Brian statham autobiography example

English cricketer (1930–2000)

This article give something the onceover about the cricketer. For high-mindedness 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 breakout Gorton, in Manchester, who touched for Lancashire County Cricket Bludgeon from 1950 to 1968 courier for England from 1951 hold on to 1965.^[1][2] As an England athlete, he took part in club overseas tours from 1950–51 brand 1962–63.

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

Statham is perhaps best permanent for the fast bowling partnerships he formed at international row with, first, Frank Tyson vital then, more famously, with Fred Trueman. Unlike the latter, Statham did not make the sudden swing in flight but, outdo pitching it on the vein, he could achieve very tear deviation off the pitch which accounted for many a batsman's wicket.

In 1963, he for a short while held the world record let in the most wickets taken footpath Test cricket and, having antediluvian overtaken by Trueman, he difficult his international career with 252. His first-class career tally reminiscent of 2,260 wickets is nineteenth turn a profit the all-time list and proscribed has the best (lowest) sample of all the top cardinal bowlers.

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

A natural athlete, Statham was an outstanding fielder who operated in deep positions, habitually on the boundary where sovereignty running speed and the factualness of his throwing were unexceptional assets. He batted left-handed, everywhere as a tailender, and was occasionally effective when stubborn intransigence was required.

He captained Lancashire for three seasons from 1965 to 1967. He became unmixed member of Lancashire's committee pass up 1970 to 1995 and was elected club president in 1997 and 1998. After his demise in 2000, part of Statesman Road alongside Lancashire's Old Trafford Cricket Ground was renamed Brian Statham Way in his designation and the south end go rotten Old Trafford is called distinction Brian Statham End.

Early life (1930 to 1951)

Brian Statham was born on Tuesday, 17 June 1930 in his parents' part at 1, Chatham Road, Gorton, Manchester. They were John Book Arnold Statham (1889–1962), a scrap 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 Finished in Gorton and, through greatness years of the Second Field War, Manchester Central Grammar School.^[3] He played for the faculty at both cricket and american football gridiron but only played the spatter outside school.

He became resigned with cricket and developed simple preference for tennis as exceptional summer sport.^[5]

Statham left school flash 1946, aged sixteen, and went to work as a chronicler for an accountancy firm.^[6] Recognized was playing football for Denton West F.C. as a undone winger.

He was offered trials by both Liverpool and City City but these were vetoed by his father who was opposed to any of jurisdiction sons pursuing a career respect football.^[3] Statham's football team was managed by Eric Taylor who was also involved with Russet & Gorton Cricket Club (R&G). In the spring of 1947, wanting to keep his shy together through the summer, President invited them to join picture 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 about, they renamed themselves Denton Westbound Cricket Club in response although local boundary changes and connected the North Western League aspire the 1948 season.^[8] Statham protracted to play for them mosquito 1948.^[7]

National service

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

He stodgy his call-up in October move served eighteen months in interpretation RAF until 1 May 1950.^[7] He was based at Fto Stafford and did clerical out of a job for one of the level surface condition maintenance units.^[7] He was dutybound to travel home each weekend in the summer of 1948 to play for Denton Westmost and he topped the Ad northerly Western League's bowling averages sort the season.

He was offer hospitality to to join Stockport Cricket Mace in the Central Lancashire Corresponding item but initially turned it halfhearted because he was happy send up Denton West. He later elapse b rely earning his first money deprive cricket when a crowd kind was done on his sake after one match in which he took eight for 15.^[7]

He played for RAF Stafford's quarters team through the 1949 ready and took a total apply 96 wickets at an norm of three.

He recalled drift the pitches were so insubordinate that even a good volume ball would rise above loftiness stumps. Statham responded to that by adding the yorker know about his repertoire and that estimated for a high percentage order his victims from then picture. Despite his success, Statham upfront not play for the filled Royal Air Force cricket bunch.

Had he done so, significant would have encountered Peter Can and Frank Tyson who would-be the Royal Navy and distinction British Army respectively that summer.^[9]

Statham decided to accept Stockport's proposition for 1949 and played funding them six times, when smartness could obtain weekend leave.^[10] Thoroughgoing was in the Central Lancashire League that, for the final time, he encountered professional players.^[11] Stockport shared the 1949 combine title with Milnrow Cricket Bat, both teams amassing 48 points.^[12] An RAF corporal called Larry Lazarus, the sports NCO rag Stafford, recognised Statham's potential importance a fast bowler who could bowl straight.

Lazarus was unornamented Londoner and he wrote correspond with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) focus on ask if they had clever ground staff vacancy which Statham could fill when his state-run service ended. MCC replied ditch Statham should first approach Lancashire as his native county club.^[11]

Joining Lancashire

Statham contacted the club paramount found that they had conventional a report about him escape the Central Lancashire League.

Unquestionable was invited to take excellence in a two-day trial clone in April 1950 and that was successful, especially as stylishness dismissed two first team batsmen, Winston Place and Alan Author. Lancashire offered him professional conditions to begin in May end his national service ended.^[13] Top-hole civilian again, Statham joined grandeur Old Trafford ground staff.

Emperor parents had no objection anticipation him pursuing a cricket career.^[11][3] He began his new activity by playing in Club & Ground matches and was in good time chosen for the Second XI, who were the reigning Delicate Counties champions. He played drop their first five matches, legation 26 wickets at 14 runs apiece.^[13]

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

Clip retired from first-class cricket sharpen up the end of the season.^[11] Although Statham had not all the more had any real coaching, explicit soon impressed the Lancashire lecturer Harry Makepeace who, only match up weeks later, ensured his verdict for the first team collect the match against Kent bulldoze Old Trafford.^[11][14]

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

Lancashire scored 271 on rectitude Saturday (Statham, batting eleven, was last man out without scoring) and they reduced Kent disparagement 62 for four at description close with Statham having occupied the wicket of Arthur Fagg, caught by Alan Wharton transport four. Statham later recalled go off at a tangent it was fluke dismissal. Ruler captain Cyril Washbrook told him to maintain a good measure against Fagg who was onerous against short-pitched bowling and gripped the hook shot exceptionally successfully.

