Editing Mike Procter

{{short description|South African cricketer (1946–2024)}}
{{Use South African English|date=September 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox cricketer
|                name = Mike Procter
|               image = File:Cover of the book Mike Procter and Cricket.jpg
|             country = South Africa
|            fullname = Michael John Procter
|            nickname = Prock, Procky
|          birth_date = {{birth date|1946|09|15|df=yes}}
|         birth_place = [[Durban]], [[Natal (province)|Natal]], [[Union of South Africa]]
|          death_date = {{death date and age|2024|02|17|1946|09|15|df=yes}}
|         death_place = [[uMhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal|uMhlanga]], [[KwaZulu-Natal]], [[South Africa]]
|            heightft =
|          heightinch =
|             heightm =
|             batting = Right-handed
|             bowling = Right-arm fast
|                role = All rounder
|              family = {{ubl|[[Woodrow Procter]] (father)|[[Anthony Procter]] (brother)|[[Andrew Procter]] (cousin)}}
|       international = true
|       testdebutdate = 20 January
|       testdebutyear = 1967
|    testdebutagainst = Australia
|             testcap = 228
|        lasttestdate = 5 March
|        lasttestyear = 1970
|     lasttestagainst = Australia
|               club1 = [[Gloucestershire County Cricket Club|Gloucestershire]]
|               year1 = 1965–1981
|               club2 = [[Natal cricket team|Natal]]
|               year2 = {{nowrap|1965/66–1988/89}}
|               club3 = [[Western Province cricket team (South Africa)|Western Province]]
|               year3 = 1969/70
|               club4 = [[Rhodesia cricket team|Rhodesia]]
|               year4 = 1970/71–1975/76
|               club5 = [[Orange Free State cricket team|Orange Free State]]
|               year5 = 1987/88
|             columns = 3
|             column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]
|            matches1 = 7
|               runs1 = 226
|            bat avg1 = 25.11
|           100s/50s1 = 0/0
|          top score1 = 48
|         deliveries1 = 1,514
|            wickets1 = 41
|           bowl avg1 = 15.02
|            fivefor1 = 1
|             tenfor1 = 0
|       best bowling1 = 6/73
|  catches/stumpings1 = 4/–
|             column2 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
|            matches2 = 401
|               runs2 = 21,936
|            bat avg2 = 36.01
|           100s/50s2 = 48/109
|          top score2 = 254
|         deliveries2 = 65,404
|            wickets2 = 1,417
|           bowl avg2 = 19.53
|            fivefor2 = 70
|             tenfor2 = 15
|       best bowling2 = 9/71
|  catches/stumpings2 = 325/–
|             column3 = [[List A cricket|LA]]
|            matches3 = 271
|               runs3 = 6,624
|            bat avg3 = 27.94
|           100s/50s3 = 5/36
|          top score3 = 154[[not out|*]]
|         deliveries3 = 12,335
|            wickets3 = 344
|           bowl avg3 = 18.76
|            fivefor3 = 7
|             tenfor3 = 0
|       best bowling3 = 6/13
|  catches/stumpings3 = 91/–
|                date = 27 October
|                year = 2008
|              source = https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1292/1292.html CricketArchive
}}

'''Michael John Procter''' (15 September 1946 – 17 February 2024) was a South African [[cricketer]], whose involvement in international cricket was limited by South Africa's [[International cricket in South Africa from 1971 to 1981|banishment from world cricket]] in the 1970s and 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bishop |first=John |title=OBITUARY {{!}} Mike Procter: A giant of cricket that left an indelible mark at every level of the game |url=https://www.news24.com/sport/cricket/proteas/obituary-mike-procter-a-giant-of-cricket-that-left-an-indelible-mark-at-every-level-of-the-game-20240218 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Sport |language=en-US}}</ref> A fast bowler and hard-hitting batsman, he was regarded as one of South African cricket's top allrounders.

