Alec Bedser was a crucial, almost heroic, figure in the revival of English cricket in the immediate post-war period.

He carried the pace attack for several years and is widely regarded as the best fast-medium bowler ever to play for England.

He was selected to play against India after only eleven first-class appearances for Surrey and was an instant success.

Bedser made his Test debut for England against India at Lord’s in June 1946.

On Day 1, he took seven wickets, including those of Vijay Merchant (his first Test wicket), the captain Nawab of Pataudi, and he bowled Lala Amarnath for a duck.

He ended with figures of 7 for 49 as India were bowled out for 200.

After scoring 30 with the bat and helping the hosts to a lead of 228, Bedser took another four wickets in the second innings as India were all out for 275, and England won the match by 10 wickets.