Statham started well enough, acquiescence only a couple of singles in his first two take a breather but he then mistimed straight delivery which pitched short come first Fagg went to hook warranty. Fagg was, however, surprised unhelpful Statham's pace and he mishit his shot, the ball successful off the splice of greatness bat and being caught dampen Wharton at forward short level.

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

Play resumed on the Monday queue Kent were soon all done for 101 (Statham one pick up 13), the follow on mind enforced by Lancashire captain Nigel Howard. In their second set-to, Kent were dismissed for 97 and Lancashire won the fellow by an innings and 73 runs.

Statham bowled opener Irm Mayes for a duck post took one for eight.^[16][17] Take in was a promising start care for a raw youngster who, according to Wisden, arrived at character ground with his boots take back a brown paper parcel.^[11][14] Nobleness Manchester Guardian said that rectitude debutant maintained excellent pace out the pitch and generally bowls at the stumps.^[18]

Statham's bowling delight received some criticism at leading from so-called purists who presumed that he lacked rhythm.

Realm action then has been ostensible as a 17-pace run, keep upright a hop, skip and jump.^[19] Statham was a natural participant, however. He was both lithe and double-jointed so his exploit was never going to break down classic (in contrast to rule future England partner Fred Trueman, also making his way shock defeat that time, whose cartwheel rapid was the epitome of classic).

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

1950 season

Statham played a total remaining fifteen matches for Lancashire overfull 1950.

One was against justness touring West Indians and class rest were in the Region Championship which ended with loftiness title being shared by Lancashire and Surrey.^[21] Lancashire had ultimate won the title in 1934 and would not win redundant again until 2011. Statham's home match, starting on Saturday, 1 July, was against Somerset send up Bath and he began revamp a sensational spell, taking distinction first five wickets for unique five runs and reducing Croissant to 11 for five.^[3] They were all out for 72 and Lancashire won the issue by an innings and 60 runs.^[22][23]

Statham really made an thought when he encountered Yorkshire transport the first time in representation Roses Match which began force Old Trafford on Saturday, 5 August.

A large crowd was present and Statham caused uncomplicated stir when he lost king footing and fell over from the past running up to bowl primacy first ball. He responded make wet simply dusting himself down celebrated starting again.^[24] After conceding excellent single to Len Hutton, stylishness bowled Frank Lowson for keen duck and went on suggest take five for 52 restructuring Yorkshire scored 226 with unmixed century by their captain Golfer Yardley.^[11] The match was wish even contest and ended reside in a draw after Lancashire difficult to understand been set 276 to gain victory on the final day stomach made 160 for three.

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

1950–51 in State and New Zealand

Statham returned accomplish his old job in line for the winter, a magnanimous act by his employer chimpanzee he had been absent portend nearly two years since dying for national service and abuse going straight into county cricket.

He had just about decreed in again when he old hat a huge surprise just tail end the New Year.^[29] He take his Lancashire colleague Roy Tattersall were summoned as reinforcements shadow the injury-hit MCC team about Australia and New Zealand.^[11]

They not completed behind a severely cold iciness in Manchester and flew have round a severely hot summer cultivate Adelaide where Statham played rulership first overseas match against Southward Australia, starting on Saturday, 27 January 1951.^[14] Statham had conditions even met the majority ticking off his new team-mates but earth had encountered and impressed Len Hutton, and it is in the main supposed that he was greet on Hutton's firm recommendation.^[30] Prohibited played against Victoria at goodness Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) love February and then went business partner the MCC team to In mint condition Zealand.

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

It was marvellous high-scoring match that ended make happen a draw.^[32][33]

1951 to 1954

1951 season

There were few Test opportunities consign Statham from 1951 to 1953 but he continued to swelling at county level. As dirt developed greater strength, he affixed his pace from fast-medium finding genuine fast.^[14] He took 97 wickets at the good admit average of 15.11 in 1951 and played in two fall foul of the Tests against South Continent, taking four wickets in bring to an end.

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

Lancashire, with eight victories in their 28 matches, finished third on the contrary a long way behind winners Warwickshire.^[35] There was a pale fixture for Lancashire at A mixture of Trafford in May when they met their co-champions Surrey.

Statham was outstanding in the replica and began by dismissing both the opening batsmen, one allude to them clean bowled by keen yorker, and took five pray 33 as Surrey were shy away out for only 114. County had to follow on gift Statham again dismissed the openers cheaply en route to for 29. Lancashire need stiff-necked 39 to win.^[36] Soon consequently, Statham made his first expire at Lord's against Middlesex stomach his four for fourteen was instrumental in forcing another evidence on, Lancashire again winning.^[37]

In authority Test series, he was undignified for the second match unexpected defeat Lord's but had little limit do as it was dinky spinner's wicket and his Lancashire colleague Roy Tattersall took 12 for 101, England winning chance level the series one-all.

Recognized kept his place in character third Test at Old Trafford but, while his opening her indoors Bedser took twelve, he was only needed for a precise of 24 overs. In description last two Tests, the selectors decided to pair first Trevor Bailey and then Derek Shackleton with Bedser, but Statham was content as he was doubtless in the Test picture take his potential was recognised.^[38]

1951–52 on the run India, Pakistan and Ceylon

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

He came back with motley feelings. The tour was strenuous, especially as he didn't get to foods like curry favour rice, but he said oversight would always recommend the excursion to other players, the think to be gained being flora and fauna it.^[39]

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

Statham took a total of 48 wickets on the tour, including link returns in which he took four wickets. He played notes all five Tests against Bharat but took only eight wickets at the high average lay out 36.62 with a best implementation of four for 96. Grandeur series was drawn with incontestable win apiece and three draws.

Wisden commented on the pretend difficulties posed by ground surroundings throughout the tour with insensate pitches resulting in more best half the matches inevitably use drawn. Wisden had words recompense praise for Statham who, contempt the unfavourable conditions, looked impending at times and showed grandeur potential to become a top-class bowler of genuine pace.^[40]

One find time for the few matches on description tour to provide a grille with any life in armed was the second international clashing Pakistan in Karachi.

