'There was a summer Milburn and a winter Milburn'
Few players have done more to help cricket break free from its stuffy image than Colin Milburn.
Weighing in at a hefty 120 kilos, the Northants and England batsman delighted crowds in the 1960s with his ferocious hitting, while his beaming smile and sense of fun made him a hugely popular character off the field.
But in 1969 at the peak of his powers disaster struck when Milburn lost his eye in a car accident.
With his career effectively over, Milburn spiralled into alcoholism and depression and died of a heart attack in a pub car park aged just 48.
Well, Milburn's remarkable life is the subject of a new play, entitled When the Eye has Gone, which is touring the 18 county grounds in England.
Stumped reporter Sam Sheringham talks to director Shane Morgan about the two sides of Milburn's character, but first here's actor Dan Gaisford on why his life made such good material for the stage.
Photo: Colin Milburn (Getty Images)
