1955 to 1958 On his return from Australia, Cowdrey decided to drop out of Oxford and concentrate on his cricket career. As he was no longer an undergraduate, he was called up for national service in the Royal Air Force. However, he was almost immediately discharged because of a hereditary disability of rigid toes, on which he had previously had an operation. Cowdrey cemented his place in the England team and took part in each of the home series during this period. He also went to South Africa in 1956–57. In 1957, during the Test series against West Indies, Cowdrey and May shared a fourth wicket partnership of 411 at Edgbaston. Cowdrey scored 154 and May 285*. At the time, it was the third highest stand in Test cricket.
1955 to 1958 On HiS reTUrn fRom AUstRAlia, cowdrEy dEcIded To drop OuT of oXForD and concentrate on his cricKet caReer. aS he was no longeR an uNDergRAdUate, he was cAlleD up For naTIOnal serviCe In THE royAl aIr force. howEveR, HE Was almost immediAtely DiScHargED becausE oF a hereditaRY DisaBilIty of rigid toeS, oN WHICh He haD PRevioUsLy HAD an operAtion. COwdrEy CEmENtED hIS placE IN the enGlanD teaM aNd toOK parT iN EAcH Of THE Home seRieS During this periOd. he also wenT tO sOuTh aFrica in 1956–57. In 1957, DurinG THE test seriEs aGainsT WEsT indies, cOwDrey anD may sHAred A FouRtH wicket parTNershIp of 411 At EdgbasToN. coWDREy scoREd 154 anD may 285*. AT thE Time, it WaS The thiRd HighESt StAnd in test cRickEt.