On blue blood the gentry first day, both teams were dismissed for low scores critical remark most of the wickets easy to pace or seam bowlers. Fazal Mahmood took six honor 40 as MCC were bundled out for only 123; leading then Statham with four home in on 32 and Derek Shackleton deal with four for 50 dismissed Pakistan for 130.

Batting conditions bigger on the second and ordinal days. MCC totalled 291 pull their second innings, Tom Graveney scoring 123, and set Pakistan a target of 285 which they achieved to win preschooler four wickets.^[41]

Statham played against State in the final leg break into the tour and MCC won this game comfortably by public housing innings and 33 runs.

Statham took four for nine rip open the first innings as Island were dismissed for only 58. Another century by Graveney enabled MCC to declare with grand lead of over 200 suggest Ceylon collapsed again in their second innings, Statham taking bend over for ten.^[42]

1952 season

Statham was whoop chosen for a Test peer against India in 1952, grandeur selectors preferring Bedser and Trueman to open the attack.

They were a complete success endure so Statham simply didn't take home a look-in.^[43] He played favourably for Lancashire and achieved tiara first hundred wicket season unwanted items 110 at 18.08 but yon were no really outstanding procedure, his best return being cinque for 32 and he locked away only two five-wicket innings predominant one of those was integrate the last match against Northamptonshire.^[44] Lancashire again finished third bear the County Championship but excellent behind Surrey and Yorkshire.

Playfair sounded a note of admonishment, however, in saying the Statham and Tattersall were carrying description attack with no sign make known useful support.^[45] Statham's biographer La-di-da Derlien said that both give an account of them were suffering from enduring after-effects of the sub-continental trek and Statham admitted that crystal-clear felt stale that summer.

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

There was ham-fisted MCC tour in 1952–53 as follows Statham returned to the line firm for the winter months. He told Derlien that follow gave him a much-needed frenzy from cricket.^[47]

1953 season

Statham's next crash into of a Test appearance was in the 1953 Ashes leanto.

With 101 wickets at 16.33 in the season, he was third in the national averages behind Les Jackson and Decorous Lock, but even this beneficial form could not secure well-ordered regular England selection. He impressed in only one of integrity five Tests against Australia, dignity second one at Lord's to what place England played three pace bowlers and one spinner whereas they normally attacked with two seamers (always Bedser and Bailey) avoid two spinners.

Statham was 12th man twice in the series.^[47]

The Lord's Test was Statham's Enhancement debut and he took digit wickets. All of the important four Tests were drawn trip England recovered the Ashes mass winning the final Test guard the Oval where England mincing two seamers, two spinners ray one paceman but with Fred Trueman, who was still familiarity his national service, preferred accord Statham.^[48] Trueman later commented series England captain Len Hutton's choosing for seam over pace existing so he and Statham upfront not bowl together for manifold years yet.

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

Lancashire had a exposition season in 1953, which was a wet summer (there was heavy rain on the leg up of the Coronation). Lancashire send back finished third in the benefaction, this time behind Surrey boss Sussex, but they were undue closer to the title that time.

It was argued delay they would have won make for but for frequent disruption chivalrous their home matches by nobleness bad weather, a factor which had far less impact feign their southern rivals. Lancashire were again well served by Statham and Tattersall but now understand sterling support from the heraldry sinister arm spinner Bob Berry captain there was a considerable mending in the team's batting performances.^[50]

Before the Oval Test, MCC difficult to understand named a nucleus of mess up players for their forthcoming outward appearance of the West Indies.

That included Trueman but not Statham. During the Test match, large it the Monday morning, the selectors announced the names of pentad more tourists and Statham was among these. Later the amount to day, he took five practise 14 against Glamorgan at Verification Trafford.^[51]

1953–54 in the West Indies

After the euphoria of regaining picture Ashes, the winter tour assiduousness West Indies began disastrously lack England who lost the crowning two Tests but then elevate surpass to draw the series 2–2 with one match drawn.

Blue blood the gentry series was a personal hurl for Statham who established man as a world-class bowler.^[52] Stylishness headed the Test averages anti 16 wickets at 28.75, that on pitches widely acknowledged pass for being favourable to the batsmen.^[3] England's recovery hinged on top dramatic opening spell of tierce wickets for ten runs modern the Third Test at Stabroek when he dismissed Frank Worrell, Jeff Stollmeyer and Clyde Walcott.^[11]

Statham and Trueman were both elite for the first Test realize West Indies at Sabina Parkland in Jamaica, the first delay they bowled in tandem.

Though Statham took six wickets guarantee the match, including four champion 90 in the first struggle, England as a team blunt not play well and misplaced the match by 140 runs.^[53] West Indies won the alternative Test at Bridgetown by 181 runs, Statham taking four wickets.^[54]

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

Sensitive. Swanton as the best tale by an England fast hat since the war, especially advantageous considering the quality of interpretation batsmen and the pitch.^[56]

Statham's silhouette ended on the first forenoon of the fourth Test pull somebody's leg Port-of-Spain when he pulled a- rib muscle and could quite a distance bowl again on the string.

Wisden evidently thought he was well out of the be at war with because, on such a genuine and easy-paced surface, even take steps would have found difficulty come out of worrying the batsmen.^[57] At honesty end of the tour, Cricketer said that Statham had back number England's biggest weapon and rational that he would be smart key bowler in Australia loan winter.^[58]

1954 season

In 1954, Statham was effective when available to have against Pakistan who were put right their first tour of England.

Because of injury, he misplaced England's shock defeat at Position Oval in the fourth Check out. He headed the national standard averages for the first disgust, though his tally of wickets was limited to 92 considering of appalling weather constantly interrupting cricket in Lancashire.^[59]Playfair noted defer Lancashire had slipped from base to tenth in the patronage but blamed the weather which ruined eleven of their matches.

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

Cricketer of the Best awards

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

The other several players were Bruce Dooland, Fazal Mahmood, Eric Hollies and Martyr Tribe.^[11] Unless there are out of order circumstances, a player may matchless receive this award once inconsequential his career. The original aim Playfair annual selected a setup of the season in hose of its 1950 to 1962 editions under the heading show signs of Playfair's XI Cricketers of position Year.

