I can look at a scoreboard with a duck against my name and not feel a profound sense of failure. "^[101] Boycott led an England fight back in the fourth Test. Having watched Holding's over several times on video, and worked in the nets on his game, Boycott came out and made 38 in the first innings and then hit his twentieth Test century. His career run total was now 7410, gaining on Gary Sobers' record of 8032. Sir Garfield St Auburn Sobers, AO (born 28 July 1936 in Bridgetown, Barbados) often known as Garry Sobers (though earlier in his life he preferred ^[102]

Boycott then played in the 1981 Ashes series. The tour by the Australian cricket team in England in 1981 included the 51st Ashes series of Test matches between Australia and England. During the second Test at Lord's Cricket Ground Boycott was dismissed 40 short of a century by Dennis Lillee, and was "crushed". Lord's Cricket Ground (generally known as Lord's) is a cricket Dennis Keith Lillee, MBE (born 18 July 1949 in Subiaco, Western Australia) is a former Australian Cricketer rated as the "outstanding fast ^[5] Just prior to reaching his hundredth Test match during the series, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1980 Queen's Birthday Honours "for services to Cricket. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British Order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. The Queen's Birthday Honours (or King's Birthday Honours when the monarch is male is a civic occasion on the celebration of the Queen's Official Birthday in which "^[7][103] Forever keen on the England captaincy, Boycotts hopes were cut short when Bothams 149* secured victory in Boycott's 101st Test match, and Mike Brearley's position as captain was made secure. John Michael Brearley OBE (born in Harrow, Middlesex, on 28 April, 1942) is a former Cricketer who captained the England ^[6] During the series, Boycott became concerned with his form and that he may be dropped before he could chase Sobers' record in the upcoming tour of India. He had scored only 10 and 37 in the fifth Test, however in the drawn sixth Test he scored 137 at The Oval, passing Colin Cowdrey's record of 7624 runs and becoming England's highest run-scorer. The Oval PavilionJPG|250px|right|thumb|The Members Pavilion]] The Oval is an international Cricket ground in Kennington, London ^[104]

Bye bye Boycott

By now, Boycotts fame and constant attention from the media had become to impact his personal life. ^[105] He was again refused the captaincy for the next Test series against India over the winter of 1981/82. The Indian cricket team is an international Cricket team representing India. Angered by this decision, he stated that "even the Yorkshire ripper got a fair trail in the dock but I've not been given a single change. "^[5] He later battled Keith Fletcher over his slow scoring rate, playing Fletcher's comments to him during a press conference using a tape recorder. Keith William Robert Fletcher (nickname "The Gnome of Essex" born May 20, 1944) is a former English Cricketer who played for ^[106] The series against India was to be his last. In his final ODI match during England's tour he scored 12 from 18 deliveries. ^[107] During the following Test series he passed Sobers' career run record, hitting 60 in the first Test, 36 and 50 in the second to take him 81 runs short, and in the third Test he overtook the record with a flick off is pads for four. ^[108] In his last Test match, the fourth of the tour, taking place in January 1982, he scored 18 and six. ^[109] During the tour, Boycott claimed that he was too ill to field in a Test Match, but it was later discovered that he was playing golf while his teammates were still out on the field. ^[110]

This led to him being dropped from the side and forced to return to England, despite apologizing via note to the England dressing room. ^[6][111] He claimed in his autobiography, however, that he went to the golf course following medical advice to get fresh air. ^[110] Later in 1982 he was instrumental in organizing, in defiance of a United Nations and TCCB ban, a so-called "rebel" tour of apartheid South Africa by 13 current and former England Test cricketers, who were almost all nearing the end of their careers. All the players were banned from international cricket for three years as a result. ^[112] By the mid 1980s, with Boycott in good county form and physical shape, there was speculation that he might return to the England side. David Gower, England captain of the time, however, stated that "Geoffrey's been a marvelous servant for England but we have to look to the future and, in view of his age, it wouldn't make an awful lot of sense to pick him again. David Ivon Gower, OBE (born April 1, 1957) is a retired Cricket player and current cricket broadcaster " This was confirmed by the return of Graham Gooch and Tim Robinson's 175 against Australia at Leeds, which prompted Botham to sing "Bye bye Boycott" from the England balcony. Robert Timothy Robinson (born November 21, 1958, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire) is an English former Cricketer and ^[113]

