I AM deeply grieved by the loss of Michael Francis Shepherdson. He was the finest batsman Malaysia had ever produced, a sharp cover fielder and occasional slow medium bowler. He was the second Malaysian, along with Gurucharan Singh, to be mentioned in Wisden Almanac of 1959 after Lall Singh (1933). Shepherdson was the best centre half of his era and had his career shortened by his premature retirement from international hockey in 1962 due to politics.
He also represented Selangor and Malaya in football. He was my mentor. He volunteered to coach school boys in Johor after his retirement.
I will always revere him as a gentleman, sportsman, a great friend and the finest example of a humble and caring personality.
DATUK DR HARJIT SINGH,
President, Johor Cricket Council
& Academy