In contrast to magnanimity Wisden award, there was rebuff limit on the number break into times a player could amend selected by Playfair. In authority 1955 edition, Statham was christian name 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 remark by praising him as on the rocks greatly improved bowler who took a wicket once every shake up overs.^[59]

In its Cricketer of ethics Year dedication, Wisden said Statham was always considered by primacy selectors, but had to brave for his place because medium the competition from Bailey, Bedser and Trueman.

Statham was spick self-assured young man, said Wisden, though always ready to attend and learn. The editor supposed, correctly, that Statham would replica a personality in English cricket for many more years toady to come.^[11]

1954–55 in Australia and Novel Zealand

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

In decency foreword to his book be aware of this tour, Frank Tyson talked about Len Hutton placing quasi- all his faith in Gladiator and Statham, whom Tyson averred as a tireless, skilful into-the-wind bowler.^[61] The tour was resistance about fast bowling and be a bestseller was all because of fast-paced pitches, which Tyson and Statham could exploit to the brimfull.

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

The tour was the last one to rectify undertaken by sea voyage exclusive and the team were interrupt from England from September impending April.

The first match, imprint which Statham and Tyson both played, was a one-day stop over in Ceylon on 30 Sept. The matches in Australia were played from 11 October hanging fire 3 March, and in In mint condition Zealand from 5 to 28 March. A total of 28 matches were played including septet Tests and fourteen other excellent matches.^[63] Statham played in reduction seven Tests (five in Continent and two in New Zealand) and in thirteen first-class matches altogether.

He took 54 authentic wickets (30 in Tests) put up with this was the highest voyage tally in his entire calling. Statistically, his best performances were the six for 23 which he took at Perth dispute Western Australia and his fin for 60 at Melbourne conduct yourself the third Test.^[64]

Hutton's tactics went awry in the first Proof at The Gabba in Brisbane where the pitch was slogan as fast as expected take England's fielders somehow contrived inhibit drop twelve catches, half be beaten them off Statham's bowling.

Though a result, Australia amassed 601 for eight declared and went on to win by characteristic innings and 154 runs. Notwithstanding Statham finished with two get something done 123, one of his sporadic centuries conceded, the Australian very last English media all agreed depart his bowling was top-class.^[65]

In premises of his contribution to rectitude England team, it is by many agreed that Statham's most neglected performance was in the subsequent innings of the second Trial at the Sydney Cricket Action when Tyson bowled at tense speed with a strong waft behind him.

Tyson had slimmed down his run-up and this esoteric the beneficial result of acceleratory his accuracy. Statham toiled be liked the wind at the subsequent end and his accuracy gave the Australian batsmen no interruption. Tyson took six for 85 and Statham three for 45 from nineteen eight-ball overs, clean up immense physical effort.

Their completion enabled England to snatch harangue unexpected victory by 38 runs, having been 74 behind engage in battle first innings. If Australia difficult won the second Test extremity take a two-nil lead, rank series would almost certainly possess been settled but Statham most important Tyson changed that and England went on to win useless by three Tests to one.^[14][19] Statham and Tyson shook industry on the field when picture last Australian wicket fell standing, afterwards, were full of hero worship for each other.

Statham aforementioned of Tyson that he was at least two yards get moving than himself and that ceremonial him from the outfield, spurt alone batting against him, was frightening. Tyson for his superiority said he felt as supposing Yehudi Menuhin had been exhibit second fiddle to his lead.^[66]

In searing heat, England won picture third Test at Melbourne hoop there was controversy about incriminated watering of the MCG fall.

England batted first and were dismissed for a disappointing 191 which would have been disastrously much less but for natty fighting century by the sour Colin Cowdrey. When Australia batted through Saturday and into Mon morning (Sunday was a integrate day), Statham was England's eminent bowler with five for 60. Australia were all out get as far as 231, a lead of 40.

It was the first hold your fire Statham took five in spiffy tidy up Test innings. John Arlott notwithstanding insisted he had been illomened not to have an yet better analysis.^[67] England made 279 in their second innings straight-faced Australia needed 240 to overcome and were generally expected run into get them as they reached 75 for two at prestige end of the fourth day's play.

On the final indifferent, Tyson and Statham destroyed Country and England won by 128 runs. Tyson took seven use 27 in what is lauded as his greatest bowling supervision but he said afterwards prowl the analyses could so simply have been reversed. Statham on target with two for 38 nearby so took seven for 98 in the match.^[68]

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

Picture Country XI in their alternative innings were dismissed for 45. Statham came on to trundle when the score was 27 for three and, after elegance had bowled 26 balls, loosen up had taken six wickets (all bowled) for no runs. Be active finished with six for combine from four eight-ball overs with three maidens.^[69]

Soon afterwards, the domicile Test was played at class Adelaide Oval on a bright batting pitch.

At the summit of the fourth day, Country on 69 for 3 esoteric a lead of 51 favour it was widely expected drift the match would be worn out. Statham to that point locked away not taken a wicket. Let go was troubled by the grand toe on his left key after removal of an unhealthy nail just before the engage in battle began. He had been services padding to try and comprise the toe but this wasn't helping.

The MCC masseur, Harold Dalton, had the idea bear out cutting a hole in significance leather toecap of Statham's exhilaration and this provided a summative relief. He was then devious, with Tyson, to bowl unaltered throughout the morning session party the final day in spruce up temperature of above 90 hierarchy Fahrenheit. Australia were reduced come within reach of 103 for nine and Statham took three for twelve give it some thought morning; Tyson took three commissioner seventeen.

The Australians were manual labor out for 111 at fifty per cent past two, leaving England finding make 94 and win clump only the match but as well the series. The final Evaluation was ruined by rain playing field drawn. Statham ended the additional room with eighteen wickets at 27.72.^[70]

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

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

Statham played strike home both the Tests in Another Zealand which England won simply, the second by an struggle and 20 runs after Spanking Zealand were dismissed for grand mere 26 in their straightaway any more innings, the lowest team uncut in Test cricket's history.

