Glittering line-up gathering of international cricket stars

A glittering line-up of international cricket stars convened at the Bull Run in Johannesburg recently for a rare social get-together to talk cricket, reminisce and to share memories of their time in the sport.

The Friday-night gathering brought together cricketing luminaries from across the globe, including a number of players acknowledged as among the best to have ever played the game. These included West Indian bowling great Michael Holding, South African paceman Mike Procter, batting legends Barry Richards and Graeme Pollock, and English commentator Mark Nicholas.

The event was part of a series of events celebrating the contribution of South Africa’s former players. The following day, Pollock, Procter and Richards were the guests of honour at a lunch at the Wanderers’ Long Room during the third test against Pakistan.

Cricket SA CEO Thabang Moroe said: “As former players, we fully support the growth of South African cricket. We’re keen to contribute wherever we can to keep the fans entertained and to help develop the next generation of cricketing talent.”

Procter’s involvement in cricket development includes the Mike Procter Foundation, a non-profit organisation that teaches cricket to large groups of children in the townships around Durban.

Procter, himself rated among the best all-rounders ever, was upbeat about the current crop of Proteas bowlers. “The South African attack is the best; it’s been in years – and we’re not even at full strength. With all our bowlers, we’ll be able to put heavy pressure on our opposition with continuous attacking bowling.”

South African batting legend Graeme Pollock said: “South Africa has a rich sporting culture, and I can remember coming here to unwind after many of our matches during the Seventies and Eighties.”

Thanks to the attendance of former SA batsman Lee Irvine, the evening featured four members of the victorious 1970 Proteas side that whitewashed Australia in a home series.

To contact the Mike Procter Foundation call 072 968 4567

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