Ted Badcock
Roving Coach and Rascal

New Zealand’s first ‘Black Cap’, Ted Badcock, was born into a military family living in the North West Frontier of India. The story explores his upbringing at the time of the British Raj, English public school education, military involvement, takes a nostalgic look at New Zealand cricket in the 1920s and 1930s, experiences as a professional cricketer in the leagues of Lancashire, British wartime cricket and coaching assignments in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Australia.

Controversy and unusual events punctuated Badcock’s interesting life. He was gassed on the Somme, jailed in Wellington, controversially forced to withdraw from team selection, a ‘king-pair’ Test debutant, ‘leg-theory’ bowling exponent, involved in courtroom dramas, beset with financial problems and had a near-death experience in wartime Britain – life was never dull. In addition, he played for an England XI, was offered MCC membership, shared an interlude with royalty, performed marathon bowling spells in his late 40s and made his mark as a successful coach for over 50 years.

Badcock had a fascinating career in the game he loved. He was involved in all aspects of the game: as a player, coach, selector, writer, sports equipment salesman, radio commentator, spectator and club supporter. Ted Badcock: Roving Coach and Rascal is an interesting and entertaining story about a cricket tragic’s lifetime association with the game.