Editing Ray Illingworth (section)

==Captaincy style==
The Yorkshireman was 'tough, combative, grudging, shrewd, and an instinctive reader of the game',<ref name=Swanton/>{{rp|194–195}} and an experienced, no-nonsense captain who expected his team to play like professionals. [[David Gower]] wrote 'no matter how highly Ray might regard you as a player he would not have you in his team, come hell or high water, unless he was utterly convinced that you could do the job he had allocated to you'.<ref>Gower, David (1985). ''Heroes and Contemporaries''. Granada Publishing Ltd. pp. 56–59. {{ISBN|000217054X}}.</ref> He managed 'difficult' players like [[Geoff Boycott]] and [[John Snow (cricketer)|John Snow]]<ref>"He harboured and nurtured his bowlers like no other captain I have served"(p78)..."Ray's strong point was in quickly guessing the mood and the problems of the bowler"... whether the bowler was "able to strike his true rhythm"...Ray "recognised that I knew what was needed from me and trusted me to adjust my programme and thinking to be at a peak when required during the Test matches. That was something I appreciated."(p80)...Ray "fought hard" to get the best off-field facilities for his team...(p81), John Snow, 'Cricket Rebel'</ref> well, and they responded with their best Test form. 'Most of all, because he insisted on his "own side", he was able to get the best out of his players, both mentally and physically. He built up a tremendous team spirit which stood us in good stead on numerous occasions',<ref name=Snow>Snow, John (1976). ''Cricket Rebel''. Hamlyn.</ref>{{rp|80}} and they tended to close ranks and treat the opposition, umpires, press and public as the enemy, an attitude that became prevalent amongst Test teams in the 1970s.<ref>Brown, Ashley (1988). ''The Pictorial History of Cricket''. Bison Books Ltd. pp. 150–152. {{ISBN|0861244443}}.</ref>

Illingworth [[English cricket captains|captained England]] in 31 [[Test cricket|Test match]]es, winning 12, losing 5 and drawing 14.