Series preview

One Test Wonders

Brian Murgatroyd looks ahead to the series, in which he chats with players who played just one Test match.
The players chat about how their Test appearances came about, their recollections of the matches themselves and the aftermath of never getting another chance.

Brian Murgatroyd said: “So much of the game is about high achievement and success and we know all about those high achievers. Players like Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar, Don Bradman, and, more recently, the likes of Alastair Cook and James Anderson. These are names that are lauded for their performances, and rightly so.

“But it occurred to me that there is very little that has been written or said about players who have achieved success by earning their call-ups to play Test cricket and then never been afforded a second opportunity.

“I checked and found that, for England alone, there are 33 players since the end of World War Two who have played just one Test. I thought ‘What are their stories? Why didn’t they enjoy longer Test careers?’ And that was the genesis for producing this podcast.

“I started to explore the subject and found that everyone I approached was delighted to talk, and the result is, I think, a series of fascinating listens that will engage all cricket fans.”

In the podcasts, Brian chats with the players to find out their back-stories and gets them to put their call-ups and appearances into the context of the times in which they took place.

He also gets from the six their detailed recollections of their Test appearances, what it meant to them both then and now, and their reflections on their status as one-cap Test players now they have retired.

“The stories the players tell of their experiences are absolutely fantastic,” said Brian. “As he was waiting to go out to bat for the first time, one player was told by the Chairman of Selectors ‘Don’t do anything bloody stupid,’ which is hardly going to fill anyone with confidence, is it?

“Another arrived at the ground on the eve of the match only to be mistaken for a net bowler, while another had to play his Test in kit borrowed from a team-mate. And another was so convinced he wasn’t going to play that he told his wife and family not to bother attending. They followed his advice and missed his entire Test career!

“There are so many stories like this throughout the episodes. The players were so open and honest, and it’s been an absolute joy to put the series together.”

Brian Murgatroyd has worked in cricket and journalism for more than 30 years. He currently works as a freelance broadcaster and has filed copy for the Reuters and Agence France Presse news agencies.

Additionally, he has worked as media manager for both the England and Australia men’s cricket teams and was, for three-and-a-half years, the Head of Media and Communications for the International Cricket Council, the sport’s global governing body.

“Having delved into the subject, I have realised it really is a rich seam for fantastic stories about the history of the game of cricket and, given there are so many players to speak with and about, I would love to carry on and explore the subject further,” said Brian. “It has been a labour of love to put together this first series and my plan is to carry on telling these stories that deserve to be heard.”