Procter began his career mainly as a menacing fast bowler, who famously "bowled off the wrong foot",<ref name="Mukherjee-2013" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Mishra |first=Priyesh |date=21 August 2015 |title=8 Wrong footed bowlers – The most bizarre bowling actions |url=https://www.crictracker.com/8-wrong-footed-bowlers/5/ |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=CricTracker}}</ref><ref name="Cricinfo" /> and became well known in the cricketing fraternity for his chest-on action and for his ability to release the ball early in his delivery stride.<ref>{{cite web |last=ICC |date=18 February 2024 |title=Legendary South African all-rounder Mike Procter dies, aged 77 |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/legendary-south-african-all-rounder-mike-procter-dies-aged-77 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=www.icc-cricket.com}}</ref><ref name="ESPNcricinfo">{{cite web |title='What's a Test career compared to the suffering of millions?' |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mike-procter-what-s-a-test-career-compared-to-the-suffering-of-millions-563437 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>   He rose to prominence as a frontline fast bowler in first-class cricket, and went on to capture 1417 wickets across 401 first-class matches, averaging a healthy 19.53, whereas he also showcased his prowess with the ball in List A cricket by picking up 344 wickets at an exceptional average of 18.76.

Procter also gained a reputation for being an outstanding batter of his generation, becoming only one of three players to strike a record six consecutive centuries in first class cricket, alongside [[Don Bradman]] and [[C. B. Fry]].<ref name="Mukherjee-2013">{{cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Abhishek |date=27 August 2013 |title=Mike Procter hits six consecutive sixes in a County game against Somerset off Dennis Breakwell |url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/mike-procter-hits-six-consecutive-sixes-in-a-county-game-against-somerset-off-dennis-breakwell-30352 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Cricket Country |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Cricinfo">{{cite web |title=You ain't seen nothing like the mighty Mike Procter |url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1223347/you-ain-t-seen-nothing-like-the-mighty-mike-procter |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Cricinfo}}</ref>

Gloucestershire was affectionately nicknamed "Proctershire" when Procter played for Gloucestershire in [[English county cricket]], due to his scoring over 20,000 runs and taking more than 1,000 wickets for the club.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 February 2024 |title=Legendary South Africa all-rounder Mike Procter dies aged 77 |url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/129522/legendary-south-africa-all-rounder-mike-procter-dies-aged-77 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Cricbuzz}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Macpherson |first=Will |date=18 February 2024 |title=South Africa and Gloucestershire all-rounder legend Mike Procter dies, aged 77 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2024/02/18/south-africa-and-gloucestershire-legend-mike-procter-dies/ |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=The Daily Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> Procter was also one of only three players to score a century and take a hat-trick in the same match while playing for Gloucestershire, and he remains the only player to complete the unique distinction twice for the club, having achieved it against Essex in 1972 and against Leicestershire in 1979.<ref name="www.gloscricket.co.uk" />

Following his retirement from playing the game, Procter was active as a coach, commentator and selector, and was appointed a match referee by the [[International Cricket Council|ICC]]. His tenure as referee involved several [[Second Test, 2007–08 Border–Gavaskar Trophy|controversies]].

Procter was named Cricketer of the Year for South Africa in 1967, and by [[Wisden Cricketers of the Year|Wisden]] in 1970, who described him as "One of the rare cricketers who could have found a place in any test team as either a batsman or bowler, and who could win a game single-handed with bat or ball in his hand". He died in 2024.

==Early and personal life==

Michael John Procter was born on 15 September 1946 in [[Durban]].<ref name="AFP-Obit">{{cite news |title=Mike Procter: One of South Africa's greatest cricketers |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240217-mike-procter-one-of-south-africa-s-greatest-cricketers |access-date=19 February 2024 |publisher=[[France 24]] |date=17 February 2024}}</ref> Educated at [[Hilton College (South Africa)|Hilton College]], he played for Natal in the Nuffield week and for South African schools in 1963 and 1964.<ref>{{cite web |title=Teams Mike Procter Played for|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1292/all_teams.html |access-date=23 January 2025 |website=Cricket Archive (firewall)}}</ref> His brother, [[Anthony Procter]], cousin A. C. Procter and father [[Woodrow Procter]] all played first-class cricket.<ref>{{cite web |title=Anthony Procter Profile – Cricket Player South Africa {{!}} Stats, Records, Video |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/anthony-procter-46864 |access-date=19 February 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Woodrow Procter Profile – Cricket Player South Africa {{!}} Stats, Records, Video |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/woodrow-procter-46926 |access-date=19 February 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

