Colin Milburn, affectionately known as “Ollie,” was an English cricketer whose career was tragically cut short due to a car accident that resulted in the loss of his left eye. Despite his short-lived Test career, Milburn left a lasting impression with his devastating attacking play and larger-than-life personality.
Born on October 23, 1941, in Burnofield, a mining village near Durham, Milburn inherited his cricketing ability from his father, who was a big hitter in local cricket. He began playing in the Burnofield second team at the age of eleven and quickly progressed to represent Durham Schoolboys and the senior side. His talent was evident, and soon Warwickshire and Northamptonshire were competing for his services. He ultimately joined Northamptonshire, where he made his mark in the cricketing world.
Milburn’s immense size, weighing around eighteen stones (252 pounds), was a unique characteristic that belied his light-footedness and agility on the field. His attacking instincts were honed by the Northamptonshire captain, Keith Andrew, who encouraged Milburn to use his natural abilities to their full extent. In 1961, Milburn made his maiden century against Cambridge University, showcasing his powerful strokeplay and ability to hit boundaries at will.
Throughout his career, Milburn demonstrated his ability to dominate the opposition with his explosive batting. In the 1963 season, he played magnificent innings against Yorkshire and Worrell’s West Indians, displaying his range of shots and accumulating runs at an impressive rate. With his success in county cricket, Milburn earned his place in the England Test team in 1966.
Milburn made an immediate impact on the international stage with notable performances against the West Indies. He saved England with a brilliant unbeaten 126 at Lord’s and showcased his attacking prowess with a quick-fire 94 in the first innings of the Old Trafford Test. His exceptional form continued in domestic cricket, where he set a county record opening partnership of 293 with Roger Prideaux, scoring a remarkable 203 against Essex.
In 1967, Milburn was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year, highlighting his impact and popularity within the cricketing community. This recognition came at a time when he was establishing himself as one of England’s most exciting cricketers. However, his weight and fielding limitations led to his omission from the England side for the final Test against Australia at The Oval that same year.
Undeterred, Milburn continued to entertain fans with his explosive batting in domestic cricket and played a successful season in Sheffield Shield for Western Australia in 1966-67. He made a lasting impression, both on and off the field, with his jovial personality and immense popularity among teammates and spectators alike.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck on May 23, 1969, when Milburn was involved in a car accident that resulted in the loss of his left eye and severely damaged his other eye. His career was suddenly cut short, and despite attempts at a comeback with Northamptonshire in 1973-74, he could not recapture his previous form.
After his playing career, Milburn faced personal struggles and drifted out of the cricketing scene. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 48 due to a heart attack, leaving behind memories of an extraordinary cricketer who could have achieved even greater heights if not for his untimely accident.
Colin Milburn’s legacy remains as one of cricket’s most talented and entertaining players. His natural attacking instincts, immense power, and infectious personality endeared him to fans across the world. While his Test career may have been fleeting, his impact on the game and the joy he brought to spectators will forever be remembered.
