The so-called “Timeless Test” cricket Test match between South Africa and England is legendary in the game. 9 days of cricket had to be stopped to ensure that the England team could catch their ship back to Blighty.
Tuesday 2 September 2014 turned out to be a bitter-sweet day for all cricket lovers around the world who appreciate milestones in the game of cricket. The oldest surviving player who participated in the “Timeless Test” played in Durban in 1938 and the only Test player to ever be able to raise his bat in celebration of a century of living passed away in Johannesburg South Africa at the age of 103. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in the flat that he has lived in for the last 63 years
After his playing days, Norman Gordon enjoyed success in life as the Manager of a sports store in Johannesburg. His 100th birthday was celebrated in the Long Room at the Wanderers Stadium in 2011, with many current and past international cricketers in attendance.
There are some remarkable statistics that define the life of Norman Gordon. Firstly, in the Timeless Test played in Durban in 1938, Norman bowled 92.2 overs. Not of the 6 ball overs we are used to today, but 8 ball overs as was the norm (pun intended) in the day. That equates to 738 times he ran up and bowled in that match. For a spinner that would be some hard work, but Norman was a medium fast bowler so that was some seriously hard graft! To this day, that remains as the most number of deliveries ever bowled by a cricketer in a Test Match.
Norman had one last laugh at his passing… he passed away at the ripe old age of 103 years. His best bowling in Test matches was five wickets.. for 103 runs…
RIP Uncle Norman. You are a legend of the game.
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