Lillee-livered and brave.

(From Aberdeen Press & Journal (UK))

John Edrich was one of the greatest cricketers of his generation. His distinguished playing career produced almost 40,000 runs and he graced 77 Test matches for England.

He had courage, taking on the world's greatest fast bowlers with a steely determination matched by exceptional technique.

In the days before helmets, facing the world's fastest bowlers on uncovered wickets was a test of nerve. He was badly injured in 1965 when, following a sequence which brought him 1,311 runs in nine innings including a triple-century against New Zealand, he ducked into a short ball from Peter Pollock, South Africa's fastest bowler of the 1960s.

The ball seamed up the Lord's slope and hit Edrich on the forehead, knocking him cold. But as when Dennis Lillee broke two of Edrich's ribs at Sydney in 1974-75, it made no difference.

Edrich stayed in line and took whatever came his way.

Now 68, he lives in quiet retirement on Royal Deeside.

John was born the youngest member of a Norfolk family steeped in cricket. His cousin, Bill Edrich, the former Middlesex and England batsman and bowler, also played football as an amateur for Norwich City and Tottenham during the 1930s.

Cousin Bill, or squadron leader William J. Edrich to give him his full title, was awarded the DFC for his bravery during the Battle of Britain.

John said: "There were 12 in the Edrich family to start with, nine boys and three girls. My father was the youngest of the whole lot and we were brought up in Norfolk. We were mostly farmers, but also auctioneers, and all very keen on the game. In …