Forbidden took twelve wickets in loftiness two matches with a properly return of four for 24 in the first Test extra Carisbrook in Dunedin.^[71]

At Basin Hold back in Wellington, Statham and Gladiator underwent a timed bowling rapidity test which resulted in 85 mph for Statham and 89 mph endow with Tyson, though Tyson was put together bowling flat out as unquestionable had done in Australia.

Remit addition, the test took promote in wet conditions. In useful bowling conditions, Statham's top senseless would have been over 90, which is very fast indeed.^[72] The generally accepted world take pictures of for the fastest recorded deliverance of a cricket ball equitable 100.23 mph by Shoaib Akhtar affluence Cape Town's Newlands Cricket Delivery in February 2003.^[73]

1955 to 1957

1955 season

Lancashire slipped to ninth boil the County Championship, largely in that Statham had no regular fleet bowling partner and, crucially confirmed frequent unavailability, no backup.

Recognized played for the county matchless sixteen times, half their in one piece matches, because of not single Test calls but also malady and injury problems. In dependency cricket, he took 84 wickets at 12.82 and Playfair put into words he remained the major snag for opposing batsmen at Tender Trafford, especially so on travelling fair pitches which didn't help spanking bowlers.^[74]

The Test series was be realistic South Africa and ended plenty a 3–2 win for England who had won the be foremost two matches only for Southward Africa to win the support two and level the playoff for a decider at rectitude Oval.

Statham played in one Tests but missed the 3rd at Old Trafford.^[75] He open the bowling with Tyson fasten the first Test at River Bridge, where England won by virtue of an innings and 5 runs. He took only one grille in the match while Gladiator was the matchwinner by fascinating five wickets in 45 vigour to destroy the South Mortal second innings.^[76]

Tyson was injured in the past the Lord's Test and Trueman was recalled to partner Statham in a home Test go allout for the first time.

England won the toss and batted primary but were dismissed for sole 133 and South Africa reached 142 for five at level of play on the crowning day. They were all flat on day two for 304, a substantial lead of 171, Statham and Trueman taking a handful of wickets each. England's batsmen sincere much better in the in a tick innings and totalled 353 hitherto being all out on justness Saturday evening.

South Africa, shrink two full days left, wanted 183 to win. Statham unemployed both openers before the seat when South Africa were dangerously placed at 17 for which was in effect 17 for three because Jack Cheetham suffered a nasty injury like that which he was struck on description elbow by the final quickwitted of the day, bowled in and out of Trueman.^[77] On Monday, Statham routed South Africa with what Playfair called a fine display marketplace hostile bowling.

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

Having let pass the third Test, Statham mutual to partner Peter Loader admire the fourth at Headingley South Africa won by 224 runs to level the rooms.

Statham took three for 35 in the first innings just as South Africa were dismissed shelter 171. England's first innings handle was only 20 and Southward Africa soon overtook that earlier amassing exactly 500 in their second innings, Statham taking combine wickets for a huge 129 runs. He was rarely ergo expensive. England were all joint for 256.^[79] South Africa's take off 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 inconsistency, Laker and Lock sharing 15 wickets for England to take off by 92 runs. Statham took two for 31 and nobody for 17. His series enhance was 17 wickets at 21.35 and he was the substantial English wicket-taker.^[80]

Statham as a unique tail-ender was rarely mentioned be glad about his batting but he grateful the highest first-class score endorse his career in 1955 comicalness 62 for Lancashire against Leicester.

He could have scored assorted more but his captain, Cyril Washbrook, asked him to give orders himself out so that purify would be fresh to bowl.^[3] Statham took a total scrupulous 108 first-class wickets in righteousness season at 14.56, his superb return being the seven want badly 39 in the Lord's Directly.

He took ten wickets worry a match for the lid time in his career agree with five for 27 and quint for 21 (ten for 48 in the match) against Warwickshire at Old Trafford in Hawthorn. Lancashire won the match prep between 72 runs.^[81] For the more season in succession, he was included in the Playfair XI.^[82]

1956 season

There was no winter thread in 1955–56.

The summer have possession of 1956 was exceptionally wet snowball the pitches consistently favoured pirouette bowling.^[83] Lancashire benefited in divagate respect as both Roy Tattersall and Malcolm Hilton took care for 100 wickets and the crew finished a close second go on a trip Surrey in the championship. Statham struggled on the unhelpfully slow to catch on pitches and failed to draw near to the hundred wicket milestone, winning 91 at 14.84 with dexterous best of six for 27.

In July, he achieved integrity first hat-trick of his white-collar career against Sussex at Pillar Trafford.^[19] His victims were Jim Parks (lbw), Ken Suttle (lbw) and Derek Semmence (bowled).^[84]

Statham developed in only three of character five Tests including the sidle at Old Trafford in which Jim Laker took his imitation record nineteen wickets.

Statham took seven wickets in the additional room at 26.28 with a outstrip of three for 33 miniature the Oval.^[85] He ruefully summarised the series by saying ditch he was mainly a fieldsman. He always performed well shoulder the field given his vigor and, in the Old Trafford Test, he held a showery catch on the boundary clutch dismiss Richie Benaud as only of Laker's nineteen.^[86]

1956–57 in Southmost Africa

As in 1955, South Continent recovered from being two reduce the price of to level the series however this time, with one stage drawn, the series ended condemn two wins apiece.

Questions were raised about pitch preparation brand there were instances of quick deterioration. Statham played in unite of the Tests and took fourteen wickets at 24.92 accelerate a best of three backer 37. Wisden remarked that filth had days when he looked the best fast bowler enhance the world but he was troubled by injuries and king form faded towards the defeat of the tour.^[87]

Statham played keep in check four matches at the freshly built Wanderers Stadium near Metropolis.

It is 5,700 feet overpower sea level and Statham confidential breathing problems because of authority rarefied air, though his associate Peter Loader found it utilitarian in clearing his asthma. Cling on to help Statham, Harold Dalton locked away an oxygen cylinder placed take back the MCC dressing room gift Statham said that using that for five minutes during prattle interval solved his problem.

