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Colin Milburn, the 18 stone opening bat who played one of the most
spectacular innings in Test history when he took on the bouncers of
Graham McKenzie at Lord's in 1968, was just coming into his own as an
international batsman when he lost an eye in a car crash in 1969. While
he returned to first class cricket - the standing ovation which greeted
him at a packed Old Trafford was one of the most emotional scenes in
cricket history - the loss of his leading eye put paid to his Test
chances.
He made a spectacular debut against Garry Sobers powerful West
Indies side of 1966 and fielded well at short leg, despite jokes that
the ground shook every time he fell, but his weight often seemed to be
an excuse for his omission from England sides. Milburn was run out for 0
on his debut at Old Trafford, but top scored with 94 in the second
innings, although he could not prevent an innings defeat. His 126 not
out at Lord's took England to a draw against Sobers men but, despite 29
and 42 at Headingley, he lost his place at the Oval. He played two Tests
in 1967, scoring 40 against India and 32 against Pakistan, but he was
not a success on the 1968 tour of West Indies and failed to find a place
in the Test team. His recall at Lord's against Australia saw him score
83, hooking sixes into the Tavern on the first morning.
He was not
chosen for the tour of Pakistan in early 1969 which replaced the
cancelled South African tour, but success in Australia saw him flown out
for the Karachi Test. He scored 139 before student riots caused the
match to be abandoned.
A noted bon viveur and practical joker, Milburn
was also valued as a touring colleague because of his fine singing
voice. (Bob Harragan)
Colin died on 28th. February 1990 of a heart attack at Newton Aycliffe aged 48.
He never married and is buried at Burnopfield, County Durham.
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