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The call of duty: How a 42-year-old was recalled to save England in the Ashes

Shreyasi

Colin Cowdrey [Source: X/@fredfertang]Colin Cowdrey [Source: X/@fredfertang]

Michael Colin Cowdrey was a legendary figure in cricket history. Debuting for England as a 21-year-old rookie, Cowdrey made a lasting impression on cricket fans. However, his story of coming out of retirement to save his team from a fiery Australian pace attack remains the most fascinating one.

Born in Ooty, India, on Christmas Eve, Cowdrey went on to become an English great serving his nation for more than 20 years. He was among the rare cohort of cricketers who achieved over 100 first-class centuries while accumulating a career total of more than 40,000 runs.

But this story is not about his heroics or numbers. It is about his passion for the game and love for the nation. This is from Cowdrey’s sixth tour of Australia.

The terror of Ashes 1974-75

The Mike Denness-led England squad, comprised of Tony Greig, Keith Fletcher, John Edrich, and David Lloyd, toured Australia in 1974 with high hopes of continuing their dominance and extending their Ashes-winning streak.

On the other hand, Australia, led by Ian Chappell, were dominating the Ashes from the beginning with aggressive play, short-pitched bowling, and relentless sledging. Fast bowlers Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson were instrumental, effectively forcing England’s batters onto the defensive and undermining their morale.

England, as a result, lost their first Test by 166 runs, with two top-order batters, Dennis Amiss and John Edrich, breaking their hands, thanks to Lillee and Thomson. They were out of the next Test match alongside Bob Willis, who picked up a groin injury. There were additional setbacks as Keith Fletcher and Mike Hendrick were also unavailable.

In the second Test match at Perth, England were completely baffled. They did not know how to tackle the deadly duo of Lillee and Thomson. The England skipper had no other option but to ring Cowdrey, who was at home following the series closely.

England's desperate call to a 42-year-old veteran

Source: X/@ashes7475Source: X/@ashes7475

Cowdrey had last featured for England in a Test match back in 1971. He was obviously nowhere in contention for the England side playing the Ashes 1974-75.

But, at the request of the England captain, to everyone’s surprise, Cowdrey agreed to come back from his retirement. After a few makeshift net sessions, he took a 47-hour journey from London to join the team before the second Test in Perth.

The Australian crowd and even some players were curious to see a portly man nearing his 42nd birthday joining the team as its prime hope. He did not just join the team but slotted to bat at number three on the first morning, as England lost the toss and asked to bat first. Cowdrey walked and introduced himself to Thomson,

"I don't believe we've met. My name's Cowdrey".

Cowdrey's calmness that England needed 

Cowdrey came out to bat after Brian Luckhurst was dismissed. He understood the assignment well enough to handle hostile bowling from Lillee and Thomson with patience. Despite looking ugly at times, he brought stability to the innings.

He added 55 runs with Lloyd before the latter was dismissed just after lunch, playing a rash shot. Cowdrey kept his calm despite a few blows targeting his body, but his luck finally ran out. He was bowled by Thomson after scoring 22 runs, batting for more than two hours.

It was not a big score, but the scorecard failed to reflect the impact he had. The patience, the effort, and the grit Cowdrey brought to the disoriented visiting side were unmatched. He even opened the innings in the second innings. He scored 41 runs as England lost the Test match by 9 wickets.

Cowdrey played the last five Tests of the series, scoring 165 runs in 10 innings. Although England lost the series 4-1, their solitary win came in the sixth Test, allowing Cowdrey to finish on a high note.

In 114 Test matches for England, Cowdrey scored 7,624 runs, along with 22 centuries. He also captained England in 27 Test matches in five stints between 1959 and 1969. 

He did not play for England again, but his name was etched in history as the player who returned from retirement when his team needed him, cementing his legacy as an ambassador for English cricket.