Via Will Plant and the BBC I learn that Bill Frindall has died.

Frindall has been a regular feature of BBC radio’s cricket coverage for as long as I have been listening to cricket. Other commentators may have come and gone, but the “Bearded Wonder” was always there, proving a mine of statistical information whenever he was called upon, and often pricking the pretensions of his more flamboyant colleagues. I can’t think of any other sports statistician who has become a media star the way Frindall did.

Frindall wrote in his autobiography that he got the job with the BBC because he was quick off the mark in applying for when the previous incumbent died. When I was a lot younger I was sure that Frindall had the best job in the world, and I wanted it, but he showed no sign of dying. I suspect that tomorrow the BBC will be snowed under with job applications, but I doubt that they will find anyone who can replace Bill Frindall.