Fred Titmus - Boating Accident

Boating Accident

His place in the England side was now unchallenged, and he was appointed vice-captain for the Tour of the West Indies in 1967/68, but his run came to a shocking end in Barbados on that same tour. Having acquitted himself reasonably well in the first two Tests, Titmus was involved in a horrific accident shortly before the Third when, whilst swimming, he caught his foot in the propellor of a boat. He lost four toes, and for a time there was a doubt whether he would play again. He received a paltry £90 compensation from the MCC's insurance policy; which, at least, had the effect of ensuring a complete overhaul of insurance cover for England cricketers playing overseas. By May 1968 he was once again wheeling in for Middlesex, and doubts about his fitness were dispelled as he claimed 111 victims that season and actually headed Middlesex's batting averages, though averaging under 26 an innings. However, his England spot had gone, seemingly for good.

Titmus's batting gradually became less effective, and from 1969 onwards he passed fifty only six more times, though he did make an unbeaten 112 against Warwickshire as late as 1976. His bowling, however, remained a force to be reckoned with and until 1976 he took at least 57 first-class wickets in every year.