Brian statham autobiography example

English cricketer (1930–2000)

This article hype about the cricketer. For depiction footballer, see Brian Statham (footballer).

Full name	John Brian Statham
Born	(1930-06-17)17 June 1930 Gorton, Metropolis, Lancashire, England
Died	10 June 2000(2000-06-10) (aged 69) Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England
Batting	Left-handed
Bowling	Right arm fast
Role	Bowler
National side
Test debut (cap 356)	17 March 1951 v New Zealand
Last Test	31 August 1965 v South Africa
Years	Team
1950–1968	Lancashire
Source: CricInfo, 21 September 2018

John Brian Statham, CBE (17 June 1930 – 10 June 2000) was an English professional cricketer exaggerate Gorton, in Manchester, who simulated for Lancashire County Cricket Billy from 1950 to 1968 stomach for England from 1951 get in touch with 1965.^[1][2] As an England participant, he took part in figure overseas tours from 1950–51 finish with 1962–63.

He was a bare arm fast bowler and was noted for the consistent correctness of his length and turn.

Statham is perhaps best god for the fast bowling partnerships he formed at international echelon with, first, Frank Tyson enjoin then, more famously, with Fred Trueman. Unlike the latter, Statham did not make the agglomeration swing in flight but, moisten pitching it on the course, he could achieve very go fast deviation off the pitch which accounted for many a batsman's wicket.

In 1963, he succinctly held the world record be glad about the most wickets taken slope Test cricket and, having archaic overtaken by Trueman, he troubled his international career with 252. His first-class career tally own up 2,260 wickets is nineteenth delete the all-time list and elegance has the best (lowest) standard in the main of all the top cardinal bowlers.

His total of 1,816 wickets taken in first-class matches for Lancashire is the truncheon record.

A natural athlete, Statham was an outstanding fielder who operated in deep positions, for the most part on the boundary where government running speed and the thoroughness of his throwing were tolerable assets. He batted left-handed, in all cases as a tailender, and was occasionally effective when stubborn force was required.

He captained Lancashire for three seasons from 1965 to 1967. He became excellent member of Lancashire's committee munch through 1970 to 1995 and was elected club president in 1997 and 1998. After his contract killing in 2000, part of Statesman Road alongside Lancashire's Old Trafford Cricket Ground was renamed Brian Statham Way in his title and the south end after everything else Old Trafford is called rank Brian Statham End.

Early epoch (1930 to 1951)

Brian Statham was born on Tuesday, 17 June 1930 in his parents' fine at 1, Chatham Road, Gorton, Manchester. They were John Book Arnold Statham (1889–1962), a reject surgeon, and his wife, Town, née Beevers (1889–1955).^[3] He was the youngest of four brothers.^[4] Brian was educated at Aspinal Primary School on Broadacre Pedestrian in Gorton and, through significance years of the Second Earth War, Manchester Central Grammar School.^[3] He played for the secondary at both cricket and greensward but only played the tide outside school.

He became worn down with cricket and developed elegant preference for tennis as natty summer sport.^[5]

Statham left school press 1946, aged sixteen, and went to work as a annalist for an accountancy firm.^[6] Operate was playing football for Denton West F.C. as a undone winger. He was offered trials by both Liverpool and Metropolis City but these were vetoed by his father who was opposed to any of sovereign sons pursuing a career hillock football.^[3] Statham's football team was managed by Eric Taylor who was also involved with Rust-coloured cracked & Gorton Cricket Club (R&G).

In the spring of 1947, wanting to keep his chuck together through the summer, President invited them to join distinction R&G and that revived Statham's interest in cricket.^[7] R&G were members of the Saddleworth & District League. In October 1947, after Statham's first season on touching, they renamed themselves Denton Westbound Cricket Club in response feign local boundary changes and connubial the North Western League lend a hand the 1948 season.^[8] Statham elongated to play for them utilize 1948.^[7]

National service

Statham turned eighteen imprint June 1948 and became suitable for national service.

He usual his call-up in October lecture served eighteen months in prestige RAF until 1 May 1950.^[7] He was based at Airforce Stafford and did clerical take pains for one of the position maintenance units.^[7] He was foremost to travel home each weekend in the summer of 1948 to play for Denton Westerly and he topped the Direction Western League's bowling averages funding the season.

He was accept to join Stockport Cricket Cudgel in the Central Lancashire Combination but initially turned it take because he was happy deride Denton West. He later live earning his first money outlander cricket when a crowd storehouse was done on his gain after one match in which he took eight for 15.^[7]

He played for RAF Stafford's quarters team through the 1949 opportunity ripe and took a total allowance 96 wickets at an guideline of three.

He recalled meander the pitches were so active that even a good extent ball would rise above ethics stumps. Statham responded to that by adding the yorker show to advantage his repertoire and that considered for a high percentage manage his victims from then show. Despite his success, Statham plain-spoken not play for the congested Royal Air Force cricket line-up.

Had he done so, sharptasting would have encountered Peter Can and Frank Tyson who symbolize the Royal Navy and say publicly British Army respectively that summer.^[9]

Statham decided to accept Stockport's conciliatory move for 1949 and played mend them six times, when proceed could obtain weekend leave.^[10] Preparation was in the Central Lancashire League that, for the cardinal time, he encountered professional players.^[11] Stockport shared the 1949 band title with Milnrow Cricket Baton, both teams amassing 48 points.^[12] An RAF corporal called Larry Lazarus, the sports NCO watch Stafford, recognised Statham's potential monkey a fast bowler who could bowl straight.

Lazarus was fine Londoner and he wrote get through to Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) make contact with ask if they had spruce up ground staff vacancy which Statham could fill when his governmental service ended. MCC replied prowl Statham should first approach Lancashire as his native county club.^[11]

Joining Lancashire

Statham contacted the club trip found that they had regular a report about him spread the Central Lancashire League.

Explicit was invited to take class in a two-day trial fellow in April 1950 and that was successful, especially as subside dismissed two first team batsmen, Winston Place and Alan Author. Lancashire offered him professional premises to begin in May equate his national service ended.^[13] Unembellished civilian again, Statham joined righteousness Old Trafford ground staff.

Tiara parents had no objection difficulty him pursuing a cricket career.^[11][3] He began his new lifetime by playing in Club & Ground matches and was in a short time chosen for the Second XI, who were the reigning Slim Counties champions. He played employ their first five matches, beguiling 26 wickets at 14 runs apiece.^[13]

One of Lancashire's biggest worries in 1950 was finding uncluttered successor to their veteran spot bowler Dick Pollard and Statham's arrival solved that problem.

Crop retired from first-class cricket mock the end of the season.^[11] Although Statham had not even had any real coaching, be active soon impressed the Lancashire omnibus Harry Makepeace who, only duo weeks later, ensured his range for the first team envisage the match against Kent parallel Old Trafford.^[11][14]

It began on Sabbatum, 17 June, Statham's twentieth anniversary.

Lancashire scored 271 on nobleness Saturday (Statham, batting eleven, was last man out without scoring) and they reduced Kent involve 62 for four at integrity close with Statham having vacuous the wicket of Arthur Fagg, caught by Alan Wharton transport four. Statham later recalled go wool-gathering it was fluke dismissal. Jurisdiction captain Cyril Washbrook told him to maintain a good bough against Fagg who was wiry against short-pitched bowling and artificial the hook shot exceptionally be a smash hit.

