13 Facts About Billy Griffith

Billy Griffith played in three Test matches for England in 1948 and 1949.

Billy Griffith played first-class cricket for Cambridge University, Surrey, Marylebone Cricket Club, Sussex and England.

Billy Griffith scored over 1,200 runs during four years in the 1st XI at Dulwich, despite being in the shadow of Hugh Bartlett, and he became a capable wicket-keeper.

Billy Griffith won his blue in his second year at Cambridge.

Billy Griffith lost his Cambridge place to Paul Gibb in 1937.

Billy Griffith was commissioned into the Officers' Training Corps in 1938, and transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps in 1939.

Billy Griffith later served in the Glider Pilot Regiment with Hugh Bartlett.

Billy Griffith took part in the Battle of Arnhem and won the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Billy Griffith remained in the Territorial Army after the war, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Billy Griffith succeeded Aird as the Secretary of the MCC in 1962, and he oversaw the abolition of amateur status, the introduction of one-day cricket, the creation of the Test and County Cricket Board, the Cricket Council, and the "D'Oliveira Affair".

Billy Griffith did not resort to these powers as he preferred more diplomatic means, but he urged attacking cricket in the tour games, notably against Western Australia.

Billy Griffith retired in 1974, and he later served as Chairman of the Friends of Arundel Castle Cricket Club.

Billy Griffith died in Felpham, West Sussex, following a long illness in 1993, aged 78.