85 Not Out

by Ted Dexter, Mark Nicholas (Foreword)

This is the fascinating autobiography of none other than Ted Dexter — aka Lord Ted — the ferociously powerful and debonair former England international cricketer and captain. Dexter was a classical, hard-hitting batsman and right-arm swing bowler of the highest order. Having captained England in 1961-2, stood as England’s chairman of selectors from 1989-1993 and then becoming President of the MCC in 2001, he is undeniably one of England’s most prolific cricketers, playing alongside and standing in the same legacy as the iconic Fred Trueman, Peter May, Colin Cowdrey, Richie Benaud and Gary Sobers. But, as Ted is eager to stress in the introduction of his book, he also lived a rich, lively and fulfilling life outside of his sporting career. Featuring tales galore — of his various escapades along the French Rivera, his experience of running a sports PR company, flying planes (just “because he could”), playing championship golf, racing greyhounds, journalism, broadcasting and honestly so much more — you’ll wonder if there’s anything in life this man couldn’t do! Fresh, vivacious and ridiculously entertaining, this book is destined to unravel as a rip-roaring read not only for those who recall his sporting legacy, but for anyone who resonates with Ted’s fervent enthusiasm for both cricket and life. All book royalties will be donated to the MCC Foundation -- Enhancing Lives Through Cricket.

328 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2020

About the author

Edward Ralph Dexter, CBE was an England international cricketer. An aggressive middle-order batsman of ferocious power and a right-arm medium bowler, he captained Sussex and England in the early 1960s, retiring in 1968. He was known by the nickname Lord Ted. - wikipedia

Reviews

[Jonathan Corfe]

The thing about this book is that it makes me absolutely green with envy.
If I was being uncharitable I could focus on Ted Dexter coming from a bit of money, getting into Cambridge on the back of going to a good school and having sporting talent and then oohing and ahhing about whether to get a proper job in between touring the West Indies and Australia before marrying a model and Daddy buying him a house.
Ted Dexter was a lucky, lucky bastard.
Ted Dexter was also a lovely, lovely bastard with more than his fair share of sporting talent cricket, rugby, golf, athletics) and more than his fair share of skill (as a pilot of both planes and helicopters, writing and networking).
You read about this supremely lucky man and close the book without a shred of jealousy because you just end up on his side.
Ted Dexter died a few months ago and the world is poorer for his passing. He lived a life that is the envy of James Bond fans but where bond is tortured by Russians, Dexter is tonking golf balls; where Bond is murdering drug dealers, Dexter is necking champagne and watching cricket; where Bond is falling out a plane with a parachute, Dexter is taking his helicopter to the races then to the pub. Who wants to be like Bond? Make me Ted Dexter, affable, avuncular and a gentleman any day.
A book for cricket tragics, people who love alove story with a happy ending and people who appreciate a well-knotted tie, blazer and a smile.
Rest well, Lord Ted.

[Brian Harris]

Very extensive detailed book on Dexter's life not just the cricket . I guess all of his cricket life was contained in previous autobiographies . I would have liked more about his cricket career including his time on the various cricket committees. Rather too much about his children for my liking. Very forthright with his views on Chuckers and the likes of Trueman and Boycott - not a fan

[Jonathan Bates]

Entertaining and informative and nicely written. Some repetition but in general the book flows nicely and has a good mix of cricket and personal/family life covered.
A nice easy read