Worcestershire Cricket Society hold their final meeting of 2014 this evening (Tuesday) with author Grahame Lloyd returning to discuss his latest book 'Howzat? The Six Sixes Ball Mystery' in the Graeme Hick Pavilion (7.30pm start).
It is the the sequel to Grahame's book 'Six of the Best: Cricket’s Most Famous Over' which celebrated the 40th anniversary of Garry Sobers hitting Malcolm Nash for six sixes off six balls for the first time in the history of the game at Swansea in 1968.
Controversy now surrounds the authenticity of the ball sold by Christie’s for £26,4000 that was supposedly used in the over.
Grahame will explain his 18-month investigation into how a Duke could have been masquerading as a Stuart Surridge and then interview John Parkin, the Nottinghamshire batsman who was standing at the other end during the famous over.
He also admits that current Cricket Society chairman Bill Tansell played a part in him pursuing his interest in this fascinating topic which led to his latest book.
Grahame exlained: "In April 2012 Bill sent me a newspaper cutting about the impending sale of the disputed Duke ball by Bonhams in Chester and referred to his attendance at my earlier talk at New Road about 'Six of the Best.'
"His short accompanying letter ended with the question “can it be the ball or not?” which proved a catalyst – but not the only one – in my decision to launch Operation Howzat? – the 18-month search for the truth about the the ball since it was sold at Christie’s for £26,400 in 2006."
The admission fee this evening for non Society members is £3 and mince pies will be served in what is the last meeting before Christmas.
