On July 1, 1961, after a hard day in the field against Sussex at Hove, five members of the Oxford University team, including myself, went out into Brighton for some Chinese food. Having dined, I felt pleasantly relaxed as we travelled back to the hotel in the Morris 100 car given by wicket-keeper Robin Waters. It was a beautiful evening, with a soft, salty breeze blowing from the sea so the lads decided that they would sooner walk the last lap back home. 'Come with us, Pat, a walk will do you good.'

But I was feeling much too lazy. 'No thanks, I'd sooner ride back with Robin,' I decided. The other three got out, and as Robin started up again I clambered over into the front seat beside him. I had just settled down, when a big car pulled out into the middle of the road and into our path. We hit it straight on. 

Nawabi elegance: Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, former captain of the Indian 
cricket team. PIC/GETTY IMAGES