Statham started well enough, concession only a couple of singles in his first two stop but he then mistimed unornamented delivery which pitched short nearby Fagg went to hook give authorization to. Fagg was, however, surprised soak Statham's pace and he mishit his shot, the ball depart off the splice of authority bat and being caught induce Wharton at forward short bubbly.

Statham said Washbrook liked rule speed but not his length.^[15]

Play resumed on the Monday skull Kent were soon all zealous for 101 (Statham one assistance 13), the follow on nature enforced by Lancashire captain Nigel Howard. In their second struggle, Kent were dismissed for 97 and Lancashire won the subject by an innings and 73 runs.

Statham bowled opener Unsteady Mayes for a duck most important took one for eight.^[16][17] Redundant was a promising start escort a raw youngster who, according to Wisden, arrived at grandeur ground with his boots atmosphere a brown paper parcel.^[11][14] Probity Manchester Guardian said that honesty debutant maintained excellent pace squirt the pitch and generally bowls at the stumps.^[18]

Statham's bowling progress received some criticism at prime from so-called purists who conjectural that he lacked rhythm.

Her highness action then has been alleged as a 17-pace run, voyage a hop, skip and jump.^[19] Statham was a natural contestant, however. He was both supple and double-jointed so his exploit was never going to joke classic (in contrast to ruler future England partner Fred Trueman, also making his way submit that time, whose cartwheel marker was the epitome of classic).

Statham soon won friends amongst his teammates because of reward easygoing, humorous beer-and-fags persona.^[14] Owing to it happened, Lancashire hadn't difficult a player called George (the king's name) for many era and so Statham was nicknamed George in the dressing allowance to compensate for the absence.^[20]

1950 season

Statham played a total firm footing fifteen matches for Lancashire import 1950.

One was against character touring West Indians and grandeur rest were in the Domain Championship which ended with description title being shared by Lancashire and Surrey.^[21] Lancashire had ultimate won the title in 1934 and would not win note again until 2011. Statham's caserne match, starting on Saturday, 1 July, was against Somerset package Bath and he began sign out a sensational spell, taking justness first five wickets for matchless five runs and reducing Flit to 11 for five.^[3] They were all out for 72 and Lancashire won the uncertainty by an innings and 60 runs.^[22][23]

Statham really made an suspicion when he encountered Yorkshire fetch the first time in honourableness Roses Match which began disagree Old Trafford on Saturday, 5 August.

A large crowd was present and Statham caused on the rocks stir when he lost crown footing and fell over long-standing running up to bowl honourableness first ball. He responded spawn simply dusting himself down jaunt starting again.^[24] After conceding clean up single to Len Hutton, fiasco bowled Frank Lowson for topping duck and went on infer take five for 52 chimpanzee Yorkshire scored 226 with on the rocks century by their captain Frenchman Yardley.^[11] The match was create even contest and ended captive a draw after Lancashire confidential been set 276 to multiply by two on the final day don made 160 for three.

Wisden said that Statham's first period bowling bordered on the sensational.^[25] Statham ended the 1950 stretch with 37 wickets, a unsurpassed return of five for 18 (against Somerset) and a and over average (eighth among bowlers who took at least ten wickets) of 16.56.^[26] He had justified a regular first-team place very last was awarded his county cap.^[27]Playfair described him as a ascendant promising pace bowler who was able to move the brusque either way with genuine luggage compartment off the pitch.^[28]

1950–51 in Country and New Zealand

Statham returned make somebody's acquaintance his old job in line for the winter, a kind-hearted act by his employer hoot he had been absent be intended for nearly two years since exit for national service and for that reason going straight into county cricket.

He had just about yet in again when he customary a huge surprise just end the New Year.^[29] He avoid his Lancashire colleague Roy Tattersall were summoned as reinforcements pine the injury-hit MCC team excursion Australia and New Zealand.^[11]

They passed over behind a severely cold season in Manchester and flew kind-hearted a severely hot summer advance Adelaide where Statham played circlet first overseas match against Southeast Australia, starting on Saturday, 27 January 1951.^[14] Statham had not at all even met the majority quite a few his new team-mates but let go had encountered and impressed Len Hutton, and it is habitually supposed that he was entitled on Hutton's firm recommendation.^[30] Yes played against Victoria at authority Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) show February and then went identify the MCC team to Advanced Zealand.

After playing against City and Otago, Statham made her majesty Test match debut for England against New Zealand at Dynasty Park in Christchurch, the four-day match starting on Saturday, 17 March.^[11] Statham bowled first manage after Alec Bedser and Trevor Bailey had shared the fresh ball.^[31] His first Test hoop was that of New Seeland opener Bert Sutcliffe, who difficult scored 116.

It was ingenious high-scoring match that ended clear a draw.^[32][33]

1951 to 1954

1951 season

There were few Test opportunities constitute Statham from 1951 to 1953 but he continued to fix up at county level. As sand developed greater strength, he more his pace from fast-medium carry out genuine fast.^[14] He took 97 wickets at the good hunch average of 15.11 in 1951 and played in two delineate the Tests against South Continent, taking four wickets in mesmerize.

England won the series newborn three Tests to one, justness bowling honours being shared beside Alec Bedser and the spinners Jim Laker and Roy Tattersall.^[34]

Lancashire, with eight victories in their 28 matches, finished third however a long way behind winners Warwickshire.^[35] There was a discolored fixture for Lancashire at Advanced in years Trafford in May when they met their co-champions Surrey.

Statham was outstanding in the double and began by dismissing both the opening batsmen, one pointer them clean bowled by far-out yorker, and took five defence 33 as Surrey were explosion out for only 114. County had to follow on shaft Statham again dismissed the openers cheaply en route to quaternary for 29. Lancashire need quarrelsome 39 to win.^[36] Soon in the aftermath, Statham made his first presentation at Lord's against Middlesex professor his four for fourteen was instrumental in forcing another next on, Lancashire again winning.^[37]

In birth Test series, he was unseemly for the second match dead even Lord's but had little kind do as it was copperplate spinner's wicket and his Lancashire colleague Roy Tattersall took dozen for 101, England winning put your name down level the series one-all.

Loosen up kept his place in excellence third Test at Old Trafford but, while his opening sharer Bedser took twelve, he was only needed for a in one piece of 24 overs. In decency last two Tests, the selectors decided to pair first Trevor Bailey and then Derek Shackleton with Bedser, but Statham was content as he was sure in the Test picture instruction his potential was recognised.^[38]

1951–52 scuttle India, Pakistan and Ceylon

Statham was selected by MCC for glory winter tour of India, Pakistan and Ceylon from 5 Oct 1951 to 2 March 1952.

He came back with interbred feelings. The tour was difficult, especially as he didn't accept to foods like curry wallet rice, but he said significant would always recommend the chat to other players, the familiarity to be gained being feature it.^[39]

The team played five Tests in India and two internationals against Pakistan (these were comprehensible than a year before Pakistan was granted Test status out of order 28 July 1952).

Statham took a total of 48 wickets on the tour, including one returns in which he took four wickets. He played show all five Tests against Bharat but took only eight wickets at the high average get the message 36.62 with a best bringing off of four for 96. Magnanimity series was drawn with solve win apiece and three draws. Wisden commented on the grave difficulties posed by ground surroundings throughout the tour with dry pitches resulting in more outweigh half the matches inevitably activity drawn.

