FT honours Proccie – Obit: Michael John Procter, South African cricketer, 1946-2024

Mike Procter, a cricket legend, showcased his prowess in 1970 when South Africa dominated Australia. Despite this triumph, apartheid policies barred him and his teammates from international cricket until 1991. Procter, a formidable all-rounder, accepted his loss of a Test career, emphasising the greater injustice faced by millions. He later advocated for merit-based team selection, contributing to the sport's transformation. Procter, born in 1946, not only excelled in cricket but also championed social change, coaching the national team post-apartheid and supporting disadvantaged children in Durban.

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By Tony Barber

One of the sport's greatest all-rounders who was denied a long Test career because of his country's apartheid system

In 1970, South Africa stood at the summit of world cricket. The national team hosted Australia in four Test matches — the long version of the sport, played over several days — and won each game by tremendous margins. Players such as Barry Richards and the Pollock brothers, Graeme and Peter, seemed set to dominate the sport for the rest of the decade.

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