Procter married tennis player [[Maryna Godwin]].<ref name="Obit">{{cite news |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mike-procter-south-africa-s-great-allrounder-dies-aged-77-1421603 |title=Mike Procter, South Africa's great allrounder, dies aged 77 |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=17 February 2024 |access-date=18 February 2024}}</ref>

==Playing career==

===International career===

The ban on South Africa restricted his Test career to seven test match appearances, all against [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]] between 1967 and 1970. He took 41 Test [[Wicket (cricket)|wickets]] at an average of 15.02, and  with [[Barry Richards (cricketer)|Barry Richards]] and [[Graeme Pollock]] helped South Africa to two successive series wins over Australia by margins of [[Australian cricket team in South Africa in 1966–67|3–1]] and [[Australian cricket team in South Africa in 1969–70|4–0]].<ref name="Obit"/><ref name="ESPNcricinfo-2">{{cite web |title=When they were kings |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/when-they-were-kings-231051 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

Procter played for the [[Rest of the World cricket team in England in 1970|Rest of the World versus England in 1970]], and took 15 wickets at an average of 23.93 in five test-format matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?class=4;id=2587;type=tour |title=Rest of the World XI tour of England 1970 – Most Wickets |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 February 2024}}</ref>

In 1978–79, towards the end of his playing career, he played for the World XI in [[Kerry Packer]]'s [[World Series Cricket]] in Australia. In the four "Supertests" in which he played he averaged 30.33 with the bat and 16.07 with the ball.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/batting-highest-career-batting-average/world-series-cricket-supertests-100 |title=Records in World Series Cricket Supertests – Batting Highest Career Batting Average |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=18 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/bowling-best-career-bowling-average/world-series-cricket-supertests-100 |title=Records in World Series Cricket Supertests – Bowling Best Career Bowling Average |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=18 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Abhishek |date=25 November 2015 |title=Time to include Kerry Packer's WSC SuperTest records in Test cricket as well |url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/time-to-include-kerry-packers-wsc-supertest-records-in-test-cricket-as-well-358709 |access-date=20 February 2024 |website=Cricket Country |language=en-US}}</ref> He featured in the first semi-final for World XI side and he shared the new ball with the likes of [[Imran Khan]] and [[John Snow (cricketer)|John Snow]]. He clean bowled West Indian veteran [[Viv Richards]] with an unplayable delivery which he delivered from over the wicket. <ref>{{cite web |last=on |first=Video published |date=18 February 2024 |title=Watch: Procter sends Richards packing |url=https://www.sacricketmag.com/watch-procter-sends-richards-packing/ |access-date=20 February 2024 |website=SA Cricketmag |language=en-US}}</ref> The delivery he bowled to Richards castled the middle stump out of the ground and it became a talking point at the time given the characteristic swagger of Richards.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Abhishek |date=19 February 2024 |title=Watch: Mike Procter Knocks Middle Stump Out Of The Ground To Dismiss Viv Richards In World Series Cricket |url=https://wisden.com/stories/historical/watch-mike-procter-knocks-middle-stump-out-of-the-ground-to-dismiss-viv-richards-world-series-cricket |access-date=20 February 2024 |website=Wisden |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Procter also captained the Springbok team that played in three "tests" and three "one day internationals" against an [[English rebel XI]], led by [[Graham Gooch]], that toured South Africa in 1982.<ref name="rebel">{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19810324.2.158 |title=Lamb named in S.A. 'test' team |work=[[The Press]] |date=24 March 1981 |page=38}}</ref> He revealed that he once came close to qualifying to play for the England national team in 1980, but his body was tired by the time such news apparently began to spread. However, he insisted that his callup to join England was merely speculation and was more of a ploy to allow Gloucestershire to sign another overseas player.<ref name="ESPNcricinfo" />