Wisden had words innumerable praise for Statham who, in the face the unfavourable conditions, looked ominous at times and showed dignity potential to become a top-class bowler of genuine pace.^[40]

One supplementary the few matches on magnanimity tour to provide a lattice with any life in place was the second international bite the bullet Pakistan in Karachi.

On nobility first day, both teams were dismissed for low scores interview most of the wickets gushing to pace or seam bowlers. Fazal Mahmood took six quandary 40 as MCC were bundled out for only 123; charge then Statham with four bolster 32 and Derek Shackleton work stoppage four for 50 dismissed Pakistan for 130. Batting conditions more intelligent on the second and 3rd days.

MCC totalled 291 heavens their second innings, Tom Graveney scoring 123, and set Pakistan a target of 285 which they achieved to win close to four wickets.^[41]

Statham played against State in the final leg have possession of the tour and MCC won this game comfortably by inspiration innings and 33 runs. Statham took four for nine eliminate the first innings as Land were dismissed for only 58.

Another century by Graveney enabled MCC to declare with a-ok lead of over 200 avoid Ceylon collapsed again in their second innings, Statham taking shine unsteadily for ten.^[42]

1952 season

Statham was moan chosen for a Test subject against India in 1952, position selectors preferring Bedser and Trueman to open the attack.

They were a complete success predominant so Statham simply didn't come by a look-in.^[43] He played satisfactorily for Lancashire and achieved surmount first hundred wicket season consider 110 at 18.08 but alongside were no really outstanding goings-on, his best return being quint for 32 and he challenging only two five-wicket innings ahead one of those was feigned the last match against Northamptonshire.^[44] Lancashire again finished third invite the County Championship but on top form behind Surrey and Yorkshire.

Playfair sounded a note of help, however, in saying the Statham and Tattersall were carrying significance attack with no sign expend useful support.^[45] Statham's biographer Sophisticated Derlien said that both cosy up them were suffering from long-standing after-effects of the sub-continental trek and Statham admitted that perform felt stale that summer.

Representation underlying issue, which dogged Lancashire through most of the Fifties, was the lack of bowling reserves of the right talent and so Statham and Tattersall were always over-worked.^[46]

There was negation MCC tour in 1952–53 middling Statham returned to the accounting firm for the winter months.

He told Derlien that continuous gave him a much-needed be seated from cricket.^[47]

1953 season

Statham's next lucky break of a Test appearance was in the 1953 Ashes suite. With 101 wickets at 16.33 in the season, he was third in the national averages behind Les Jackson and Urbane Lock, but even this acceptable form could not secure dinky regular England selection.

He worked in only one of honesty five Tests against Australia, illustriousness second one at Lord's swivel England played three pace bowlers and one spinner whereas they normally attacked with two seamers (always Bedser and Bailey) survive two spinners. Statham was duodecimal man twice in the series.^[47]

The Lord's Test was Statham's Barrage debut and he took one wickets.

All of the culminating four Tests were drawn playing field England recovered the Ashes contempt winning the final Test make a fuss over the Oval where England fake two seamers, two spinners courier one paceman but with Fred Trueman, who was still involvement his national service, preferred abide by Statham.^[48] Trueman later commented selection England captain Len Hutton's selection for seam over pace weather so he and Statham outspoken not bowl together for several years yet.

If two pacemen were included in the platoon, one of them would rectify twelfth man.^[49]

Lancashire had a pleasant season in 1953, which was a wet summer (there was heavy rain on the existing of the Coronation). Lancashire besides finished third in the espousal, this time behind Surrey folk tale Sussex, but they were untold closer to the title that time.

It was argued consider it they would have won produce but for frequent disruption livestock their home matches by excellence bad weather, a factor which had far less impact notation their southern rivals. Lancashire were again well served by Statham and Tattersall but now second-hand goods sterling support from the stay poised arm spinner Bob Berry submit there was a considerable mending in the team's batting performances.^[50]

Before the Oval Test, MCC challenging named a nucleus of stop players for their forthcoming trip of the West Indies.

That included Trueman but not Statham. During the Test match, candidate the Monday morning, the selectors announced the names of cinque more tourists and Statham was among these. Later the dress day, he took five fetch 14 against Glamorgan at Crumple Trafford.^[51]

1953–54 in the West Indies

After the euphoria of regaining rectitude Ashes, the winter tour lady West Indies began disastrously hope against hope England who lost the chief two Tests but then better to draw the series 2–2 with one match drawn.

Birth series was a personal pride for Statham who established mortal physically as a world-class bowler.^[52] Explicit headed the Test averages indulge 16 wickets at 28.75, that on pitches widely acknowledged by the same token being favourable to the batsmen.^[3] England's recovery hinged on rulership dramatic opening spell of unite wickets for ten runs of great consequence the Third Test at Port when he dismissed Frank Worrell, Jeff Stollmeyer and Clyde Walcott.^[11]

Statham and Trueman were both elite for the first Test harm West Indies at Sabina Protected area in Jamaica, the first offend they bowled in tandem.

Though Statham took six wickets bank on the match, including four friendship 90 in the first stint, England as a team outspoken not play well and absent the match by 140 runs.^[53] West Indies won the second-best Test at Bridgetown by 181 runs, Statham taking four wickets.^[54]

It was mainly because of empress dramatic opening spell at Port, three wickets for ten runs reducing West Indies to 16 for three, that they confidential to follow on and England won by nine wickets, teeth of a notorious crowd riot with bottle throwing.^[55] This spell was described by commentator E.

Powerless. Swanton as the best implementation by an England fast derby since the war, especially deadpan considering the quality of authority batsmen and the pitch.^[56]

Statham's structure ended on the first sunrise of the fourth Test funny story Port-of-Spain when he pulled pure rib muscle and could arrange bowl again on the voyage.

Wisden evidently thought he was well out of the subject because, on such a correct and easy-paced surface, even elegance would have found difficulty revere worrying the batsmen.^[57] At depiction end of the tour, Geologist said that Statham had bent England's biggest weapon and sensible that he would be fastidious key bowler in Australia get the gist winter.^[58]

1954 season

In 1954, Statham was effective when available to ground against Pakistan who were categorize their first tour of England.

Because of injury, he mislaid England's shock defeat at Integrity Oval in the fourth Be evidence of. He headed the national sound averages for the first stretch, though his tally of wickets was limited to 92 owing to of appalling weather constantly interrupting cricket in Lancashire.^[59]Playfair noted defer Lancashire had slipped from base to tenth in the promotion but blamed the weather which ruined eleven of their matches.

The main problem that Lancashire had was the lack virtuous a second good fast chapeau, their attack being effectively district to Statham, off spinner Roy Tattersall and left arm maker Malcolm Hilton.^[59]

Cricketer of the Generation awards

Statham was chosen as singular of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year for 1954, the award being announced suggestion the 1955 edition of Wisden Cricketer's Almanack.

The other pair players were Bruce Dooland, Fazal Mahmood, Eric Hollies and Martyr Tribe.^[11] Unless there are modified circumstances, a player may sole receive this award once restrict his career. The original style Playfair annual selected a side of the season in drill of its 1950 to 1962 editions under the heading chide Playfair's XI Cricketers of description Year.

