Edward Ralph Dexter, commonly known as Ted Dexter, was a legendary cricket player from England. Born on May 15, 1935, in Milan, Italy, Dexter went on to become one of the most exciting and powerful batsmen of his era.
Dexter’s batting style was a wonderful blend of patience and aggression. He possessed the technique to craft long innings and the audacity to counter-attack against fast bowling. Known for his fearless approach, Dexter had a penchant for driving the ball with raw power and elegance. His ability to dominate and dismantle the opposition bowling made him a fan favorite.
The Lord’s Test of 1963 against the formidable West Indies team remains one of Dexter’s most memorable innings. England found themselves reeling at 0 for 1 when Dexter walked out to bat. Undeterred by the situation, he unleashed a brutal assault on Wes Hall and Charlie Griffith, smashing a scintillating 70 runs off just 73 balls. This innings showcased Dexter’s exceptional talent and resolute mindset.
Dexter’s dominance was not limited to international cricket; he was equally dominant in county cricket. The way he consistently dominated spinner Derek Underwood, scoring numerous centuries for Sussex against Kent, established him as a force to be reckoned with. Even after a two-year semi-retirement, Dexter’s return to first-class cricket in 1968 was nothing short of extraordinary. He hammered an astounding 203 runs in his first Championship appearance, earning him an immediate recall to the national team.
Apart from his cricketing prowess, Dexter was also an accomplished golfer. He displayed the same drive and skill on the golf course as he did on the cricket field. He won the Oxford & Cambridge President’s Putter three times, solidifying his reputation as one of Britain’s finest cricketer-golfers of all time.
After retiring from professional cricket, Dexter channeled his energy into various other endeavors. He established a successful PR company, showcasing his entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, he became a well-respected cricket broadcaster and writer, using his deep knowledge and passion for the game to captivate audiences.
In 1989, Dexter was appointed as the chairman of the “England Committee.” This new cricket administrative role allowed him to lay the groundwork for the future of English cricket. However, his tenure as chairman of selectors was marred by a string of questionable decisions, including the omission of revered players like David Gower and Jack Russell from the 1992-93 touring team to India. These errors ultimately led to Dexter’s resignation in 1993, following England’s crushing defeat in the Ashes series against Australia.
Ted Dexter’s impact on the cricketing world cannot be overstated. His aggressive batting style, combined with his elegant strokeplay, mesmerized fans and inspired generations of cricketers. Whether it was his blistering drives or his ability to recover a struggling innings, Dexter’s contributions to English cricket will forever be cherished. His exciting brand of cricket, coupled with his off-field ventures, ensured that he remained an iconic figure in the sport long after his retirement.