===South African domestic cricket===

Procter is the only man to twice make over 500 runs and take 50 wickets in a domestic South African season, in 1971–72 and 1972–73, when he took a then record 59 wickets in eight Currie Cup games. In 1970, he scored six successive first-class centuries for [[Rhodesia cricket team|Rhodesia]].<ref name="six">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/149199.html |title=An Australian menace |access-date=7 March 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=4 March 2007}}</ref> He reached his record sixth successive century in first-class cricket playing for Rhodesia against [[Western Province cricket team|Western Province]] in 1971 and his century came at a vital time especially when Rhodesia was reeling at 5–2.<ref name="Gede-2020" /> He became only the third batsman in the world to score six first-class centuries in six consecutive innings after C. B. Fry and Don Bradman and the only South African to do so.<ref name="ESPNcricinfo-3">{{cite web |title=The lost diamond |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-lost-diamond-281289 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> He capitalized on a costly drop catch by Western Province captain [[Andre Bruyns]], who was on slip, when Procter had only scored two runs, and went on to make the most of the dropped chance by scoring 254 runs, which also turned out to be his highest-first-class score. Rhodesia went onto win that match by seven wickets.<ref name="Gede-2020">{{cite web |last=Andrews |first=Crispin |date=22 September 2020 |title=Mike Procter: His 10 Defining Moments, In His Own Words |url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-features/mike-procter-picks-his-top-ten-moments |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=Wisden |language=en-GB}}</ref> 

He played for and captained South Africa in one [[South African rebel tours|unofficial "Test"]].<ref name="rebel" />

===Proctershire===

Procter played [[county cricket]] for 13 years as an overseas player for [[Gloucestershire County Cricket Club|Gloucestershire]] and led them to great success.<ref name="Obit"/><ref>{{cite web |title=An evening with Mike Procter – Monday 4 July {{!}} News {{!}} Gloucestershire Cricket |url=https://www.gloscricket.co.uk/news/an-evening-with-mike-procter-monday-4-july/ |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=www.gloscricket.co.uk}}</ref> The team was occasionally referred to in jest as "Proctershire".<ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Procter: Greatness in obscurity |website=CricketMash |date=14 September 2020 |url=http://cricmash.com/biographies/mike-procter-greatness-in-obscurity |access-date=17 February 2024}}</ref> His chest-on pace bowling lifted Gloucestershire to second in 1969 as he contributed more than 100 wickets for the club in the same season.<ref name="Obit" /> Four centuries followed in 1971, the last lifting them from 28 for three to a target of 201 in just over two hours against Yorkshire.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Procter: A supreme all-rounder who enjoyed the shortest of stints on the world stage |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-mike-procter-a-supreme-all-rounder-who-enjoyed-the-shortest-of-stints-on-the-world-stage-1889178 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=DNA India}}</ref> Procter scored 109 not out in Gloucestershire's 135/3 in the 1972 [[National League (cricket)|John Player League]] – the lowest team total in [[List A cricket]] to include a century.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lowest Innings Totals to Include a Century |url=http://cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Records/ListA/Overall/Small_Totals_With_Century.html |publisher=CricketArchive |access-date=22 September 2010}}</ref> He destroyed Worcestershire single-handedly in 1977, scoring a century before lunch and taking 13 wickets for 73 runs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mustafi |first=Suvajit |date=15 September 2015 |title=Mike Procter: 19 facts about the world-class all-rounder who too became a victim of apartheid |url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/mike-procter-19-facts-about-the-world-class-all-rounder-who-too-became-a-victim-of-apartheid-508298 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Cricket Country |language=en-US}}</ref> He scored another century before lunch in 1979, against Leicestershire, winning the [[Walter Lawrence Trophy]] for the season's fastest century, and then ripped through their batsmen with a [[Hat-trick (cricket)|hat-trick]]. In the next game against Yorkshire he took another hat-trick, all leg-before-wicket.<ref name="Wisden-2019">{{cite web |date=15 September 2019 |title=Mike Procter: A real personality and a gifted performer – Almanack |url=https://www.wisden.com/wisden-cricketers-almanack/mike-procter-almanack-tribute |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=Wisden}}</ref> In August 1979, he also famously smashed six successive sixes off the bowling of Somerset's [[Dennis Breakwell]], albeit not in the same over.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kemp comes close to equalling six-hit record |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kemp-comes-close-to-equalling-six-hit-record-98812 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref name="Mukherjee-2013" />

