Bill Frindall, the BBC’s cricket scorer and statistician, who was known to millions of listeners of Radio 4’s Test Match Special programme, died on 30 January, 2009, aged 69 after sufferingfrom Legionnaire's Disease.
He was dubbed the 'Bearded Wonder,' often shortened to 'Bearders,' by the late Brian Johnston for his ability to come up with the most obscure cricketing facts in minutes, while keeping perfect scorecards.
He was the longest serving member of the Test Match Special commentary team, making his debut in 1966 and scoring 377 Test matches, including all 246 played in England. He also wrote several statistical cricket books, editing the Playfair annual since 1986.
The broadcaster was awarded an MBE in 2004 for his services to sport.
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew said: "He brought scoring alive. This is what Bill will always be remembered for. The weird world of cricket scoring to many people is incredibly dull but Bill made it interesting, he made it lively.
"He was immortalised by Brian Johnston, who called him 'The Bearded Wonder' because you could throw any question at Bill, any fact or figure and with great relish he would know it, he would find the answer."
Report this message By john jowers on 1st Feb 2009I was cycling from work on Friday listening to R5 when I heard the news of Bill's passing. Without noticing I stopped pedaling - a link with my past had slipped away. TMS has been a companion of mine for many years and Bill's contribitions have always been an integral part of the experience. I will miss the repartee - particularly when Victor or Aggers asked Bill for an obscure fact never quite sure of his reaction. I always had the feeling that Bill did not take kindly to questions of the 'how many bowlers aged 40+ got a wicket bowling round the wicket in their first over at Lords' variety. I wish I could have been present for the off-mic replies. I am grateful for the thousands of hours of his company. Thank you Bill.
Report this message By Brian Robinson on 1st Feb 2009When one hears the words Test Match Special, the name of Bill always springs to mind. I shall miss his unique rich voice relaying some strange fact or record. Rest in peace Bill. Brian Robinson
Report this message By Tommy hodson on 31st Jan 2009I had the pleasure of being a teammate of Bill's on an MCC tour to California in 1992
He bowled useful inswingers and was very witty. At a Dinner in L.A. Garfield Sobers spoke humourlessly for an hour and used up nearly all my video film.Fortunately Bill got up unannounced and saved the day!
Two year's later I heard Aggers had mentioned, during a Test in India, that I was the first Minor County player to play in a helmet
I didn't know Aggers and asked Bill if he had anything to do with it. He confirmed he had following our tour and then most kindly sent me a recording of the TMS tape which I treasure.
I would often bump into him at the Danubius Hotel during matches at Lord's and he was always ready with a bit of banter
I will miss him
Tommy Hodson
( MCC and former Cheshire wicketkeeper)
Report this message By Tommy hodson on 31st Jan 2009I was a teammate of Bill's on an MCC tour to California in 1992.
He bowled useful in swingers and possessed great wit.
At Dinner in Los Angeles Garfield Sobers spoke humourlessly for an hour but Bill got up and saved the day.
During the Indian Test in1994 Aggers mentioned that I was the first player to play Minor County Cricket in a helmet. I asked Bill if he knew anything about it. He did and admitted he had told him and then kindly sent me a tape of the commentary which I treasure.
I have often seen Bill at the Danubius Hotel during matches at Lord's and he would always have a joke with me.
I shall miss him
Tommy Hodson
( MCC and former Cheshire wicketkeeper)
Report this message By Pat Oakley on 31st Jan 2009TMS will never be the same again! I know we all said that when John Arlott, Brian Johnston and others left - but The Bearded Wonder has been a mainstay for so long.
As one of quite a large band of women listening to TMS, and one with a fascination with statistics, Bill always fed my curiosity for wierd and accurate information.
I suppose it was right that Bearders died in harness, pursuing the job he loved. He will be sadly missed ...
Report this message By Marion Collin on 31st Jan 2009Bill will be greatly missed by TMS and the world of cricket. It will not be the same again. He was a great help to me when I started to compile the Women's Cricket Records in the 1970's and helped to publicise themand bring Women's cricket ro the fore. My thoughts are with his family at this time
Marion Collin
Hon Statistician Women's Cricket ICC and ECB
Report this message By Geoffrey Bellamy on 30th Jan 2009A great scorer, one short of his three score years and ten, sadly taken mid-innings, whilst still very much at the crease and in fine form.
Bill Frindall was the doyen of cricket scorers, hugely informed and expert, committed to the game above all else when broadcasting, modest on air but incisive and informative for the benefit of the listeners.
One cannot think of Bill without remembering another great cricketing broadcaster, and another true English gentleman, Brian Johnston. Together they were part of the great tradition of quality cricketing broadcasting from the BBC.
Bill Frindall will be sadly missed by so many people. Our thoughts go, of course, to his family. Bill was a great man of our times.
Your end-of-match dinner is now begun, in company with the greats of this age and all ages past, at rest with Our Lord to eternity.
Geoffrey Bellamy
Batley, West Yorkshire.
England.
Report this message By nigel king on 30th Jan 2009How i enjoyed listening to his banter with tms team especially in the commentry box,it will not be the same again listening to the test team,at least he will have a laugh with jonners when he gets up there.rest in peace we will miss you.
Report this message By Chris Finch on 30th Jan 2009A sad loss to Cricket and TMS. A calm authoritive voice that shall be missed.
Report this message By William Anderson on 30th Jan 2009FROM ONE BILL TO ANOTHER - that was the first meaasge ever send to me me by the one and only Bearded Wonder. He was the gentleman who personally taught me to use his system on a lovely summers day in Abergavenny. Although I have used it ever since for Radio, Television and simply personal pleasure at County matches i will never reach the height he achieved. He was the best at his trade and simply The Master Statistician. Gone from one HQ to another . Bill Anderson- Caerphilly.
Report this message By Davis Parnell on 30th Jan 2009Just a voice on the radio - but one we always used to listen out for.
Sadly missed, whether in the wee small hours from an overseas tournament or on a hot summer's day at home.
RIP Bill
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Report this message By Donald Dykes on 6th Feb 2009