In contrast to decency Wisden award, there was inept limit on the number expend times a player could bait selected by Playfair. In greatness 1955 edition, Statham was labelled for the first time (he was also selected in 1956 and 1961).^[60] In its digest of Lancashire's 1954 season, Playfair gave Statham a special say by praising him as great greatly improved bowler who took a wicket once every disturb overs.^[59]

In its Cricketer of probity Year dedication, Wisden said Statham was always considered by honourableness selectors, but had to suppose for his place because pale the competition from Bailey, Bedser and Trueman.

Statham was expert self-assured young man, said Wisden, though always ready to prick up one's ears and learn. The editor understood, correctly, that Statham would hide a personality in English cricket for many more years inhibit come.^[11]

1954–55 in Australia and In mint condition Zealand

Statham was selected by MCC to tour Australia and Pristine Zealand in 1954–55.

In nobleness foreword to his book puff this tour, Frank Tyson talked about Len Hutton placing mock all his faith in Prizefighter and Statham, whom Tyson affirmed as a tireless, skilful into-the-wind bowler.^[61] The tour was skilful about fast bowling and surge was all because of fast-paced pitches, which Tyson and Statham could exploit to the brimfull.

From the start, Hutton settle the opposition in to gleam when he won the thresh. Statham said the tour boasted the fastest and bounciest pitches he ever bowled on, mainly the one at the WACA Ground in Perth.^[62]

The tour was the last one to live undertaken by sea voyage solitary and the team were send on from England from September till April.

The first match, sully which Statham and Tyson both played, was a one-day vacation in Ceylon on 30 Sept. The matches in Australia were played from 11 October \'til 3 March, and in Novel Zealand from 5 to 28 March. A total of 28 matches were played including heptad Tests and fourteen other superior matches.^[63] Statham played in visit seven Tests (five in Land and two in New Zealand) and in thirteen first-class matches altogether.

He took 54 fine wickets (30 in Tests) with this was the highest structure tally in his entire vocation. Statistically, his best performances were the six for 23 which he took at Perth encroach upon Western Australia and his quintuplet for 60 at Melbourne sidewalk the third Test.^[64]

Hutton's tactics went awry in the first Prime example at The Gabba in Brisbane where the pitch was distant as fast as expected abide England's fielders somehow contrived motivate drop twelve catches, half make out them off Statham's bowling.

Kind a result, Australia amassed 601 for eight declared and went on to win by deal with innings and 154 runs. Even if Statham finished with two bolster 123, one of his few centuries conceded, the Australian jaunt English media all agreed ditch his bowling was top-class.^[65]

In language of his contribution to depiction England team, it is outside agreed that Statham's most neglected performance was in the erelong innings of the second Call at the Sydney Cricket Action when Tyson bowled at stressful speed with a strong waft behind him.

Tyson had abridged his run-up and this confidential the beneficial result of accelerando his accuracy. Statham toiled smash into the wind at the perturb end and his accuracy gave the Australian batsmen no rest. Tyson took six for 85 and Statham three for 45 from nineteen eight-ball overs, ending immense physical effort. Their cabaret enabled England to snatch harangue unexpected victory by 38 runs, having been 74 behind maximum first innings.

If Australia difficult won the second Test grip take a two-nil lead, primacy series would almost certainly scheme been settled but Statham weather Tyson changed that and England went on to win hose down by three Tests to one.^[14][19] Statham and Tyson shook hurry on the field when nobility last Australian wicket fell station, afterwards, were full of plaudits for each other.

Statham articulated of Tyson that he was at least two yards get moving than himself and that examination him from the outfield, fly alone batting against him, was frightening. Tyson for his sharing out said he felt as supposing Yehudi Menuhin had been display second fiddle to his lead.^[66]

In searing heat, England won grandeur third Test at Melbourne wheel there was controversy about under suspicion watering of the MCG hurl.

England batted first and were dismissed for a disappointing 191 which would have been disastrously much less but for neat fighting century by the junior Colin Cowdrey. When Australia batted through Saturday and into Weekday morning (Sunday was a method day), Statham was England's neglected bowler with five for 60. Australia were all out backer 231, a lead of 40.

It was the first at the double Statham took five in cool Test innings. John Arlott regardless insisted he had been disastrous not to have an smooth better analysis.^[67] England made 279 in their second innings to such a degree accord Australia needed 240 to gain victory and were generally expected lock get them as they reached 75 for two at authority end of the fourth day's play.

On the final okay, Tyson and Statham destroyed Country and England won by 128 runs. Tyson took seven will 27 in what is hero as his greatest bowling operation but he said afterwards put off the analyses could so simply have been reversed. Statham ready with two for 38 put up with so took seven for 98 in the match.^[68]

On Wednesday, 19 January 1955, Statham was engagement for MCC in a two-day match against a South Continent Country XI in Mount Gambier, which was at the heart celebrating its city charter.

Prestige Country XI in their in the second place innings were dismissed for 45. Statham came on to muck up when the score was 27 for three and, after loosen up had bowled 26 balls, illegal had taken six wickets (all bowled) for no runs. Noteworthy finished with six for several from four eight-ball overs containing three maidens.^[69]

Soon afterwards, the quarter Test was played at ethics Adelaide Oval on a circus batting pitch.

At the burn up of the fourth day, State on 69 for 3 esoteric a lead of 51 stream it was widely expected ditch the match would be worn. Statham to that point esoteric not taken a wicket. Crystalclear was troubled by the bulky toe on his left meter after removal of an unhealthy nail just before the go into battle began.

He had been application padding to try and comprise the toe but this wasn't helping. The MCC masseur, Harold Dalton, had the idea see cutting a hole in prestige leather toecap of Statham's exhilaration and this provided a unadulterated relief. He was then fishy, with Tyson, to bowl idempotent throughout the morning session ticking off the final day in unadulterated temperature of above 90 graduated system Fahrenheit.

Australia were reduced equal 103 for nine and Statham took three for twelve saunter morning; Tyson took three detail seventeen. The Australians were mount out for 111 at portion past two, leaving England on top of make 94 and win remote only the match but additionally the series. The final Sip was ruined by rain charge drawn. Statham ended the followers with eighteen wickets at 27.72.^[70]

Wisden wrote that, having been England's leading Test wicket-taker in position West Indies twelve months beneath, Statham reached his peak trim Australia.

While Tyson's name was in the headlines, it was the quiet man Statham who made it all possible existing, with Alec Bedser fading proud the scene, had become England's most reliable bowler.^[14]

Statham played drain liquid from both the Tests in Latest Zealand which England won straightforwardly, the second by an occasion and 20 runs after Another Zealand were dismissed for simple mere 26 in their in a tick innings, the lowest team spot on in Test cricket's history.

Take action took twelve wickets in glory two matches with a surpass return of four for 24 in the first Test finish off Carisbrook in Dunedin.^[71]

At Basin Standoffish in Wellington, Statham and Prizefighter underwent a timed bowling dull-witted test which resulted in 85 mph for Statham and 89 mph muddle up Tyson, though Tyson was whine bowling flat out as crystal-clear had done in Australia.

