When John Barclay’s illusions met an unfortunate end!

John Barclay played for Sussex between and was touted as possible England captain. It’s another matter that he did not ever play for England. Born in Bonn, Germany, Barclay played First-Class cricket between 1970-1986 and played 274 matches, scored 9677 runs and took 324 wickets as an off-spinner. He made his Sussex debut at just 16 in 1970 and captained England Young Cricketers in West Indies in 1972.

Barclay also had a good sense of humour and the ability to laugh at his own self. Barclay had gone out to toss with Mike Brearley during a match between Sussex and Middlesex at Hove in 1980. On the way back to the pavilion after the toss, Barclay was met on the boundary by a lady on the boundary line.

The conversation is best narrated in Barclay’s own words in “The Wit of Cricket”

 “Mr Barclay,” the lady said, “have you won the toss?”
“Yes,” I replied proudly.
“And are you going to bat?” the lady asked.
“Yes,” I said, even more proudly.
“And are you opening the batting?”
“Yes,” I said, puffing my chest.
“In that case”, said the lady, ‘I’ll go into Hove to do my Sainsbury’s shop before lunch!”