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The cricket star who learned to fly

Ricky Ellcock reached the top in two careers: England cricketer and the first black captain for Virgin Atlantic, before injury threatened not only his livelihood but his life.

icky Ellcock’s rollercoaster life as a fast bowler and airline pilot

Barbados-born Ricky Ellcock had twin ambitions as a boy – to become a cricketer and fly airplanes. His father was, like Ricky, cricket-mad – but on the question of him becoming a pilot his answer was emphatic: black people don’t fly planes.
Ricky’s talents as a fast bowler won him many plaudits and a scholarship to come to England. Before long he was playing at the top of the sport, but the stresses on his body meant he kept breaking down. When those injuries threatened to end his career completely, Ricky looked to disprove his dad and make history in the skies.

Ricky's autobiography is called Balls to Fly.

Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Edgar Maddicott

Get in touch: liveslessordinary@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp: 0044 330 678 2784

(Photo: Ricky in action for Middlesex. Credit: Middlesex CCC)

46 minutes

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    Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected. Extraordinary personal stories