Limited overs cricket began with the first edition of the knockout competition that was originally called the Gillette Cup.
The highlight of the season was a memorable Test series between England and West Indies which the tourists won 3–1.
The Lord's Test had one of the most exciting finishes ever and all four results were possible with two balls to be bowled: it ended as a draw with England five runs behind and their last pair batting.
As a result of the great success of this series, England's future home Test programme was revised so that West Indies could return in 1966, much earlier than originally planned.
This was done by introducing "twin tours", in which two countries would each play three Tests against England in the course of a season.