He captained Gloucestershire with distinction from 1977 to 1981, and was popular with teammates and supporters. He was the [[Professional Cricketers' Association Player of the Year]] in 1970 and 1977, and won the [[Cricket Society]] Wetherall Award for the Leading All-Rounder in English First-Class Cricket in 1978.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Procter – Caught In The Middle |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/boksburg-advertiser/mike-procter-caught-middle/ |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Boksburg Advertiser |language=en-US}}</ref> Mike Procter also produced a spell for the ages by grabbing everyone's attention capturing 4 wickets in 5 balls playing for Gloucestershire against Hampshire in a crucial semi-final match during the 1977 Benson and Hedges Cup.<ref>{{citation |title=Mike Procter 4 Wickets in 5 Balls 1977! | date=12 February 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GVYtBU-N-8 |access-date=18 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Procter, runaway dream |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mike-procter-runaway-dream-1421752 |access-date=20 February 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> He ripped through the top order of Hampshire's batting lineup which also included the prized scalps of his fellow South African [[Barry Richards]] and West Indian opener [[Gordon Greenidge]].<ref name="Obit" /><ref name="Cricinfo-2">{{cite web |title='I got more wickets through swing than bowling quick' |url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1053267/-i-got-more-wickets-through-swing-than-bowling-quick |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Cricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=on |first=Video published |date=18 February 2024 |title=Watch: Procter sends Richards packing |url=https://www.sacricketmag.com/watch-procter-sends-richards-packing/ |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=SA Cricketmag |language=en-US}}</ref>

As captain, he led Gloucestershire to the [[Benson & Hedges Cup]] in 1977, as director of coaching he guided [[Northamptonshire CCC]] to victory in the 1989–90 NatWest Trophy final,<ref name="ESPNcricinfo-3" /> and in 1994, he was coach as [[Kepler Wessels]]' South African team defeated England at Lord's by 356 runs.<ref name="ESPNcricinfo-3" /> As a player Procter had beaten England there in 1970 with the [[Rest of the World cricket team in England in 1970|Rest of the World XI]] and won the [[Friends Provident Trophy|Gillette Cup]] for Gloucestershire in 1973, scoring 94 and taking two wickets against Sussex.<ref name="Wisden-2019" />

{{Best Test career bowling averages}}

"I never really bothered much about averages, I was more concerned with how the team did, so to never lose a big game at Lord's was a highlight, plus there was winning all the Super Tests in Australia during [[World Series Cricket]] and all those [[Sunfoil Series|Currie Cup]]s with Natal", Procter told [[Cricinfo]]. "And, of course, winning all those Test matches in South Africa against the Aussies."<ref name="ESPNcricinfo-3" /><ref name="ESPNcricinfo-2" />

===Style===

As a [[Bowling (cricket)|bowler]], Procter had an awkward chest-on action, seeming to bowl off the wrong foot (though not actually doing so) at the end of an intimidating run.<ref name="Obit"/><ref name="ESPNcricinfo" /><ref name="Nicholson 2019 d603">{{cite web |last=Nicholson |first=John |title=From Procter to Malinga: A celebration of weird bowling actions |website=Cricket365 |date=30 January 2019 |url=https://www.cricket365.com/john-nicholson/from-procter-malinga-celebration-weird-bowling-actions |access-date=20 February 2024}}</ref> His unusual action generated late inswing that, in the right conditions, could at times be unplayable. He bowled at high pace in his prime but later in his career knee problems caused by the impact of his bull-like body on the bowling crease forced him to turn to off-spin, which he mastered.  <ref name="BBC Sport" /> He had a fearsome bouncer in his repertoire and he also possessed the skill of swinging the ball late.<ref name="ESPNcricinfo-3" /> 

His muscular batting in the middle order was famed for its power, although based on a sound defence. He was described by Wisden as "One of the rare cricketers who could have found a place in any test team as either a batsman or bowler and who could win a game single-handed with bat or ball in his hand".<ref name="Wisden-2019" />

==Post-retirement involvement in cricket==

After retiring, Procter was director of cricket for the Free State and Natal provinces in South Africa, as well as Northamptonshire county. He was then appointed as the first post-isolation coach of the South African cricket team, and was the coach for tours of India (in 1991), the West Indies (which included South Africa's first post-isolation test, Sri Lanka and Australia.<ref name="Obit"/> He also coached South Africa to their first ever [[Cricket World Cup]] campaign in [[1992 Cricket World Cup|1992]], where South Africa caught the attention of everyone by reaching the semi-finals before agonizingly losing to England in a heart-breaking fashion due to broadcasters' costly error.<ref name="BBC Sport">{{cite news |title=South Africa cricket great Procter dies aged 77 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/68292770 |access-date=18 February 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Procter on the 1992 World Cup: 'We left knowing that we put South Africa on the map' |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mike-procter-recalls-south-africa-s-first-world-cup-in-1992-812993 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

