An Unheard Tale Of How WI Legend Michael Holding Almost Killed An England Batter 

Close almost got hit by Holding [X]

Cricket back in the 1970s and 80s was a different ball game altogether. It was rough, it was brutal and kudos to the batters who played in that era without any head protection.

Not only the game between bat and ball, but the rivalries between two teams also used to be ferocious. A prime example of that is the rivalry between England West Indies. The Windies had just won the inaugural edition of the World Cup in 1975 and were the powerhouse back then.

How the Whispering death Michael Holding almost killed Brian Close

They toured England for a Test series in 1976, and before the series even commenced, England captain, Tony Greig opened the graveyard for his batters by stating that: 'West Indies might 'grovel.'

Grovel means moving on your hands and knees. The comments didn't suit well with the West Indian side, who publically warned England of the consequences. The statement didn't go well with their premium pace bowler, Michael Holding, who was also known as the 'whispering death.'

In one of the most extraordinary piece of raw fast bowling, Holding made sure England would eat their words as he picked up 14 wickets in the Oval Test to seal a statement making win for his side. However, that is not why we are writing this piece.

He dismissed England skipper Tony Greig twice in the match, and also tormented their batter, Brian Close. Holding targeted him with barrage of bumpers and the battle was so nasty that it injured Close from head to toe. He was struck on the jaw, he was hit on the body, and the bruises all over the body after match tells the horrifying tale.

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