Commentator, controversy and later life

Commentating

Cricket commentator and statistician Simon Hughes states that Boycott is fastidious in the commentary box, always immaculately dressed, and never socializes with the other commentators or production staff. Statisticians work with theoretical and applied Statistics in both the private and public sectors Simon Peter Hughes (born 20 December 1959, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey) is an English Cricketer and Journalist ^[114] He is noted as having invented the phrase "corridor of uncertainty" as a reference to the area outside the off stump where a batsman is unsure whether he should leave or hit the ball, and for using a key to measure the hardness of the pitch, that is until this was outlawed by the International Cricket Council. The corridor of uncertainty is a phrase originating from the sport of Cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC is the international governing body of Cricket. ^[3]

Boycott was offered a role by talkSPORT, who chose to back him in spite of an assault conviction (subsequently upheld on appeal). talkSPORT is one of the United Kingdom's three terrestrial analogue Independent National Radio broadcasters offering a commercial sports and talk radio service from London ^[115][116] He continued to commentate for the station, along with various satellite and Asian channels, until 2003, when his career was further threatened by throat cancer. Esophageal cancer is malignancy of the Esophagus. There are various subtypes Having successfully undergone chemotherapy, Boycott's career enjoyed a renaissance as he returned to high-profile commentating with Channel 4, which had meanwhile taken over from the BBC in televising England's home Test games. Chemotherapy, in its most general sense refers to treatment of disease by chemicals that kill cells specifically those of micro-organisms or Cancer. Channel 4 is a public-service Television and Radio broadcaster in the United Kingdom centred around a television channel of the same name which began In November 2005, Boycott rejoined the BBC's Test Match Special to provide commentary for England's 2005 tour of Pakistan. Test Match Special (known as TMS) is a radio programme broadcast on BBC Radio 4 ( Long wave) Five Live Sports Extra ( In January 2006, Boycott joined Asian channel Ten Sports. He delivered the Colin Cowdrey Lecture in 2005, speaking about the need for cricket to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace innovations like Twenty20. Twenty20 is a form of Cricket, originally introduced in the United Kingdom for professional inter-county competition by the England and Wales Cricket Board

Boycott (pictured on the right, commentating at The Oval) is now a hugely popular, but often controversial, cricket commentator

He currently commentates on Cricket on Five with Mark Nicholas and Simon Hughes as his co-commentators. Mark Charles Jefford Nicholas (born 29 September 1957 in Westminster, London) is an English Cricketer who played for Boycott was a member of the BBC Cricket Team for commentary on the 2006/7 Ashes series. His role, as in his other commentary-related work, was to contribute to discussion of the main talking points. During England's 5-0 whitewash by Australia, Boycott stated that the team were undeserving of their MBEs and that he felt "so bad about mine I'm going to tie it round my cat. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British Order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. It doesn't mean anything anymore. It's a joke". ^[7] Boycott has been credited as having a high level of influence in the game, with Yorkshire's Chief Executive Stewart Regan crediting Boycott over the completion of a deal for Younis Khan to play county cricket for Yorkshire in the 2007 Season. A chief executive officer ( CEO) or chief executive is typically the highest-ranking corporate officer ( executive) or administrator Mohammad Younus Khan ( Urdu / Pashto:) (born November 29, 1977 in Mardan, North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan ^[117] On a larger scale, Boycott has worked towards scrapping the rule at Yorkshire regarding the number of overseas players. He stated that he believed Brian Close and the other selectors to be living in past times, and that he wished to encourage a growth in the number of players from Pakistan, the West Indies or India. Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and The Caribbean (ˌkærəˡbiən kæ'rəbiən Cariben|Caraïben or Caraïben; Caraïbe or more commonly Antilles; Caribe is a Region consisting India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country ^[118]

His on air commentary has caused controversy. Stephen James Harmison MBE (born 23 October 1978 Ashington, Northumberland) is an England Cricketer and a leading Test match As a commentator, Boycott has renewed his 'pull-no-punches' style in contrast to most of his fellow commentators. In particular he is known for criticizing players. After witnessing a dropped catch, he said "I reckon my mum could have caught that in her pinny", and in 2005 he mocked the Australian captain Ricky Ponting for electing to bowl first on a flat track, saying he was a "nice man" for being so generous to the England team. A pinafore (colloquially pinny in British English) is a Sleeveless garment worn as an Apron Ricky Thomas Ponting (born 19 December 1974 is a professional Australian Cricketer and current captain of the Australian cricket team in One Day International In 2006, he was initially receptive to the difficulties endured by Marcus Trescothick during his periods of stress-related illness, however he was not always as amiable. Marcus Edward Trescothick MBE (born 25 December 1975 in Keynsham, Somerset) is an English Cricketer He plays first-class ^[79] In March 2008, recently dropped Steve Harmison attacked Boycott in an article in the Daily Mail where he referred to Boycott as a "waste of space. Stephen James Harmison MBE (born 23 October 1978 Ashington, Northumberland) is an England Cricketer and a leading Test match The Daily Mail is a British newspaper currently published in a tabloid format "^[8] This was in response to Boycott's statement a few days previously on March 19, 2008 that if Harmison "gets a central contract this summer then a lot of us will be screaming favouritism and a total waste of money. Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common England should forget him". ^[119]

