24 Facts About Colin Milburn

Colin Milburn was an English cricketer, who played in nine Test matches for England, before an accident led to the loss of much of his sight and prompted his retirement.

Cricker writer Colin Bateman commented, "he was a clean, natural hitter of the ball who had an infectious zest for the game and life".

Colin Milburn's father, a local tradesman, was a noted professional player in Tyneside league cricket.

The young Colin Milburn showed exceptional talent at the game, making his first-team debut at the age of thirteen.

Colin Milburn dedicated the century to his school friend Stuart Turner, stating "that was for you Stu".

Colin Milburn obtained seven O-levels from school in 1958 and went half-way through his A-levels when he left school for a cricket career.

Colin Milburn's mother wanted him to go to Teacher Training College before taking up cricket.

In 1960, Colin Milburn signed for Northamptonshire because they offered 10 shillings a week more than Warwickshire.

Colin Milburn soon made a name for himself with his forceful strokeplay and useful medium-paced bowling, backed up by a larger-than-life, gregarious and convivial personality.

Colin Milburn taught PE during the off season at Cherry Orchard SM School in Northampton, just about a mile from the site of his later accident.

Colin Milburn had a reputation as an all-or-nothing batsman, sparkling centuries alternating with indifferent scores, but by 1966 he had forced himself back into the Test reckoning.

Colin Milburn redeemed himself with 94 in the second innings as England went down to a heavy defeat.

Colin Milburn's riposte was typical of the man, an innings of 203 for Northamptonshire against Essex.

That winter Colin Milburn travelled to Australia, where he played Sheffield Shield cricket for Western Australia.

Colin Milburn played a Test against India and against Pakistan in 1967, and was selected to tour the West Indies in the winter, where he was much more successful off the field than on.

Colin Milburn was picked for the Lord's Test against Australia in 1968, scoring 83, mostly before lunch on the second day, almost all of the first being lost to rain.

Colin Milburn had been listed to bat at number six, but was sent in with an aggressive move by England at the fall of the first wicket.

Colin Milburn returned to Perth, where he enjoyed a prolific season for Western Australia.

Colin Milburn was called up in an emergency to reinforce the MCC touring party in Pakistan.

Colin Milburn scored a spectacular 139 in the Karachi Test in March 1969, before it was abandoned because of rioting.

On 8 January 1971, The Times reported his retirement, but Colin Milburn did return in 1973 and 1974.

Colin Milburn continued in league cricket, and went into the world of coaching youngsters, after dinner speaking, public appearances and radio commentary.

Colin Milburn's funeral was attended by hundreds, including ex-players and fans, with Ian Botham one of the pallbearers.

Colin Milburn was a subject of the television programme This Is Your Life in April 1970.