Robin Jackman, who is 71 today, was denied a Test debut because the match was cancelled.

The fast-medium bowler, born in India but grew up in England, spent most of his professional career playing for Western Province and Surrey. At the age of 35, his chance finally came to represent England in the longest format, but he was made to wait even longer than expected after he was supposed to make his debut in Georgetown for the second Test against West Indies.

The Guyanese government objected to his involvement due to his links with the then apartheid South Africa and consequently revoked his visa. England refused to yield to political pressure and as a result, the second Test was cancelled altogether. He eventually made his debut in Bridgetown for the third Test, taking a wicket in his first over.

Jackman would only go on to play three more Tests and 15 ODIs. In a first-class career spanning 16 years for Surrey and Western Province, he took 1402 wickets in 399 matches, at an average of 22.80. He turned his field of profession to broadcasting, becoming one of the most familiar commentary voices in South African cricket.

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