South Africa's cricket icon Mike Procter passes away at 77

South Africa's cricketing fraternity is in mourning as the legendary all-rounder and former national coach, Mike Procter, breathed his last on Saturday at the age of 77.

His wife, Maryna Procter, revealed the heartbreaking news to AFP, saying, "He suffered a complication during surgery, became unconscious, and never woke up."

Mike Procter's cricketing journey was marked by remarkable achievements. As a player, he faced the adversity of South Africa's banishment from world cricket due to apartheid, truncating his international playing career in 1970. Nevertheless, in the seven Tests he played, all against Australia, South Africa emerged victorious in six, showcasing Procter's game skill both as a fearsome fast bowler and a batsman.

Post-apartheid, Mike Procter played a pivotal role in South Africa's cricket resurgence. He became the coach of the international side, leading them to the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup. 

His contributions to the game extended beyond his homeland, with a distinguished 16-year first-class cricket career, notably captaining English county Gloucestershire for five seasons.

David Graveney, a former teammate, reminisced about Procter's remarkable performances despite battling knee pain, saying, "He was just one of the best players I ever played with." 

"I don't think people realise that when Mike played he was playing through great pain in his knee, but that didn't stop him from performing at the level he did. The phase 'Proctershire' was very apt for Mike. He put in the biggest performances in the biggest games."

Mike Procter's impact was profound, earning him legendary status with the moniker 'Proctershire.'

In the world of cricket, Procter's records speak volumes — 41 wickets at an average of 15.02 in Tests, six successive centuries for Rhodesia, and an impressive first-class career tally of 21,082 runs and 1,357 wickets. 

His cricketing legacy remains etched in the hearts of fans worldwide.

South Africa mourns the loss of a cricketing luminary who leaves behind a rich tapestry of achievements and an enduring influence on the sport.