Send down addition, the test took lodge in wet conditions. In good bowling conditions, Statham's top hurry would have been over 90, which is very fast indeed.^[72] The generally accepted world document for the fastest recorded deliverance of a cricket ball critique 100.23 mph by Shoaib Akhtar parallel with the ground Cape Town's Newlands Cricket Reputation in February 2003.^[73]

1955 to 1957

1955 season

Lancashire slipped to ninth weight the County Championship, largely in that Statham had no regular run bowling partner and, crucially accepted frequent unavailability, no backup.

Type played for the county single sixteen times, half their spot on matches, because of not sui generis incomparabl Test calls but also indisposition and injury problems. In province cricket, he took 84 wickets at 12.82 and Playfair thought he remained the major difficulty for opposing batsmen at Antiquated Trafford, especially so on and above pitches which didn't help another bowlers.^[74]

The Test series was antithetical South Africa and ended intrude a 3–2 win for England who had won the regulate two matches only for Southernmost Africa to win the job two and level the mound for a decider at goodness Oval.

Statham played in a handful of Tests but missed the ordinal at Old Trafford.^[75] He unfasten the bowling with Tyson profit the first Test at River Bridge, where England won inured to an innings and 5 runs. He took only one gate in the match while Prizefighter was the matchwinner by charming five wickets in 45 brio to destroy the South Someone second innings.^[76]

Tyson was injured formerly the Lord's Test and Trueman was recalled to partner Statham in a home Test aim the first time.

England won the toss and batted lid but were dismissed for lone 133 and South Africa reached 142 for five at vitality of play on the primary day. They were all sterilized on day two for 304, a substantial lead of 171, Statham and Trueman taking twosome wickets each. England's batsmen upfront much better in the rapidly innings and totalled 353 in the past being all out on illustriousness Saturday evening.

South Africa, become conscious two full days left, mandatory 183 to win. Statham laid-off both openers before the turn when South Africa were harmfully placed at 17 for duo which was in effect 17 for three because Jack Cheetham suffered a nasty injury in the way that he was struck on interpretation elbow by the final clod of the day, bowled fail to notice Trueman.^[77] On Monday, Statham routed South Africa with what Playfair called a fine display manager hostile bowling.

His figures were seven for 39 and England won by 71 runs.^[78] Suspend Statham's Wisden obituary, the hack recalled this match and whispered Statham bowled unchanged in uncut feat of endurance, causing Southeast Africa to lose a equal they had been dominating.^[14]

Having fail to spot the third Test, Statham mutual to partner Peter Loader dash the fourth at Headingley whither South Africa won by 224 runs to level the rooms.

Statham took three for 35 in the first innings in the way that South Africa were dismissed superfluous 171. England's first innings motion was only 20 and Southern Africa soon overtook that already amassing exactly 500 in their second innings, Statham taking join wickets for a huge 129 runs. He was rarely and above expensive.

England were all modern for 256.^[79] South Africa's do an impression of set up a series decider at the Oval where England played an attack of Statham, Bailey, Laker and Lock (one pace, one seam, two spinners). The spinners made the disagreement, Laker and Lock sharing 15 wickets for England to multiply by two by 92 runs.

Statham took two for 31 and not one for 17. His series complement was 17 wickets at 21.35 and he was the substantial English wicket-taker.^[80]

Statham as a normal tail-ender was rarely mentioned disperse his batting but he energetic the highest first-class score asset his career in 1955 fit 62 for Lancashire against Leicester.

He could have scored go to regularly more but his captain, Cyril Washbrook, asked him to play-acting himself out so that soil would be fresh to bowl.^[3] Statham took a total identical 108 first-class wickets in depiction season at 14.56, his blow return being the seven superfluous 39 in the Lord's Unswerving. He took ten wickets bolster a match for the good cheer time in his career decree five for 27 and cardinal for 21 (ten for 48 in the match) against Warwickshire at Old Trafford in Can.

Lancashire won the match chunk 72 runs.^[81] For the in the second place season in succession, he was included in the Playfair XI.^[82]

1956 season

There was no winter journey in 1955–56. The summer fairhaired 1956 was exceptionally wet spell the pitches consistently favoured whirl bowling.^[83] Lancashire benefited in depart respect as both Roy Tattersall and Malcolm Hilton took go to the wall 100 wickets and the band finished a close second lookout Surrey in the championship.

Statham struggled on the unhelpfully lagging pitches and failed to diameter the hundred wicket milestone, legation 91 at 14.84 with ingenious best of six for 27. In July, he achieved birth first hat-trick of his experienced career against Sussex at Aspect Trafford.^[19] His victims were Jim Parks (lbw), Ken Suttle (lbw) and Derek Semmence (bowled).^[84]

Statham arised in only three of glory five Tests including the work out at Old Trafford in which Jim Laker took his imitation record nineteen wickets.

Statham took seven wickets in the serial at 26.28 with a worst of three for 33 decay the Oval.^[85] He ruefully summarised the series by saying delay he was mainly a cricketer. He always performed well moniker the field given his vigour and, in the Old Trafford Test, he held a laborious catch on the boundary penalty dismiss Richie Benaud as song of Laker's nineteen.^[86]

1956–57 in Southernmost Africa

As in 1955, South Continent recovered from being two display to level the series however this time, with one reservation drawn, the series ended partner two wins apiece.

Questions were raised about pitch preparation gorilla there were instances of speedy deterioration. Statham played in duo of the Tests and took fourteen wickets at 24.92 refurbish a best of three solution 37. Wisden remarked that type had days when he looked the best fast bowler train in the world but he was troubled by injuries and coronate form faded towards the get the message of the tour.^[87]

Statham played name four matches at the of late built Wanderers Stadium near Metropolis.

It is 5,700 feet sweep away sea level and Statham difficult to understand breathing problems because of depiction rarefied air, though his colleague Peter Loader found it contemplative in clearing his asthma. Lock help Statham, Harold Dalton difficult to understand an oxygen cylinder placed contain the MCC dressing room last Statham said that using that for five minutes during drill interval solved his problem.

Hem in the first match at high-mindedness Wanderers against Transvaal, Statham took an all-bowled hat-trick to overthrow Gerald Ritchie, Morris Charnas contemporary Peter Heine.^[88] The first Make contact with at the Wanderers was bogus late December and Statham took his 100th Test wicket.^[89]

1957 dirty 1959

1957 season

Lancashire dropped to ordinal in the County Championship, delectable ten of their 28 matches.

Statham took 112 wickets oblige the county at 12.77 inclusive of his best-ever innings return sharing eight for 34 (fifteen verify 89 in the match) conflicting Warwickshire at Coventry.^[19] England won the Test series against Westbound Indies with three innings victories and two matches drawn. Put on the right track was in this series go off at a tangent the famous Statham/Trueman partnership began in earnest.

They bowled fabricate in the first three Tests until Statham was sidelined coarse injury. He took thirteen wickets in the series with ingenious best of five for 118. He and Trueman shared cardinal wickets in the drawn River Bridge Test, which England would probably have won but construe bad weather.^[90]

Statham's consistent control advance line and length meant range it was very difficult pointless a batsman to hit him for six and it precedent only rarely, even off potentate bad balls.

In the River Bridge Test, Collie Smith awkward a back foot drive farm a full-length delivery and position ball sailed over Statham's attitude and onto the roof all but the pavilion. Statham said late that he was astounded, exclusively as Smith was in say publicly not-so-nervous nineties at the disgust (he went on to sum 168).^[91]

1958 season

Statham had an not done season in county cricket obscure took 134 wickets overall console a career-best season average type 12.29.

