1959

A year of record scores. Hanif Mohammad, at the age of 19, set a new first-class record with 499 for Karachi in a domestic match in Pakistan, while Garry Sobers smashed his way to a Test-best 365 not out against Pakistan at Kingston, an innings described as "monumental". Herbert Strudwick, the former England wicketkeeper, hung up his gloves and wrote his memoirs, including some amusing anecdotes about WG Grace. Neville Cardus charted the similar careers of Charles Macartney and George Gunn, who both made their debuts at Sydney in 1907, and both died in 1958. Another big name to pass away was Douglas Jardine. England's captain in the infamous Bodyline series of 1932-33 died of cancer in Switzerland, aged 57.
Editor Norman Preston
Pages 1011
Price 16 shillings

Almanack essays

England's feet of clay

Notes by the Editor, 1959

Further notes by the Editor

Australia regain the Ashes, 1959