Court case

Boycott's personal life has continued to enter the spotlight on occasion since his retirement from England and the beginning of his commentary career. In 1996, Boycott was accused by Margaret Moore, a former lover, of assault. Boycott denied the charges, claiming she had fallen over and injured herself. He pointed to the fact that Moore was in financial difficulties and said that he would never hit a woman. However, in the second trial beginning on October 20, 1998, Boycott, having missed the first trial in January where his conviction had been set, appeared before a French Magistrates court and was given a three-month suspended sentence,^[120] and £5,300 fine were confirmed,^[121] which he appealed against. Events 1740 - Maria Theresa takes the throne of Austria. France, Prussia, Bavaria and Saxony Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) According to Boycott, Moore had grown angry when he refused to marry her, stating that "he was not the marrying kind". ^[122] Boycott nevertheless later married Margaret Rachel Swinglehurst on 26 February 2003 at Wakefield Register Office, and they have a daughter, born October 1988. Events 747 BC - Epoch (origin of Ptolemy 's Nabonassar Era 364 - Valentinian I is proclaimed Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[123] They currently live in Woolley. Woolley Colliery is a Village on the edge of the Barnsley and Wakefield districts in Yorkshire, England. ^[124][125]

The conviction gravely jeopardized Boycott's commentating career. At the time of the conviction he was working for BSkyB and BBC Radio, commentating on England's tour of the West Indies. British Sky Broadcasting ( BSkyB — Sky Television and BSB) is a company that operates Sky Digital, a subscription television service in the BBC Radio is a service of the British Broadcasting Corporation which has operated in the United Kingdom under the terms of a Royal Charter since 1927 He was sacked from both roles. ^[126][127] He was also sacked from his columnist's job in The Sun, which announced the dismissal in an article on the front page with the headline "Sun Sacks Boycott the Brute",^[128] although the Sun gave Boycott an undertaking in writing that they would continue to employ him regardless of the result of the court case,^[129] as did Talk Sport. A columnist is a Journalist who writes material on a regular basis for publication in a series The Sun is a Tabloid daily newspaper published in the United Kingdom and Ireland with the highest circulation of any daily English-language talkSPORT is one of the United Kingdom's three terrestrial analogue Independent National Radio broadcasters offering a commercial sports and talk radio service from London ^[130] A BBC television spokesman said "Geoffrey Boycott is not under contract with the BBC [television] and there are no plans to use him in the future. "^[131]

Boycott's commentating career continued, however, as he was able to carry on working overseas, particularly in India. He hosted The Boycs and Suni Show with Sunil Gavaskar and he hosted the touring Indian team at his home in August 2002. Sunil Manohar Gavaskar ( Marathi:सुनिल मनोहर गावसकर (born 10 July 1949 in Bombay, Maharashtra) nicknamed Sunny ^[132] He also worked in South Africa and coached the Pakistan cricket team upon request. In 2001, as resentment towards him in the British media following the court case died down, he was reinstated as a writer for British newspapers, and there was speculation that he would lead Lancashire Cricket Club following the departure of Bobby Simpson, though Mike Watkinson eventually took the role. Lancashire County Cricket Club is one of the eighteen major county clubs which make up the English domestic Cricket structure representing the historic Robert Baddeley Simpson AO (born 3 February 1936 is a former Cricketer who played for New South Wales, Western Australia and Australia Mike Watkinson (born 1 August 1961 in Westhoughton, near Bolton, Lancashire) was an English Cricketer who played

