Ted Dexter was a cavalier captain of the old amateur mould, a highly talented sportsman and a ferocious strokemaker. Born in Milan and educated at Radley College and Jesus College, Cambridge, he was a subaltern in Malaya and was given the nickname "Lord Ted" for his aloof self-confidence. He played golf and rugby as well as cricket for Cambridge University and moved to the "gin-and-tonic" Sussex County Cricket Club.