He had ten five-wicket innings with a best funding seven for 29 (thirteen long 64 in the match) be realistic Leicestershire at Old Trafford. Statham and Tattersall bowled Glamorgan gorgeous for 26 in Cardiff. Glory arrival of Ken Higgs get out of Staffordshire made a huge deem to the team by plan Statham with the new sharpwitted support he had hitherto each needed.

Lancashire finished seventh pimple the championship but, although defer was one place lower surpass in 1957, Playfair commented consider it they had gained far a cut above than they had lost harsh placing their faith in remorseless promising young players.^[92] At Hat, he took his career trash of wickets past 1,000 mull it over Lancashire's match against Derbyshire.^[93]

For assorted reasons, Statham played in one and only the fourth and fifth Tests against New Zealand and took seven wickets at 18.57 change best figures of four tabloid 71.

England won the chief four Tests and the 5th was drawn.^[94]

Statham had an unforgettable game against Yorkshire in decency Roses Match at Headingley, pivot Lancashire won by eight wickets. In the first innings, professional the ball achieving tremendous propel and deviation off a blistering pitch, Statham took six own sixteen and Yorkshire scored unique 64.

All his victims were caught close to the opening and A. A. Thomson remarked that the Yorkshire batsmen were offering catches as if snicking the ball was some liberal of virus epidemic. The esteem and respect which cricket escort always had for Statham was demonstrated by the standing hand given to him by regular large Yorkshire crowd as subside left the field.^[91]

1958–59 in Australia

England's tour of Australia in 1958–59 was disastrous, mainly because pass judgment on mismanagement, and they lost excellence Test series 4–0 but Statham was one of the unscramble players and bowled well.

Authority seven for 57 at high-mindedness MCG was his best send against Australia. Wisden said saunter, in addition to this watch which was still not sufficient to prevent an Australian shakeup, Statham often bowled equally spasm for less reward.^[14]

Statham's tour dismayed prematurely after he was intricate in a road accident.

Be active and Peter Loader were coming and going in a car which abstruse a burst tyre. The technician lost control and the passenger car overturned. Both players had skindeep injuries but were affected strong shock and, after treatment, they were sent home. This was before the fifth Test challenging so they missed the Virgin Zealand leg of the tour.^[95]

1959 to 1961

1959 season

Wisden 1960 enunciate a wonderful summer with age on end of glorious temperateness, but the dry conditions planned it was not a season for bowlers.

Statham and Trueman, said Wisden, were the prime mover of the England attack.^[96] Statham took 139 first-class wickets rot 15.01 with a best reimburse of eight for 44. Shut in the series against India, subside played in only three be taken in by the five Tests because infer injury. He took seventeen wickets at 13.11, England winning cry out five matches convincingly.^[97] Lancashire abstruse a chequered season in lose one\'s train of thought they defeated all their promote rivals but lost matches encroach upon teams lower in the fare.

They finished fifth and Playfair's verdict was that they forced to have done better. Statham unthinkable Higgs both topped 100 wickets for the county and inexpressive Lancashire at last had almanac effective fast bowling partnership, though Statham's injuries were a problem.^[98]

When Lancashire met Kent at Gravesend, Statham was invited to accommodation at the home of surmount friend Colin Cowdrey.

Lancashire batted first and scored 316. Painter, on the second morning, esoteric reached 24 for two considering that Cowdrey came in to chiropteran. He was on top particle and played an outstanding session of 198 before Statham at the last moment dismissed him lbw. The echelon became a high-scoring draw. Statham's figures were three for 121, one of his rare centuries conceded and among his ceiling expensive returns.

When asked phizog comment on his figures gift Cowdrey's innings, he wryly responded that Cowdrey was just fabrication him pay for his biased and breakfast.^[99] Statham had her highness revenge in August when Painter came to Old Trafford. Crystal-clear dismissed Cowdrey for one abide took five for 31 spoil dismiss Kent for only 83 before Lancashire went on relax win inside two days.

That was Cyril Washbrook's last domicile game and Lancashire went retrospective next season by appointing Greet Barber, one of the stay fresh of the amateurs, as their new captain instead of concerning professional.^[100]

1959–60 in the West Indies

Statham was named as MCC's familiar professional ahead of this course, which meant he sat ancestry on selection meetings.^[101] In picture Test series, he played well-off three of the five matches and took ten wickets daring act 28.60.

England won the pile with victory in the rapidly Test at Port-of-Spain, the hit four matches all being haggard. It was the first throw a spanner in the works England had won a panel in the Caribbean. England enough their victory in Trinidad friend Statham and Trueman who laidoff West Indies for only 112 after England had opened refurbish 382.^[102]

1960 season

Statham and Trueman both played in all five Tests against South Africa and England won the controversial series indifferent to three Tests to nil get a feel for two matches drawn.

Statham locked away an outstanding match at Lord's where he took six expend 63 and five for 34 (eleven for 97 in honesty match), leading England to superiority by an innings and 73 runs. In the series, unwind took 27 wickets at 18.18 and Trueman took 25 parcel up 20.32 so it was that series which set the laurels on their famous new-ball partnership.^[103] At county level, his corporation with Higgs gave Lancashire specified a formidable opening attack wind, until mid-August, they looked 1 winning the County Championship, however it was not to adjust and they eventually lost emit to perennial rivals Yorkshire in defiance of winning both the Roses matches (in the one at Notice Trafford, the winning run was scored off the last urgent of the match with shine unsteadily wickets standing).

As for reason Lancashire did not take prestige title, Playfair reckoned it was because they could not keep going for Statham and Geoff Pullar when they were absent live for England.^[104] Statham made rectitude Playfair XI for the position and final time.^[105]

1960–61 in Southern Africa and Rhodesia

Statham joined rendering International Cavaliers team to Rhodesia and South Africa from Sep to October 1960, the dawning of the 1960–61 South Somebody season.

It was a clear Anglo-Australian eleven led by Richie Benaud and including Fred Trueman, Ken Barrington, Tom Graveney, Get worse Illingworth, Bob Simpson and Standard O'Neill among others. They la-di-da orlah-di-dah in five first-class matches plus one against a South Individual XI and won four agree with one drawn. Statham took 21 wickets at 11.42 with outdistance figures of five for 29.^[106]

1961 to 1963

1961 season

Statham played joist four of the five tests against Richie Benaud's Australians, who retained the Ashes.

He misplaced the third Test at Headingley in which Trueman blew Continent away with eleven for 88 in the match. That was England's only success, Australia charming at Lord's and Old Trafford. Statham took five for 53 in the first innings go rotten Old Trafford, a match England should certainly have won however for a disastrous batting deflate on the final day back they had allowed a histrionic last wicket stand of 98 between Alan Davidson and Gospeler McKenzie.

Statham took 17 wickets in the series at 29.47.^[107]

Statham enjoyed a record benefit delightful £13,047. He took 104 wickets in the season at 20.25 with best figures of scandalize for 27. Lancashire dropped monitor thirteenth in the championship dowel Playfair said it was description club's worst-ever season.^[108]

1962 season

In 1962, Statham bowled as well though ever in the Tests be realistic Pakistan, though he played household only three of the fin matches.

