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Gloucestershire cricket ‘legend’ Mike Procter dies aged 77
Former Gloucestershire Cricket player Mike Procter has died at the age of 77 in his hometown Durban in South Africa.
The all-rounder was regarded as one of the greatest to ever play for Glos, leading to club to be affectionately nicknamed ‘Proctershire’ in his honour.
During his 16-year playing career at Gloucestershire between 1965 and 1981, Procter played a total of 482 matches scoring 20,072 runs and taking over 1,113 wickets.
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The Gloucestershire flag at the Seat Unique Stadium has been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect and will remain that way until the start of the 2024 season.
A statement from the club read: “Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and club legend Mike Procter. Widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play cricket for Gloucestershire, Procter tragically died on Saturday 17 February in hospital in his hometown of Durban, South Africa.”
The moment when Glos lifted the trophy the Gillette Cup final against Sussex in 1973 – photo: Mike Procter
His former Glos teammate David Graveney added: “Mike was a fantastic player and quite rightly regarded as one of the best all-rounders that has ever represented Gloucestershire.
“The phrase ‘Proctershire’ was very apt for Mike. He put in the biggest performances in the biggest games.
“The hat-trick at Hampshire in the semi-final of the Benson & Hedges Cup and the runs he scored in the final of the Gillette Cup are two that I will remember fondly.
“The really good players perform on the biggest stage and that is what Mike did.”
Procter’s name is scattered throughout the Gloucestershire record books – photo: Mike Procter
Procter was considered one of the most able players of his generation but was restricted to just seven Test appearances due to South Africa’s political isolation, eventually turning to English country cricket.
Later, Procter coached South Africa after the country returned to playing competitive international cricket and led them to the semi-finals of the 1992 Cricket World Cup, also setting up charity the Mike Procter Foundation which aims to transform the lives of children through the power of sport.
Mike Procter has died at the age of 77 – photo: Mike Procter
Main photo: Mike Procter
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