Throat cancer

Talk Sport, and Indian and South African television continued to use Boycott as a commentator in 2002, during which he suffered a continual sore throat. Finding a lump while shaving, Boycott returned to England and on August 20, 2002 was examined at Leeds General Infirmary. Events 636 - Battle of Yarmouk: Arab forces led by Khalid ibn al-Walid take control of Syria and Palestine See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Leeds General Infirmary, also known as the LGI or more correctly The General Infirmary at Leeds, is a large Teaching hospital based in the centre of By September 3 he was informed that he had four cancerous tumours in his throat. Events 36 BC - In the Battle of Naulochus, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Admiral of Octavian, defeats Sextus Pompeius ^[3] Initially surgeons recommended an eight hour procedure to remove the tumours, however their size and proximity to his voice box eventually chose them to recommend chemotherapy, of which Boycott had 35 sessions from 22 October. Chemotherapy, in its most general sense refers to treatment of disease by chemicals that kill cells specifically those of micro-organisms or Cancer. Events 202 BC - Hannibal Barca, leader of the Carthaginians, is defeated by the Roman legions under Scipio Africanus By December, scans revealed that the majority of the tumours had disappeared, and the final tumour's disappearance was confirmed in early 2003. ^[133] Although initially reluctant to discuss his health with the public, he spoke privately with his daughter, Emma, and then released a statement publicly, which evoked a significant emotional response. ^[134] On 16 August 2003 he was given a standing ovation by the crowd at Trent Bridge as he and a number of other cricketers did a lap of the ground in vehicles to celebrate Trent Bridge's 50th Test match. Events 1384 - The Hongwu Emperor of Ming China, Emperor Dong hears a case of a couple who tore paper money bills while fighting Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Trent Bridge is a Test, One-day international and County Cricket ground located in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire,

Return to commentary

Following this public support, Boycott resumed his writings for the Daily Telegraph and his commentary for Channel Four for the Cheltenham and Gloucester Championship Final and then the following summer. For "The Daily Telegraph" in Australia see The Daily Telegraph (Australia. Channel 4 is a public-service Television and Radio broadcaster in the United Kingdom centred around a television channel of the same name which began Radio Five Live then hired Boycott in early 2004. His fellow commentators state that his illness has altered his voice and led to a more pleasant personality, but that he is still prone to unpleasant behaviour. Channel Four producer Gary Francis stated "I think Geoff is a lot more mellow now. He still has his moments, like when the taxi does not arrive and he is not happy, as he makes extremely clear. But overall he's great fun to work with. "^[135] In early 2008 there was speculation that Boycott would be awarded a role amongst the England coaching staff, pertaining in particular to the coaching of Andrew Flintoff back from injury. Andrew Flintoff, MBE, (born 6 December 1977 in Preston, Lancashire) is a Cricketer who plays for Lancashire and England. On May 8, 2008, however, the ECB revealed that Boycott would not hold such a position. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The two had been involved in the past, and while Flintoff is an admirer of Boycott, the ECB stressed any coaching relationship would be informal. Boycott was, however, used to give informal talks to younger cricket players, and may find a place coaching the England U19s. ^[136]

Written works

Throughout his career in international cricket and well into retirement, Boycott has written a number of works on cricket, including his own autobiography and a joint project on the biography of umpire Dickie Bird:

• Put to the Test, 1979. An autobiography, from the Greek αὐτός autos "self" βίος bios "life" and γράφειν graphein "to write" Harold Dennis Bird MBE, commonly known as "Dickie" Bird (born in Barnsley, Yorkshire on April 19, 1933) is a
• Opening up, 1980.
• Sir Geoffrey. 21 Years of Yorkshire Cricket, 1984.
• Boycott: The Autobiography, 1987.
• Free as a Bird: Like and Times of Harold "Dickie" Bird with David Hopps, 1997.
• Geoffrey Boycott on Cricket, 1999.

Records

• Wisden, a Cricketer of the Year for 1965,^[76] when he played nine Test matches, scoring 617 runs with one century and four fifties at an average of 47. The Wisden Group was a group of companies formed by John Wisden & Co Ltd publishers of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack. The Wisden Cricketers of the Year are Cricketers selected for the honour by the annual publication Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, based primarily on their 46. ^[137]
• Winner of the Walter Lawrence Trophy in 1970. ^[76]

Test matches

Records:

