Warwickshire's Dennis Amiss made his Test debut in one of England's greatest wins
of the 1960s, when Brian Close overturned the domination of Garry Sobers' West Indies
and won the Oval Test of 1966. Amiss made only 17 in that match and for several years
many despaired of him ever unveiling his undoubted talent at Test level. He played three
Tests on and off in 1967, with a best score of 45 against India. He played in the first
Ashes Test of 1968, but after two ducks was discarded.
England turned to Hampshire, Fletcher and Denness, but they did little better.
Amiss did not get an extended chance until Tony Lewis took him to India in 1972-73
in his new role as opening bat, but he could not cope with the spinners and lost his place.
England preferring to use Roope, Lewis and even Birkenshaw as makeshift openers.
In Pakistan a more determined Amiss at last showed his quality. He followed 112 in
Lahore with 158 at Hyderabad in 99 in Karachi. For the next two years he dealt
in big scores: 138 not out versus New Zealand at Trent Bridge, 174 in Trinidad,
262 not out in Kingston, 188 at Lords against India and 183 versus Pakistan
at the Oval.
Then came Lillee and Thomson. Thomson broke his hand, Lillee got him
for three 0s on the trot, though there was a 90 at the MCG. Confidence undermined,
Amiss was discarded in 1975. He returned in 1976 but Holding hit him on a helmetless
head before the Test series and he was not brought back till the last Test, when he
made a courageous 203. Thomson unsettled him again in 1977 and his signing for
World Series Cricket ended his Test career. He made 137 against India in the
1975 World Cup. (Bob Harragan)