===Commentating===

He also served as an international cricket commentator, and one of his most memorable moments as a commentator came during the epic semi-final played between Australia and South Africa during the [[1999 Cricket World Cup]], which ended in a dramatic fashion with scores tied, albeit with a clumsy run of South African tailender [[Allan Donald]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Ramakrishnan |first=Madhusudhan |date=15 July 2017 |title=Flashback: What made the 1999 World Cup semi-final the greatest ODI ever played |url=https://scroll.in/field/843918/flashback-what-made-the-1999-world-cup-semi-final-the-greatest-odi-ever-played |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US}}</ref> Procter and [[Bill Lawry]] were standing up in the commentary box during the critical juncture of the match when Procter exclaimed: "What kind of shot is that? First two deliveries of this over have gone bang, bang, four, four. Take that, scores are level".<ref name="Cricinfo-2" /><ref>{{cite web |title=The unimprovable game |url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1176611/the-unimprovable-game |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Cricinfo}}</ref>

===Match referee===

Procter was involved in several controversial incidents in his career as a match referee.<ref name=cric>{{ESPNcricinfo|id=46793}} retrieved 27 October 2008</ref> He refereed the forfeited Oval Test of August 2006 when Pakistan refused to take the field after tea in protest at the umpires' decision to penalise them for ball tampering.<ref name=cric/> During the [[Second Test, 2007–08 Border–Gavaskar Trophy|second test match of the 2007–2008 Indian tour of Australia]], Procter banned [[Harbhajan Singh]] for three matches on charges of racism.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 January 2008 |title=How Mike Procter took the call |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cb-series/top-stories/how-mike-procter-took-the-call/articleshow/2681571.cms?from=mdr |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Procter breaks silence on Monkeygate controversy |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/mike-procter-breaks-silence-on-monkeygate-controversy/news-story/1166653ec8b61dcd7b027d26b8bda1c2 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=news australia}}</ref> This decision was later overturned by Justice Hansen.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Procter writes about the infamous Monkeygate scandal |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/mike-procter-infamous-monkeygate-scandal-sydney-india-australia |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Sportskeeda}}</ref> At the first hearing Procter<ref>Procter, Mike, page 96, ''Caught in the Middle'', Pitch Publishing, 2017</ref> established that neither the umpire, nor [[Ricky Ponting]], nor [[Sachin Tendulkar]], who was closest to the incident, had heard anything.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 January 2018 |title=Mike Procter questions Sachin Tendulkar's role in 'Monkeygate' controversy |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/mike-procter-questions-sachin-tendulkar-s-role-in-monkeygate-controversy/story-PgIoe0FLSp9pzltjBeCTfP.html |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> At the second hearing, however, Justice Hansen uncovered that Tendulkar heard the heated exchange<ref>{{cite web|title=Commissioner Decision|url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2007-08/IND_IN_AUS/icc_commissioner_decision_30012008.pdf|publisher=ICC|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> between [[Andrew Symonds]] and Harbhajan including the exact Hindi phrase, and [[Ponting]] 'couldn't understand why Sachin didn't tell this to Mike Procter in the first place.'<ref>Ponting, Ricky, page 481, ''At the Close of Play'', HarperCollins, 2013</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=15 November 2011 |title=I regret Monkeygate, says Mike Procter |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/new-zealand-in-india-2016/interviews/i-regret-monkeygate-says-mike-procter/articleshow/10733230.cms |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Procter had been criticised for his original decision and [[Sunil Gavaskar#Controversies|Sunil Gavaskar]] questioned whether his sympathies lay with the Australian team due to his race.<ref>Brown, Alex. "Gavaskar slams 'white man' ban", ''The Age'', 14 January 2008</ref>

===S.A. Selection Board===

He was appointed chairman of selectors of South Africa men's national cricket team in December 2008 by [[Cricket South Africa]]. The entire selection board (including Procter's position as chairman of selectors) which was appointed in December 2008 was sacked by Cricket South Africa in 2010 following a poor string of performances from South African team in international cricket.<ref>{{cite web |title=South Africa selection panel sacked |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/south-africa-selection-panel-sacked-445926 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

