51 years not out, the row over cricket match catch

Allegations of a dropped catch in a cricket match 51 years ago are still making waves today.

The claim came in an article for cricketer's bible Wisden by Robin Marler, former captain of Sussex.

He was discussing Sussex's victory in last year's county championship and went on to say: "I was convinced we were going to win in 1953 until Rupert Webb missed a vital catch against Yorkshire."

That version of events went down badly with Mr Webb, a former wicket keeper and actor, now 80. "I was a bit upset," he said. "Now it has been in Wisden, everyone will believe it to be true."

He says no other member of the 1953 Sussex team can remember the dropped catch.

Mr Webb, who played the father of Hugh Grant's jilted bride in Four Weddings And A Funeral, said of Mr Marler: "I am sure he dropped some catches too." He said Mr Marler's bowling figures had been "abysmal".

Mr Marler, cricket correspondent of the Sunday Times for 26 years, said: "Rupert is a fine fellow. I am sorry he is upset but the facts are the facts."