OTD | Alec Bedser was born in 1918

Sir Alec Victor Bedser was primarily a medium-fast bowler, who represented England in 51 Test matches. He is widely renowned for his sensational skill set and many describe him as one of the finest England cricketers of the 20th century.

Born in Reading, Berkshire on July 4, 1918, Bedser received his initial education from Maybury Junior School before heading to Monument Hill Central School in Woking. He had a twin brother named Eric. They were seen practicing in the nets for Woking Cricket Club by then-Surrey coach Alan Peach. He recruited them to the staff at The Oval in 1938.

The two brothers were medium pacers but Eric became an off-spinner after losing a toss to Alec. They made their first-class debuts for Surrey versus Oxford University in June 1939. However, their cricketing careers had been forced to take a backseat with the outbreak of the Second World War. They joined the police and were sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force.

Alec returned to play for Surrey in the mid-1940s. In 1946, he played his first full season for the historic County and picked up 100 wickets before July, earning a spot in the England team.

He picked up 11 wickets in each of his first two Tests, which was against the touring Indian side. Alec became one of England’s most reliable bowlers for the better part of the following decade.

Alec played 51 Tests, scalping 236 wickets at an average of 24.89 and a strike rate of 67.40. The Reading-born finished his international career with 15 five-wicket hauls.

After drawing curtains on his illustrious playing career, he served as a national team selector for over two decades (1962 to 1985). He was the chairman of selectors from 1968 to 1981. He passed away on April 4, 2010, in London.

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