1980

Norman Preston's last Almanack as editor, having started in 1952. He passed away on March 6, 1980, shortly after this year's edition went to press. His last issue included the new revised laws of cricket, an article on the Packer case, and a detailed report on England retaining the Ashes. EM Wellings, who had returned to England after seven years abroad, wrote on the "Lower Standards". He said: "When I left England, Boycott was our best batsman. When I returned he was the only one of true class." Tiger Smith, the former Warwickshire wicketkeeper - and the oldest surviving Test cricketer at that time - passed away at 92. Derek Randall was picked as one of the Cricketers of the Year, because "unlike so many grim faces we see today, he is a happy cricketer".
Editor Norman Preston
Pages 1239
Price £5.75

Almanack essays

Moving the goalposts

Notes by the Editor, 1980

Notes by the Editor

Recodification of the laws and more, 1980