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Cricket Blackmail Scandal: England Captaincy Denied?
7 Jan
Summary
- Percy Fender was allegedly blackmailed out of England captaincy in 1924.
- A secret recording reveals a cricket official demanded shares for captaincy.
- Fender's exclusion may have influenced Bodyline tactics development.
A remarkable secret from English cricket's past has been uncovered, revealing that Percy Fender, a highly regarded county captain, was allegedly denied the England captaincy due to blackmail. In a private recording made shortly before his death, Fender recounted an offer in May 1924, where a prominent cricket figure demanded shares in Fender's wine business in exchange for the captaincy of the 1924-25 Ashes tour.
Fender, an amateur who needed to arrange business cover for the lengthy tour, refused the bribe, leading to his exclusion from the England team. This decision had a profound impact, as Fender began a journalism career covering England, during which he first encountered a young Donald Bradman. It is believed Fender later influenced his protégé, Douglas Jardine, in developing the infamous Bodyline tactics.
New archival evidence suggests Fender's alleged exclusion directly stemmed from Australian batters' plans to counter fast bowlers by standing guard in front of their stumps. Fender shared letters from Australian journalists detailing this strategy with Jardine. The documentary exploring these revelations is seeking further investment to complete its production, supported by Surrey County Cricket Club.
