The Bedsers: Twinning Triumphs

by Alan Hill (Author), Alan Hill (Author), John Major (Foreword)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2001

  $3.25

  This biography charts the lives of sporting twins Alec and Eric Bedser, from their humble origins as country boys in Woking to their reign as key members of the Surrey cricket team that won seven championships in the 1950s. Alec Bedser was to become England's bowling standard bearer in the years following World War II - his exceptional strength and prowess yielding almost 2000 wickets, including 236 in 51 Tests. He was at the peak of his power in the 1953 series against Australia, when his aggregate of 39 wickets was the best return by an English bowler since 1934 - a feat only surpassed against Australia by Wilfred Rhodes, Hedley Verity and Jim Laker. Sir Alec is nowhere more venerated than in Australia where he and his brother enjoy deep respect and affection, despite Alec having dismissed the great Don Bradman on eight occasions. Although Alec achieved the greater renown, he insists he was privileged to have a devoted brother by his side. Once retired, Bedser maintained his connection with cricket fulfilling administrative duties, including a record term as chairman of the Test selectors. Knighted in 1997 for his services to cricket, he is the only English bowler to receive the honour.

• Used

  Paperback
  2002

  $3.25

  Sporting twins Alec and Eric Bedser are a remarkable duo. From humble origins at Woking to their reign as key members of the Surrey team during the magnificent succession of seven championships in the 1950s, they share a rare and precious relationship. The Bedsers is Alan Hill's engrossing study which explores the puzzles of their identical twinship. Alec Bedser was England's bowling standard bearer in the years following the Second World War. His exceptional strength and prowess yielding almost 1,924 wickets, including 236 in 51 Tests. He was at the peak of his powers in the 1953 series against Australia, when his aggregate of 39 wickets beat the previous record held by Maurice Tate. It included match figures of 14 wickets for 99 runs at Nottingham - a feat only surpassed against Australia by Wilfred Rhodes, Hedley Verity and Jim Laker. High among his other distinctions was his record against Don Bradman whom he dismissed on eight occasions. After retirement, Alex maintained his connection with cricket in fulfilling administrative duties, which included a record term as Chairman of the Test selectors. Knighted in 1997 for his services to cricket, he is the only English bowler to receive the honour.