Harold Larwood

Down the mine I dreamed of cricket; I bowled imaginery balls in the dark; I sent the stumps spinning and heard them rattling in the tunnels. No mishap was going to stop me from bowling in the real game, especially this one.

I must have made a good impression because a club official to us into his office and asked me if I would sign on for a year with a view to becoming a professional.

In my first season I took 76 wickets at an average of less than 5 runs.

Cricket was my reason for living.