== Charity ==

In 2014, Procter also set up a charity in South Africa by using his own name, the [[Mike Procter Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web |date=7 January 2016 |title=How South Africa legend Mike Procter is fighting to break down racial barriers and bring hope to the poor |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/southafrica/12088032/How-South-Africa-legend-Mike-Procter-is-fighting-to-break-down-racial-barriers-and-bring-hope-to-the-poor.html |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref> The Mike Procter Foundation began focusing on transforming the lives of children through sports. Procter went on to register his charity in the UK in 2018 with the ambition of providing cricket coaching to underprivileged and vulnerable children.<ref name="www.gloscricket.co.uk">{{cite web |title=Mike Procter: 1946–2024 {{!}} News {{!}} Gloucestershire Cricket |url=https://www.gloscricket.co.uk/news/mike-procter-1946-2024/ |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=www.gloscricket.co.uk}}</ref>

==Death==

On 12 February 2024, Proctor was admitted to the [[intensive care unit]] at [[Busamed Gateway Private Hospital]] in [[UMhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal|uMhlanga]] following a cardiac arrest.<ref>{{cite web |title=South Africa cricket legend Mike Procter's health worsens after suffering cardiac incident in ICU |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/mike-procter-icu-cardiac-incident-hospitalised-2501306-2024-02-13 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=India Today|date=13 February 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bishop |first=John |title=SA cricket legend Mike Procter seriously ill in hospital |url=https://www.news24.com/sport/cricket/proteas/sa-cricket-legend-mike-procter-seriously-ill-in-hospital-20240212 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Sport |language=en-US}}</ref> It was revealed that his health condition began to deteriorate and his situation became complicated during a routine surgery.<ref>{{cite web |last=AFP |date=12 February 2024 |title=South Africa cricket great Mike Procter seriously ill |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/mike-procter-health-seriously-ill-south-africa-all-rounder-national-coach/article67839122.ece |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Sportstar}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 February 2024 |title=South Africa star allrounder Mike Procter dies aged 77 {{!}} cricket.com.au |url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/3901331/south-africa-star-allrounder-mike-procter-dies-aged-77 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=www.cricket.com.au}}</ref> He died in uMhlanga on 17 February 2024, at the age of 77, of cardiac arrest due to complications during heart surgery.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bishop |first=John |title=Mike Procter, SA cricket legend and Proteas' first post-isolation coach, dies at 77 |url=https://www.news24.com/sport/cricket/proteas/mike-procter-sa-cricket-legend-and-proteas-first-post-isolation-coach-dies-at-77-20240217 |access-date=17 February 2024 |website=Sport |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Procter, South Africa's great allrounder, dies aged 77 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mike-procter-south-africa-s-great-allrounder-dies-aged-77-1421603 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

== Legacy ==

Gloucestershire revealed that the club's flag would be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect to Procter until the start of the County Championship season, which was scheduled to begin on 5 April 2024.<ref name="BBC Sport" /> His former teammate [[David Graveney]] at Gloucestershire revealed that Procter, throughout his playing career, played with great pain in his knee.<ref name="BBC Sport" />

Procter revealed that he admired former England captain [[Mike Brearley]], especially for his captaincy skills. Later, Procter understood that Brearley himself considered Procter to be one of his favourite captains.<ref name="Cricinfo-2" />

==Notes==

{{reflist}}

==External links==

* {{ESPNcricinfo|id=46793}}

{{PCA Player of the Year}}
{{South Africa Squad 1992 Cricket World Cup}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Procter, Mike}}
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:2024 deaths]]
[[Category:South African people of British descent]]
[[Category:Free State cricketers]]
[[Category:Gloucestershire cricket captains]]
[[Category:Gloucestershire cricketers]]
[[Category:South African expatriate cricketers in England]]
[[Category:KwaZulu-Natal cricketers]]
[[Category:Alumni of Hilton College (South Africa)]]
[[Category:Alumni of Highbury Preparatory School]]
[[Category:Rhodesia cricketers]]
[[Category:South Africa Test cricketers]]
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[[Category:Western Province cricketers]]
[[Category:World Series Cricket players]]
[[Category:Wisden Cricketers of the Year]]
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[[Category:Cricket match referees]]
[[Category:Coaches of the South Africa national cricket team]]