Mike Procter, one of cricket’s best all-rounders, died on February 17, 2024, at the age of 77.He had a cardiac arrest due to a problem during heart surgery and never recovered consciousness.
The cricket fraternity lamented his demise, remembering him as a hard competitor, an outstanding instructor, and renowned match referee. Here are some lesser-known facts regarding Mike Procter’s life and work.
Mike Procter Cause of Death
Mike Procter, the South African cricket star, died on February 17, 2024, at the age of 77. The cause of death was cardiac arrest as a result of complications during heart surgery.
Parth MN (@parthpunter) tweeted a sad post:
Rest in peace, Mike Procter.
Legendary South African cricketer who could only play seven tests because of apartheid.
In 2012, he was asked if he finds it hard to reconcile with the fact that he missed out on a great career.
This is what he said 👇 pic.twitter.com/kMPe6jpHiJ
— Parth MN (@parthpunter) February 18, 2024
Early Life and Playing Career
Mike Procter was born September 15, 1946, in Durban, South Africa. He had mixed-race origins, with his father being white South African and his mother being Zulu. He attended Durban High School, where he excelled at cricket and rugby.
He made his first-class debut for Natal at the age of 18 and quickly established himself as a regular part of the team. Procter was a fast bowler who could swing the ball both ways, as well as a hard-hitting batsman with swift scoring abilities.
He was also an excellent fielder, particularly in the slips. Between 1967 and 1970, he played seven Tests for South Africa, capturing 41 wickets at an average of 15.02 and scoring 226 runs at 32.28. He was a member of the South African team that defeated Australia 4-0 in 1970, capturing 26 wickets in the process.
However, South Africa’s apartheid-era isolation cut short his international career. He continued to play domestic cricket for Natal before joining English county Gloucestershire in 1965.
He became one of county cricket’s most successful players, amassing over 20,000 runs and taking over 1,000 wickets during his career. Between 1973 and 1980, he guided the squad to six one-day titles, earning him the nickname ‘Proctershire’ among supporters.
Coaching and Match Refereeing Career
After retiring from playing, Procter became South Africa’s first coach upon their comeback to international cricket in 1991. He led the squad to the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup when they lost to England in a thrilling rain-soaked match. He then became the chairman of South Africa’s selectors and coached Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
Procter also became an International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee in 2002, officiating in 108 international matches, including 41 Tests, 58 One-Day Internationals, and nine Twenty20 Internationals.
He was involved in some contentious episodes, including England’s forfeited Oval Test against Pakistan in 2006 and Harbhajan Singh’s racist row with Andrew Symonds in 2008. In 2009, he retired as a match referee and began working as a pundit and analyst.
Personal Life and Legacy
Procter married Maryna in 1974, and they had two sons: James and David. He was a fervent Christian who was active in a variety of charity and social activities. In 2010, he published an autobiography called ‘Caught in the Middle’.
Procter was largely recognized as one of the best cricketers of all time, and he was inducted into the International Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009. Gloucestershire also honored him by naming a stand after him at their Bristol home ground.
His peers admired and respected him, praising his abilities, dedication, and sportsmanship. He was a great game legend who left an impressive legacy.
Mike Procter Tributes and Condolences
Some very sad news.
The former South Africa & @Gloscricket all-rounder Mike Procter has died.
He was 77.
Thoughts with his family & friends.#BBCCricket pic.twitter.com/vo4Lrn14af
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) February 17, 2024
Really sad to hear about Mike Procter. Couldn’t have met a friendlier bloke. My first introduction to SA cricketers International was Ricey and Prokky. Both gone. God bless his soul. condolences to the family. Played it hard as… Great guys of it #mikeprocter pic.twitter.com/cLy4do3A9h
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 19, 2024
Former Proteas Cricketer and coach Mike Procter has passed on at the age of 77.
Such sad news.
RIP Mike 🙏 🕯 pic.twitter.com/1C598Q8ftW
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) February 17, 2024
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