Pound the first match at righteousness Wanderers against Transvaal, Statham took an all-bowled hat-trick to discharge Gerald Ritchie, Morris Charnas instruction Peter Heine.^[88] The first Proof at the Wanderers was troubled late December and Statham took his 100th Test wicket.^[89]

1957 disparagement 1959

1957 season

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

Statham took 112 wickets ask for the county at 12.77 plus his best-ever innings return an assortment of eight for 34 (fifteen be a symbol of 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. Lay down was in this series renounce the famous Statham/Trueman partnership began in earnest.

They bowled convene in the first three Tests until Statham was sidelined preschooler injury. He took thirteen wickets in the series with neat as a pin best of five for 118. He and Trueman shared xv wickets in the drawn River Bridge Test, which England would probably have won but in behalf of bad weather.^[90]

Statham's consistent control waste line and length meant renounce it was very difficult idea a batsman to hit him for six and it case in point only rarely, even off climax bad balls.

In the River Bridge Test, Collie Smith laid hold of a back foot drive unnoticeably a full-length delivery and excellence ball sailed over Statham's sense and onto the roof lose the pavilion. Statham said late that he was astounded, same as Smith was in leadership not-so-nervous nineties at the while (he went on to evaluate 168).^[91]

1958 season

Statham had an omitted season in county cricket predominant took 134 wickets overall habit a career-best season average racket 12.29.

He had ten five-wicket innings with a best supporting seven for 29 (thirteen sustenance 64 in the match) intrude upon Leicestershire at Old Trafford. Statham and Tattersall bowled Glamorgan be on familiar terms with for 26 in Cardiff. High-mindedness arrival of Ken Higgs do too much Staffordshire made a huge view to the team by furnishing Statham with the new domain support he had hitherto at all times needed.

Lancashire finished seventh be thankful for the championship but, although ensure was one place lower surpass in 1957, Playfair commented range they had gained far ultra than they had lost hunk placing their faith in heavy-going promising young players.^[92] At Bowler, he took his career of wickets past 1,000 inconvenience Lancashire's match against Derbyshire.^[93]

For many reasons, Statham played in single the fourth and fifth Tests against New Zealand and took seven wickets at 18.57 laughableness best figures of four tight spot 71.

England won the premier four Tests and the ordinal was drawn.^[94]

Statham had an unforgettable game against Yorkshire in leadership Roses Match at Headingley, place Lancashire won by eight wickets. In the first innings, expanse the ball achieving tremendous sneak and deviation off a scorching pitch, Statham took six cart sixteen and Yorkshire scored solitary 64.

All his victims were caught close to the grille and A. A. Thomson remarked that the Yorkshire batsmen were offering catches as if snicking the ball was some intense of virus epidemic. The value and respect which cricket series always had for Statham was demonstrated by the standing care nearby given to him by on the rocks large Yorkshire crowd as take steps left the field.^[91]

1958–59 in Australia

England's tour of Australia in 1958–59 was disastrous, mainly because homework mismanagement, and they lost picture Test series 4–0 but Statham was one of the decode players and bowled well.

Queen seven for 57 at goodness MCG was his best answer against Australia. Wisden said roam, in addition to this running which was still not competent to prevent an Australian overcoming, Statham often bowled equally able-bodied for less reward.^[14]

Statham's tour inhibited prematurely after he was tangled in a road accident.

Misstep and Peter Loader were freight in a car which confidential a burst tyre. The practitioner lost control and the motor car overturned. Both players had exterior injuries but were affected rough shock and, after treatment, they were sent home. This was before the fifth Test reprove so they missed the Newborn Zealand leg of the tour.^[95]

1959 to 1961

1959 season

Wisden 1960 exit a wonderful summer with period on end of glorious cheer, but the dry conditions preconcerted it was not a summertime for bowlers.

Statham and Trueman, said Wisden, were the creator of the England attack.^[96] Statham took 139 first-class wickets at the same height 15.01 with a best come back of eight for 44. Underneath the series against India, illegal played in only three operate the five Tests because be beneficial to injury.

He took seventeen wickets at 13.11, England winning screen five matches convincingly.^[97] Lancashire difficult to understand a chequered season in wind they defeated all their primary rivals but lost matches aspect teams lower in the spread. They finished fifth and Playfair's verdict was that they requisite have done better.

Statham take Higgs both topped 100 wickets for the county and unexceptional Lancashire at last had want effective fast bowling partnership, even if Statham's injuries were a problem.^[98]

When Lancashire met Kent at Gravesend, Statham was invited to inaccessible at the home of climax friend Colin Cowdrey. Lancashire batted first and scored 316.

Painter, on the second morning, locked away reached 24 for two during the time that Cowdrey came in to nictitate flash. He was on top convey and played an outstanding bout of 198 before Statham lastly dismissed him lbw. The likeness became a high-scoring draw. Statham's figures were three for 121, one of his rare centuries conceded and among his domineering expensive returns.

When asked pact comment on his figures squeeze Cowdrey's innings, he wryly responded that Cowdrey was just origination him pay for his negligent and breakfast.^[99] Statham had reward revenge in August when Painter came to Old Trafford. Unquestionable dismissed Cowdrey for one gift took five for 31 coinage dismiss Kent for only 83 before Lancashire went on hold down win inside two days.

That was Cyril Washbrook's last make game and Lancashire went retrospective next season by appointing Vibrate Barber, one of the ultimate of the amateurs, as their new captain instead of regarding professional.^[100]

1959–60 in the West Indies

Statham was named as MCC's prime professional ahead of this thread, which meant he sat choose by ballot on selection meetings.^[101] In say publicly Test series, he played in bad taste three of the five matches and took ten wickets outburst 28.60.

England won the focus with victory in the on top Test at Port-of-Spain, the upset four matches all being the worse for wear. It was the first put on the back burner England had won a entourage in the Caribbean. England unsettled their victory in Trinidad finish off Statham and Trueman who fired West Indies for only 112 after England had opened trusty 382.^[102]

1960 season

Statham and Trueman both played in all five Tests against South Africa and England won the controversial series hard three Tests to nil angst two matches drawn.

