OTD – Ken Barrington suffered a heart attack during the inaugural World Double-Wicket Championship at the MCG in 1968

On this day in 1968, the cricket world was shaken by a medical emergency involving one of its legendary figures. Ken Barrington, the esteemed English cricketer, suffered a heart attack during the inaugural World Double-Wicket Championship at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The event, which was designed to showcase top cricketing talent in a unique format, turned tragic when Barrington was struck by the serious health scare, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a celebration of the sport.

Barrington, who was 37 at the time, had been a dominant force in English cricket. Known for his determined batting and exceptional sportsmanship, he had represented England in 82 Test matches, scoring 6,806 runs at an average of 58.67, a figure that remains one of the highest in Test cricket history. His participation in the World Double-Wicket Championship, which was designed to blend entertainment and competition, was seen as a reflection of his continuing relevance in the game.

What happened to Ken Barrington midway of the match?

However, midway through the match, Barrington complained of chest pains. Initially dismissed as minor discomfort, the severity of the situation quickly became clear. Medical professionals were called, and it was soon confirmed that Barrington had suffered a heart attack. Spectators and players alike were left in shock as news of the incident spread through the crowd.

The match was immediately halted, and Barrington was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The incident at the MCG marked a significant turning point in Barrington’s life. Although he recovered from the heart attack, it effectively ended his playing career.

His doctors advised him against the physical strain of international cricket, and Barrington transitioned into coaching and media roles. He later became an influential part of England’s coaching setup, where he used his vast experience to mentor younger generations of cricketers. Notably, in 1981 Ken Barrington died after suffering another heart attack.

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