• Fourteenth quickest player to reach 8,000 runs, taking 190 innings. ^[138]
• Most centuries for England, shared with Cowdrey and Hammond. ^[139]
• First player to score 99 and then a century in a Test match. ^[139]
• First player to score 99 not out. ^[139]
• Most century partnerships, 48, by an England player. ^[139]
• Test career of 17 years and 216 days. ^[140]
• In 1977 against Australia, became the first England player to bat all five days of a Test match. ^[76]
• Topped the national averages for six seasons, the highest of any post-World War II player. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including ^[139]
• Third highest career runs total for an England player, 8114, behind Graham Gooch and Alec Stewart. Graham Alan Gooch, OBE (born July 23 1953) is a former Cricketer who captained Essex and England. Alec James Stewart OBE (born 8 April 1963 in Merton, Greater London) is a retired English Cricketer a right-handed Batsman - Wicketkeeper ^[141]
• Sixth most capped player for England in Tests. ^[76]
• Longest time spent at the crease was 629 minutes for 191 runs in 1977. ^[142]

Opening partners

Such was his longevity in the game that he had 16 opening partners for England. ^[143][144]

Career performance

Test centuries

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Leeds ( is located on the River Aire in West Yorkshire, England England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Headingley Stadium is a sporting complex in the Leeds suburb of Headingley in West Yorkshire, England. The New Zealand cricket team, also known as the Black Caps or BLACKCAPS, played their first Test in 1929-30 against England in Christchurch Leeds ( is located on the River Aire in West Yorkshire, England England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Headingley Stadium is a sporting complex in the Leeds suburb of Headingley in West Yorkshire, England. 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Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Trent Bridge is a Test, One-day international and County Cricket ground located in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, The Australian cricket team is the national cricket team of Australia. Leeds ( is located on the River Aire in West Yorkshire, England England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Headingley Stadium is a sporting complex in the Leeds suburb of Headingley in West Yorkshire, England. The Pakistan National Cricket Team is an international Cricket team representing Pakistan. ( Urdu, Sindhi:; Haidarābād is located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and ( Urdu, Sindhi:; Haidarābād is located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. 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Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland The Oval PavilionJPG|250px|right|thumb|The Members Pavilion]] The Oval is an international Cricket ground in Kennington, London The Indian cricket team is an international Cricket team representing India. Delhi (दिल्ली ਦਿੱਲੀ دلی d̪ɪlːiː sometimes referred to as Dilli) is the second largest metropolis of India, with a population

One Day Internationals

Records

• Faced the first One Day International ball and was the first batsman to be dismissed in an ODI. ^[76]

Career performance:

Notes

References

Printed sources:

• Armstrong, G. Legends of Cricket, Allen and Unwin, 2002. ISBN 1865088366
• Boycott, G. Boycott: The Autobiography, Pan Books, 1987. ISBN 0330447378
• Boycott, G. Geoffrey Boycott on Cricket, Ebury Press, 1999. ISBN 0091853761
• Callaghan, J. Geoffrey Boycott, H. Hamilton, 1982. ISBN 0241107121
• Clark, C. D. The Test Match Career of Geoffrey Boycott, Spellmount, 1986. ISBN 0946771073
• Cox, R. W. British Sport: A Bibliography to 2000: Volume 3, Routledge, 2003. ISBN 0714652520
• Hill, J. and J. Williams, Sport and Identity in the North of England, Edinburgh University Press, 1996. ISBN 0415170370
• McKinstry, Leo, Geoff Boycott A Cricketing Hero, HarperCollins, 2005. ISBN 0007196938
• Meher-Homji, K. Heroes of 100 Tests: From Cowdrey and the Waughs to Warne, Tendulkar and Hooper, Roseberg Publishing, 2003. ISBN 1877058114
• Williams, J. Cricket and Race, Berg Publishers, 2001. ISBN 1859733093
• Whannel, G. Media Sport Stars: Masculinities and Moralities, Routledge, 2002. ISBN 0415170370

Websites:

• Boycott, G. Trescothick first victim of this greedy game Daily Telegraph
• Greenslade, N. For "The Daily Telegraph" in Australia see The Daily Telegraph (Australia. First and last The Guardian
• Lister, S. The Guardian (until 1959 The Manchester Guardian) is a British Newspaper owned by the Guardian Media Group. Who got Boycott biffing? CricInfo
• Harmison, S. Cricinfo is the largest Cricket -related website and one of the largest websites in the world with more than 20 million users Stephen James Harmison MBE (born 23 October 1978 Ashington, Northumberland) is an England Cricketer and a leading Test match Boycott? He's got no status with us, he's just a Yorkshire accent Daily Mail
• Williamson, M. The Daily Mail is a British newspaper currently published in a tabloid format The greatest over of them all? CricInfo

External links

• Player Profile: Geoffrey Boycott from Cricinfo
• Player Profile: Geoffrey Boycott from Cricket Archive