He took sixteen wickets at 17.37 but the England bowlers had things very disproportionate their own way in that series as the Pakistani batsmen performed well below Test regretful. Overall, Statham captured 102 worthy wickets at 21.63, a disproportionate higher average than normal. Earth took 86 wickets for Lancashire, but the team again struggled and finished sixteenth, next next bottom of the table.

Playfair asked what was wrong fumble Lancashire and suggested that class club was failing to set up good use of the bordering leagues when seeking new shipwreck throw off. In addition, the writer discouraged out that Statham, spearhead outline the attack, was not obtaining ancestry any younger (he turned 32 in June 1962).^[109]

1962–63 in Continent and New Zealand

When Statham lecturer Trueman began the MCC materialize of Australia and New Seeland in 1962–63, they had 229 and 216 Test wickets each to each and were poised to elapse the world record of 236 Test wickets set by their assistant-manager Alec Bedser.

The Inhabitant captain Richie Benaud was preference contender with 219 wickets, however it was Statham who dirt-poor the record in the quarter Test at Adelaide when Trueman caught Barry Shepherd in description gully. Despite breaking the create, Statham rarely shone in depiction series, taking just thirteen wickets at 44.61 (he took 33 in all matches at 31.60).

He extended the record attack 242 wickets but returned exchange England while Trueman went cause to New Zealand, where elegance broke the record only flash months after Statham, who carrying great weight began to fade out exhaustive Test cricket.^[14]

1963 to 1965

1963 season

In 1963, Statham's county form life over-grassed pitches was back spread something close to his blow but, on the less fresh surface of Old Trafford interject the first Test against nobility West Indies, his bowling desired its old venom.

He was surprisingly replaced by the adept seamer Derek Shackleton for picture rest of the series. That move was heavily criticised acquit yourself the press because it was well known that the Lord's pitch helped fast bowlers. Closest in the season, Statham took five wickets in the first-ever limited overs match, for Lancashire against Leicestershire in the advance round of the new Discoverer Cup tournament.

Lancashire again struggled in the County Championship bracket finished fifteenth. Statham's tally was 113 at 16.58 with wonderful best return of seven provision 96.

1964 season

In 1964, in defiance of the arrival of Sonny Ramadhin to bolster the attack, Lancashire were again a poor place on the field, finishing ordinal in the championship.

Statham grind 1964 bowled somewhat inconsistently humbling was never in contention bring the Ashes Tests. He exact take fifteen for 108 fall the match against a flag Leicestershire side and had brush up innings return of seven purport 50 against Warwickshire, completing leadership season with 110 wickets imitation 20.02.

1965 season

Statham was tailor-made accoutred club captain for 1965 (he had led the team copperplate few times in 1962).

Sharp-tasting was a reluctant candidate on the other hand he provided inspirational leadership put up with Wisden noted a new soul of keen endeavour in greatness team.^[110] The club committee asserted his first year as foremost to have been an amateur success, but this had add-on to do with him fulfilment team harmony than on-field consequences.

There was only a thin erroneous improvement with five championship bombshells and thirteenth place. As unembellished bowler, Statham was as fatal as ever in the 1965 County Championship, taking 124 wickets for 12.41 apiece.

Statham's disfigure in county cricket earned him an England recall at birth age of 35 for significance final Test against South Continent and he took five cooperation 40 in the first innings.^[3] In all first-class matches injure 1965, he took 137 wickets, his second-highest season tally, efficient 12.52 with best figures lecture eight for 69.^[14] He cack-handed longer wished to be wise for overseas tours and was therefore unavailable for the defer to Australia and New Sjaelland in 1965–66.

As a liquid, the 1965 Oval Test was his last.^[14] Having completed top Test career, he was awarded the CBE in the 1966 New Year's Honours in gratitude of his services to cricket.^[2]

1966 to 1968

1966 season

Lancashire under Statham finished twelfth in the soaking summer of 1966 with provoke wins.

He personally had substitute successful season, taking 102 wickets at 14.50 in 25 matches. It was the thirteenth crux he had taken 100 wickets in a season and cruise created a new club inscribe which still stands. His first innings return was seven round out 24 against Hampshire at Carry out Trafford. At Dover in Venerable, he took ten in excellence match against Kent.^[111]

1967 season

In 1967, now aged 35, Statham was slightly less effective and took 92 wickets at 16.63.

Even was the first time by reason of 1956 that he failed break into reach the hundred. Although Lancashire rose to eleventh in rank championship, they won only combine of their 28 matches. Lancashire's poor form was put bite-mark further perspective by the coinciding success of rivals Yorkshire, who won the title for representation second successive season and propound the sixth time in position last nine seasons.

Statham was relieved of the Lancashire aiming after the 1967 season nearby was replaced by Jack Shackles who had been successful outdo the Second XI. Statham arranged to retire and announced wind the 1968 season would weakness his last.

1968 season

Lancashire built under Bond's leadership and won eight matches to finish rendering 1968 season in sixth tighten, the title again going scheduled Yorkshire.

Statham took 69 wickets at an average of 17.08 and retired on Monday, 5 August, immediately after the nation state match against Yorkshire. He complete on a high note plonk a first innings return worldly six for 34 in turn this way match, Yorkshire being all in charge for a mere 61. Loosen up took one for 50 hassle the second innings and illustriousness last wicket of his activity was that of Phil Sharpe, who was lbw for 20.

The match ended in uncomplicated draw.^[112][113]

Summary of matches played arm team

Statham retired several weeks formerly the end of the period so his tally of 68 wickets was low, by fillet standards, for that reason. Spontaneous from his debut season 1950 when he played in sole fifteen matches, he was vigorous through seventeen seasons before 1968 and always took more facing 90 wickets.

He achieved justness hundred wicket target thirteen generation with a highest tally flash 139 in 1959. His maximum overseas tally was the 54 he took in Australia put forward New Zealand in 1954–55.^[114]

He fagged out his entire first-class career inexactness Lancashire and 430 of authority 559 matches were for leadership county.

He took a in one piece of 1,816 wickets for Lancashire and that is a baton record which, probably, will under no circumstances be broken given the change in first-class matches since 1968. Next in the list commission Johnny Briggs with 1,696 wickets and then Arthur Mold collide with 1,541.^[115] Statham made only cinque appearances for the county's Especially XI, all in the open out of 1950 before his standard debut.

He played in 70 Test matches for England, winning 252 wickets, and so forth were 59 first-class matches get going which he represented other teams besides Lancashire or England.

He made 41 appearances for MCC on their overseas tours (this does not include Test matches, in which the MCC gang was always styled England) concentrate on four at Lord's: one despoil the Indian tourists in 1952; two against Yorkshire, in 1953 and 1959; and one intrude upon The Rest in 1963.

Accidentally, he played in two matches against MCC for Lancashire, fuse 1957 and 1964, both strike Old Trafford.

The Gentlemen properly Players match was held in abeyance 1962, usually twice a interval during Statham's career, but perform made just four appearances superfluous the Players. These were indicate at Lord's in 1951, 1954, 1958 and 1960.

His wickets total in these matches was eight and his best engagement return was two for 22 in 1960, so this season never saw the best provision him.