Statham abstruse an outstanding match at Lord's where he took six demand 63 and five for 34 (eleven for 97 in dignity match), leading England to triumph by an innings and 73 runs. In the series, elegance took 27 wickets at 18.18 and Trueman took 25 uncertain 20.32 so it was that series which set the honour on their famous new-ball partnership.^[103] At county level, his practice with Higgs gave Lancashire much a formidable opening attack walk, until mid-August, they looked regard winning the County Championship, nevertheless it was not to just and they eventually lost drag to perennial rivals Yorkshire undeterred by winning both the Roses matches (in the one at Offer Trafford, the winning run was scored off the last abrupt of the match with bend over wickets standing).

As for ground Lancashire did not take honesty title, Playfair reckoned it was because they could not keep mum for Statham and Geoff Pullar when they were absent play for England.^[104] Statham made picture Playfair XI for the tertiary and final time.^[105]

1960–61 in Southmost Africa and Rhodesia

Statham joined significance International Cavaliers team to Rhodesia and South Africa from Sept to October 1960, the origin of the 1960–61 South Person season.

It was a tangy Anglo-Australian eleven led by Richie Benaud and including Fred Trueman, Ken Barrington, Tom Graveney, Anarchy Illingworth, Bob Simpson and Degree O'Neill among others. They attacked in five first-class matches plus one against a South Mortal XI and won four be equivalent one drawn. Statham took 21 wickets at 11.42 with gain the advantage over figures of five for 29.^[106]

1961 to 1963

1961 season

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

He fail to spot the third Test at Headingley in which Trueman blew Country away with eleven for 88 in the match. That was England's only success, Australia bewitching at Lord's and Old Trafford. Statham took five for 53 in the first innings inspect Old Trafford, a match England should certainly have won nevertheless for a disastrous batting puny on the final day subsequently they had allowed a glowing 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 be required of £13,047. He took 104 wickets in the season at 20.25 with best figures of sextuplet for 27. Lancashire dropped agree to thirteenth in the championship move Playfair said it was greatness club's worst-ever season.^[108]

1962 season

In 1962, Statham bowled as well restructuring ever in the Tests argue with Pakistan, though he played valve only three of the quint matches.

He took sixteen wickets at 17.37 but the England bowlers had things very wellknown their own way in that series as the Pakistani batsmen performed well below Test archetype. Overall, Statham captured 102 real wickets at 21.63, a luxurious higher average than normal. Crystal-clear took 86 wickets for Lancashire, but the team again struggled and finished sixteenth, next come to get bottom of the table.

Playfair asked what was wrong unwanted items Lancashire and suggested that birth club was failing to manufacture good use of the neighbouring leagues when seeking new irregularity. In addition, the writer thorny out that Statham, spearhead push the attack, was not extraction any younger (he turned 32 in June 1962).^[109]

1962–63 in Land and New Zealand

When Statham become calm Trueman began the MCC outing of Australia and New Sjaelland in 1962–63, they had 229 and 216 Test wickets singly and were poised to overhaul the world record of 236 Test wickets set by their assistant-manager Alec Bedser.

The Dweller captain Richie Benaud was alternative contender with 219 wickets, however it was Statham who indigent the record in the billet Test at Adelaide when Trueman caught Barry Shepherd in influence gully. Despite breaking the snap, Statham rarely shone in picture series, taking just thirteen wickets at 44.61 (he took 33 in all matches at 31.60).

He extended the record collect 242 wickets but returned denote England while Trueman went spasm to New Zealand, where explicit broke the record only span months after Statham, who important began to fade out look up to Test cricket.^[14]

1963 to 1965

1963 season

In 1963, Statham's county form relevance over-grassed pitches was back simulation something close to his suitably but, on the less budding surface of Old Trafford appoint the first Test against interpretation West Indies, his bowling needed its old venom.

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

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

1964 season

In 1964, regardless of the arrival of Sonny Ramadhin to bolster the attack, Lancashire were again a poor gang on the field, finishing 14th in the championship.

Statham satisfy 1964 bowled somewhat inconsistently abide was never in contention choose the Ashes Tests. He upfront take fifteen for 108 pointed the match against a make known Leicestershire side and had key innings return of seven fit in 50 against Warwickshire, completing grandeur season with 110 wickets miniature 20.02.

1965 season

Statham was allotted club captain for 1965 (he had led the team expert few times in 1962).

Grace was a reluctant candidate however he provided inspirational leadership abstruse Wisden noted a new center of keen endeavour in character team.^[110] The club committee apparent his first year as coxswain to have been an unequipped success, but this had enhanced to do with him perfection team harmony than on-field recompense.

There was only a inadequate improvement with five championship conquests and thirteenth place. As well-organized bowler, Statham was as pernicious as ever in the 1965 County Championship, taking 124 wickets for 12.41 apiece.

Statham's grow up in county cricket earned him an England recall at significance age of 35 for nobility final Test against South Continent and he took five purport 40 in the first innings.^[3] In all first-class matches make out 1965, he took 137 wickets, his second-highest season tally, distrust 12.52 with best figures fairhaired eight for 69.^[14] He maladroit thumbs down d longer wished to be alleged for overseas tours and was therefore unavailable for the hold up to Australia and New Sjaelland in 1965–66.

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

1966 to 1968

1966 season

Lancashire under Statham finished twelfth in the motivating summer of 1966 with disturb wins.

He personally had alternate successful season, taking 102 wickets at 14.50 in 25 matches. It was the thirteenth date he had taken 100 wickets in a season and consider it created a new club top secret which still stands. His crush innings return was seven take 24 against Hampshire at Hold tight Trafford. At Dover in Sage, he took ten in grandeur match against Kent.^[111]

1967 season

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

Buy and sell was the first time owing to 1956 that he failed concern reach the hundred. Although Lancashire rose to eleventh in nobility championship, they won only yoke of their 28 matches. Lancashire's poor form was put go through further perspective by the cooccurrent success of rivals Yorkshire, who won the title for position second successive season and receive the sixth time in rendering last nine seasons.

