Random Cricket Photos Post 37






#RandomCricketPhotosThatMakeMeHappy

I was confused about which photo to go with but then decided to go with both of them. Both, in some ways, bring out the interesting character that Bernard Thomas was. Well, before telling more about him, let me identify the cricketers in the photos for you. First is Thomas seen with Norman Cowans in a photo by Adrian Murrell and in the second, he is with Ian Botham.

So, who was he?


A gymnast who represented Great Britain in several competitions, Thomas was associated with the English team as a Physiotherapist for a long time. From 1968-69 to 1984-85. Yes, a long time.

Although it’s a Kiwi player who probably remembers him more fondly than any of the English cricketers Thomas was associated with. That’s because had it not been for Thomas, he wouldn’t have been alive.

I’m talking about Ewen Chatfield, often the bowling partner of the New Zealand great Richard Hadlee.
In only his debut Test, playing against England in 1975 in Auckland, the no. 11 found himself knocked down when a short ball from Peter Lever went of the top off the bat handle to hit him on the left temple. Not only did he collapse in seconds but he also ended up swallowing his own tongue. His heart stopped beating for a few seconds.

That’s when Thomas ran out on to the Eden Park turf and saved Chatfield’s life with a Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. He also pulled his tongue out to allow for air to flow-in.
Thanks to Thomas' decisive intervention, Chatfield not only played over 100 ODIs and close to 50 Tests but went on to keep playing for his club till 2019, when finally at the age of 68, he announced his retirement.

Not all heroes wear capes, they say! For Chatfield (and Lever), the hero was a little bald man wearing spectacles!

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