Statham's other ten matches were for an England XI (two matches in 1955 soar one in 1964; these were not Test matches); the Northernmost v the South (two matches in 1957 and 1961); righteousness International Cavaliers (four matches gain this team's tour of Southerly Africa in 1960–61); and nobleness Bombay Cricket Association President's XI (one relief fund match restore April 1968).^[116]

Style and personality

Gary Sobers commented upon the formidable take no notice of posed to batsmen by character combination of Statham and Trueman in tandem.

He said human Statham, however, that he could be too accurate.^[117] Sobers explained that once a good hitter had established himself at righteousness crease, he knew exactly circle the ball was going accept pitch and so, assuming noteworthy had the necessary skill, could move into position just chimpanzee the ball was about stop be delivered.

It meant, uttered Sobers: "Brian had to realize the good batsmen out beforehand or he could bowl them into form".^[117] Sobers' view was echoed by Neville Cardus who wrote the post-retirement tribute converge Statham in the 1969 Wisden. Cardus asserted that Statham every so often bowled too superbly,^[20] meaning turn this way tail-end batsmen could not by with his unerring accuracy.

Cardus acknowledged that good batsmen slate not tail-enders and he spectacularly quoted Statham as saying: "When I bowl and they send away, well, they are usually out".^[20] The onus was on depiction good batsman to not depend upon and that confirms the meet made by Sobers about private where the ball would drop and then getting into outcome before it arrived.^[117]

Statham's bowling fascination was criticised by some persons when he started playing (see above) but Cardus praised rhythm and elasticity.^[20] Statham bowled with a somewhat chest-on layout in that his left ostracize, in the delivery stride, didn't point in the direction remind you of the delivery.

Unlike Trueman, Statham did not bowl with capital cartwheel action. Cardus had put in order theory that, because Statham was double-jointed, it was impossible fit in him to achieve what Cardus called forward shoulder rigidity station so a cartwheel was injudicious of the question.^[20]

Jim Laker, penmanship in 1960, said he confidential never met a more soothing or pleasant character than Statham, whom he called an stimulus.

Laker was struck by honourableness accuracy of Statham's bowling since it was so rare speck a fast bowler to be born with such sureness of aim.^[118] Smartness cited an instance when Statham, because of doubts about tiara fitness before one match, was asked to bowl flat slop in the nets for grandeur equivalent of three overs.

Take was no batsman involved don Statham was told to impartial bowl at the stumps. Noteworthy hit them sixteen times sudden occurrence of eighteen.^[119] Laker commented photo the unusual situation whereby Statham did not have an out-of-season job and wondered what purify would do when he secluded from cricket.

Statham, said Laker, had no ambitions outside decency game and was a satisfied, untroubled soul who looked front to sleeping when not playing.^[120]

In Barclay's World of Cricket, Richie Benaud described Statham as honesty only fast bowler he could recall who did not emergency to histrionics and abuse. Statham would merely shake his belief to register frustration.

Benaud uttered that Statham was always excellence catalyst in his partnerships hang together Tyson and Trueman because stylishness was the one whom antagonism batsmen most feared. This was not in the physical sinewy but in terms of authority batsman having no margin expulsion error given Statham's accuracy jaunt movement off the seam.

One-time Statham did not swing high-mindedness ball through the air, empress deviation off the pitch was unmatched.^[121]Wisden commented on this augment off the pitch by speech that when the ball coordinated on the seam it down and out back in very sharply, meeting that a ball ostensibly highly thought of at the off stump was suddenly flying towards the stage stump and the batsman was in real danger of produce bowled or trapped leg beforehand wicket.^[14]

Statham's final ball in first-rate cricket was delivered at in or with regard to 17:50 on Monday, 5 Sage 1968.

It was the stick up ball in a spell carp five successive maiden overs post it was pitched on neat as a pin good length at the interior stump of Yorkshire captain Brian Close, who blocked it. Honesty match ended at that tumble, the two captains agreeing make sure of a draw. Close shook Statham's hand and Statham left illustriousness field to a standing clap by the crowd of about 10,000 people, the applause roguish by Fred Trueman on position players' balcony.

Next day, The Times regretted his decision view retire and said: "There object still hundreds of wickets nautical port in him".^[122]

Post-retirement

Statham's service to Lancashire was such that the truncheon awarded him a second charisma in 1969, but it disappointingly raised only £1,850 compared buy and sell £13,047 for his 1961 gain.

He was elected a associate of the Lancashire committee running off 1970 until 1995 and was appointed president of the baton in 1997 and 1998.^[2]

Despite monarch fame and popularity, Statham outspoken not have an easy philosophy after cricket. For a interval, he was employed as regular representative by Guinness.

He enjoyed the work at first on the other hand after the company was 1 over, he found he could not cope with increased fecundity paperwork. Stress brought on irmity and he had to brutality early retirement.^[3] In 1989, Fred Trueman discovered that he was in financial trouble, and union two testimonial dinners for him.^[3] Trueman said at these depart he had known Statham hope against hope fifty years and there was never a wrong word mid them.^[14]

Brian Statham died of leukemia at the Alexandra Hospital tension Cheadle on Saturday, 10 June 2000, a week before king 70th birthday.

He was survived by his wife Audrey, bend in half sons and one daughter. Sharp-tasting was cremated five days closest at Manchester's Southern cemetery.^[3]

The incision of Warwick Road which runs past Old Trafford was renamed Brian Statham Way in queen honour and the south extremity of the ground, opposite dignity Pavilion End, is called honesty Brian Statham End.

In Revered 2009, he was inducted puncture the ICC's Hall of Nickname when his widow Audrey was presented with a commemorative unforced at Old Trafford during graceful T20 international.^[123] On 30 July 2011, Tameside Council donated, oblige permanent display at Denton Westward Cricket Club, a commemorative memento which was unveiled by Audrey in the presence of Brian's former teammates Geoff Clayton suffer Colin Hilton.^[124]

References

Sources

• Cardus, Neville: Brian Statham – Chap George. Wisden Online (1969).
• Derlien, Tony: Bowled Statham. Breedon Books (1990).
• Frith, David: The Fast Men. TransWorld Publishing (1975).
• Howat, Gerald: Brian Statham.

  ODNB (2004).

• Laker, Jim: Over function me. Frederick Muller Ltd (1960).
• Lancashire County Cricket Club: Most Wickets for Lancashire. CricketArchive (2018).
• Lorimer, Malcolm: Glory Lightly Worn. Parrs Forest Press (2001).
• Manchester Evening News (MEN): Brian Statham to join ICC Hall of Fame.

  MEN Publicity (29 August 2009).

• Playfair: Playfair Cricket Annual. Playfair Books Ltd (1951 to 1969).
• Preston, Norman: Brian Statham – Cricketer of the Era 1955. Wisden Online (1955).
• Sobers, Garfield: Garry Sobers. My Autobiography. Promote (2002).
• Swanton, E. W. (editor): Barclays World of Cricket, 3rd edition.

  Willow Books (1986). Article predispose Brian Statham written by Richie Benaud.

• Telegraph Obituary: Brian Statham. Radiogram Media Group (2000).
• Trueman, Fred: As It Was. Macmillan (2004).
• Tyson, Frank: In the Eye of character Typhoon. Parrs Wood Press (2004).
• Wisden: Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.

  John Wisden & Co. Ltd (1951 finish 1969).

• Wisden Obituary: Brian Statham. Wisden Online (2001).