Long before the fates made the magnificent atonement on late-summer days at The Oval, 1966, there must have been times when John Thomas Murray was left with nothing more than a cricketer’s natural philosophy as balm to his wounds. His career as England’s wicketkeeper began on the highest note of promise with five Tests and five impeccable performances against Australia in 1961.
John Murray’s England career often progressed in fits and starts, but after a glorious summer in 1966 he was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year.
None could have suspected his position would soon be assailed. Yet the first of his disappointments was round the corner. In the following winter of 1961-62 he had to return prematurely from MCC’s tour of India and Pakistan to undergo an operation for varicose veins. Though he regained his place in the last three Tests against Pakistan in England in 1962, he faced successive competition from Alan Smith and Jim Parks.
The years of frustration did not leave a trace of bitterness. Nor was a word of complaint uttered. As No.1 or No.2 wicketkeeper in any touring side he pulled his weight cheerfully. He is immaculate in his turn-out, and the key to his character is to be found in his own words: you have to try and do what is in the best interests of your side. That, in a nutshell, is John Thomas Murray.
John Murray played 21 Tests for England and scored 506 runs while affecting 53 dismissals behind the stumps. In 635 fist class games, he scored 18,873 runs in addition to his 1,268 catches and 259 stumpings.
