1973 - England v West Indies: Second Test (Arthur Fagg)

[AndrewM]

1973 - England v West Indies: Second Test (Arthur Fagg)

This is a long shot, but I thought a cricket forum would at least reach people with a chance of being able to help.

Does anyone recall the incident on Day 3 of the Second England v West Indies Test (11 August 1973) when umpire Arthur Fagg did not take to the field for the first two overs of the day?

It's an occassion which has stuck in my memory and I'd dearly like to track down the radio commentary from the start of play for the first few overs!

Does anyone have any recollection of this event - even better an audio recording?

Many thanks for giving this some thought!

Andrew

 

[Captain Parmenter]

Re: 1973 - England v West Indies: Second Test (Arthur Fagg)

Here is what the match report from 1974 Wisden said about the incident:

"While the cricket itself may soon be forgotten, the match will be remembered for the unprecedented action of the umpire Arthur Fagg who at the end of the second day threatened to withdraw from the match, and, indeed, Alan Oakman, the Warwickshire coach and a former first-class umpire and Test player, stood for the first over on Saturday morning when Fagg resumed his duties following talks with Mr Edmond Kentish, the West Indies manager and Mr AV Bedser, chairman of the England selectors.

The trouble began early in the England innings when several of the West Indies team confidently appealed against Boycott for a catch at the wicket off Boyce. It was turned down by Fagg and for the next two hours or more Kanhai openly showed his annoyance. Fagg requested an apology from the West Indies and although this was not forthcoming at the time Mr Kentish stated that the West Indies team "are fully satisfied with Mr Fagg's umpiring."

Apparently they liked long sentences back then, as the first paragraph is continuous.

Can't help with any audio though sorry.