WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England's MCC tour of South Africa in 1964/65, the last before the D'Oliveira affair, holds a special place in the affections of Ian Thomson, the former Sussex seam bowler who was remembered last summer when Richard Johnson, of Middlesex, emulated his feat of taking all 10 wickets in a first-class innings.
Thomson did it on a rain-affected pitch at Worthing in 1964, with John Snow bowling without luck at the other end. Without doubt it was a factor in his selection to go to South Africa, gaining his only international recognition in the twilight of his career. He was 36 during the tour and retired after one more domestic season.
''It was a super tour, even though we faced a succession of plum wickets and drew all the Tests bar the first, which the spinners won for us,'' he said. He was to return to South Africa to coach after he retired and had charge of Darryl Cullinan, the current South African Test player, as an eight-year-old. ''He was the best little cricketer I'd seen,'' Thomson said. ''I've followed his career ever since.''
Back home, Thomson moved back to the East End of London, where he grew up, to work in his father's motor car business. But he hankered after the South Coast and quit to train as a teacher, which has been his profession since. Although he retired from full-time teaching in 1985, he still accepts supply work at primary schools even at 66.
He recently left the long-time family home in Hove for the nearby village of Henfield, where he lives with his wife, Eileen. Their daughters, Carol and Tracey, both live in the Hove area.
Jon Culley
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments