Who was Percy Fender and why was he denied England captaincy?

Percy Fender was a shrewd Surrey captain allegedly blackmailed out of the England captaincy in 1924 by a cricket official demanding business shares.

What were the Bodyline tactics and how are they linked to Percy Fender?

Bodyline tactics involved fast, short-pitched bowling aimed at the body with a leg-side cordon of catchers. Fender's exclusion may have led him to influence his protégé, Douglas Jardine, in their development.

Is there a documentary about Percy Fender and the cricket scandal?

Yes, documentary makers are seeking funds to finish a film about Percy Fender, exploring his alleged blackmail and influence on cricket history.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Cricket Blackmail Scandal: England Captaincy Denied?

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.

Cricket Blackmail Scandal: England Captaincy Denied?

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.