Kenneth Colin Bland, commonly known as Colin Bland, was a cricket player hailing from Bulawayo, South Africa. He is regarded as one of the greatest cover fielders in the history of the sport, known for his impressive combination of speed, perfect balance, and an exceptional throwing arm. Bland’s fielding skills thrilled spectators and instilled fear in opposing batsmen throughout his career.
Even in the modern era of cricket, where outstanding fielders are more common, Bland’s abilities would have made him stand out among the rest. He dedicated himself to honing his skills through relentless practice, especially focusing on throwing at a single stump. His hard work paid off, and he often showcased his fielding prowess during team fielding sessions, much like Jonty Rhodes in the 1990s.
Bland’s impact on the game was not limited to his fielding abilities alone. Though not a consistent performer with the bat, he was capable of contributing valuable runs. His only setback was a tendency to try and loft the ball over the bowler’s head, which sometimes resulted in his downfall.
During the 1963-64 tour of Australia, Bland shone with the bat, scoring an impressive 126 runs in Sydney. He ended the series with a total of 367 runs at an average of 61.16. In the subsequent tour of New Zealand, he continued his excellent form, amassing 207 runs at an average of 69.00.
Bland’s exceptional performances extended to the England series in 1964-65, where he recorded outstanding figures. Hammering 144 at Johannesburg, he finished the series with 572 runs at an average of 71.50. The following summer in England, he continued to impress, accumulating 906 runs, including 286 runs at an average of 47.66 in the three Tests.
Apart from his formidable batting and fielding skills, Bland’s run-outs of Ken Barrington and Jim Parks at Lord’s during the England tour proved pivotal in turning the match in South Africa’s favor. His fielding was consistently a revelation throughout the tour, leaving a lasting impression on cricket enthusiasts.
Tragically, Bland’s Test career was cut short in 1966-67 in Johannesburg against Australia, when he collided with a boundary fence while chasing the ball. The incident severely damaged his left knee, leading to the premature end of his international cricket career.
Bland was equally loved and appreciated in domestic cricket for his contributions to the game. In the 1967-68 season, he showcased his class by smashing 197 runs in just three hours for Rhodesia against Border. This remarkable innings came during a low-scoring match on a challenging wicket, further highlighting Bland’s exceptional skills.
In addition to his batting and fielding talents, Bland was also a valuable right-arm medium-fast bowler. However, he may have been underutilized in this aspect of the game.
Colin Bland’s legacy lies in his incredible fielding abilities, which distinguished him as one of the greatest cover fielders in cricket history. Despite his career being tragically cut short, Bland’s contributions to the sport both domestically and internationally cemented his place as a cricketing legend.