Statham was relieved of the Lancashire direction after the 1967 season pointer was replaced by Jack Helotry who had been successful primary the Second XI. Statham trustworthy to retire and announced think it over the 1968 season would breed his last.

1968 season

Lancashire raise under Bond's leadership and won eight matches to finish righteousness 1968 season in sixth owner, the title again going hurt Yorkshire.

Statham took 69 wickets at an average of 17.08 and retired on Monday, 5 August, immediately after the trace match against Yorkshire. He concluded on a high note glossed a first innings return outline six for 34 in delay match, Yorkshire being all effect for a mere 61. Significant took one for 50 revere the second innings and nobility last wicket of his life's work was that of Phil Sharpe, who was lbw for 20.

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

Summary of matches played go rotten team

Statham retired several weeks formerly the end of the course so his tally of 68 wickets was low, by culminate standards, for that reason. Retort from his debut season 1950 when he played in unique fifteen matches, he was refractory through seventeen seasons before 1968 and always took more surpass 90 wickets.

He achieved righteousness hundred wicket target thirteen bygone with a highest tally perceive 139 in 1959. His pre-eminent overseas tally was the 54 he took in Australia become more intense New Zealand in 1954–55.^[114]

He bushed his entire first-class career dig Lancashire and 430 of authority 559 matches were for dignity county.

He took a reach the summit of of 1,816 wickets for Lancashire and that is a bludgeon record which, probably, will not in any degree be broken given the economy in first-class matches since 1968. Next in the list pump up Johnny Briggs with 1,696 wickets and then Arthur Mold plus 1,541.^[115] Statham made only fin appearances for the county's Subordinate XI, all in the waterhole bore of 1950 before his fantabulous debut.

He played in 70 Test matches for England, attractive 252 wickets, and so give were 59 first-class matches underside 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 arrangement was always styled England) meticulous four at Lord's: one conflicting the Indian tourists in 1952; two against Yorkshire, in 1953 and 1959; and one be realistic The Rest in 1963.

Parenthetically, he played in two matches against MCC for Lancashire, alter 1957 and 1964, both shake-up Old Trafford.

The Gentlemen with no holds barred Players match was held unfinished 1962, usually twice a interval during Statham's career, but unwind made just four appearances instruct the Players. These were lessening at Lord's in 1951, 1954, 1958 and 1960.

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

Statham's other ten matches were for an England XI (two matches in 1955 advocate one in 1964; these were not Test matches); the Ad northerly v the South (two matches in 1957 and 1961); distinction International Cavaliers (four matches snatch this team's tour of Southerly Africa in 1960–61); and high-mindedness Bombay Cricket Association President's XI (one relief fund match case April 1968).^[116]

Style and personality

Gary Sobers commented upon the formidable discount posed to batsmen by significance combination of Statham and Trueman in tandem.

He said get the picture Statham, however, that he could be too accurate.^[117] Sobers explained that once a good hitter had established himself at representation crease, he knew exactly whirl location the ball was going walk pitch and so, assuming crystal-clear had the necessary skill, could move into position just bring in the ball was about give somebody the job of be delivered.

It meant, uttered Sobers: "Brian had to purchase the good batsmen out absolutely or he could bowl them into form".^[117] Sobers' view was echoed by Neville Cardus who wrote the post-retirement tribute involving Statham in the 1969 Wisden. Cardus asserted that Statham occasionally bowled too superbly,^[20] meaning stray tail-end batsmen could not come through be a match for with his unerring accuracy.

Cardus acknowledged that good batsmen clutter not tail-enders and he smoothly quoted Statham as saying: "When I bowl and they unmindful, well, they are usually out".^[20] The onus was on blue blood the gentry good batsman to not be absent from and that confirms the slump made by Sobers about expressing where the ball would heave and then getting into movement before it arrived.^[117]

Statham's bowling party was criticised by some be sociable when he started playing (see above) but Cardus praised king rhythm and elasticity.^[20] Statham bowled with a somewhat chest-on proportion in that his left push, in the delivery stride, didn't point in the direction practice the delivery.

Unlike Trueman, Statham did not bowl with spruce cartwheel action. Cardus had copperplate theory that, because Statham was double-jointed, it was impossible give a hand him to achieve what Cardus called forward shoulder rigidity become more intense so a cartwheel was make of the question.^[20]

Jim Laker, poetry in 1960, said he challenging never met a more temperate or pleasant character than Statham, whom he called an impulse.

Laker was struck by magnanimity accuracy of Statham's bowling due to it was so rare acquit yourself a fast bowler to own such sureness of aim.^[118] Explicit cited an instance when Statham, because of doubts about coronet fitness before one match, was asked to bowl flat reduction in the nets for picture equivalent of three overs.

Present-day was no batsman involved fairy story Statham was told to reasonable bowl at the stumps. Sharp-tasting hit them sixteen times accountable of eighteen.^[119] Laker commented spoil the unusual situation whereby Statham did not have an out-of-season job and wondered what stylishness would do when he out-of-the-way from cricket.

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

In Barclay's World of Cricket, Richie Benaud described Statham as excellence only fast bowler he could recall who did not refuge to histrionics and abuse.

Statham would merely shake his purpose to register frustration. Benaud aforementioned that Statham was always glory catalyst in his partnerships go out with Tyson and Trueman because pacify was the one whom claimant batsmen most feared. This was not in the physical concept but in terms of magnanimity batsman having no margin senseless error given Statham's accuracy topmost movement off the seam.

Piece Statham did not swing rendering ball through the air, coronate deviation off the pitch was unmatched.^[121]Wisden commented on this slope off the pitch by language that when the ball critical on the seam it penniless back in very sharply, doctrine that a ball ostensibly regard at the off stump was suddenly flying towards the support stump and the batsman was in real danger of existence bowled or trapped leg formerly wicket.^[14]

Statham's final ball in sound cricket was delivered at be concerned about 17:50 on Monday, 5 Revered 1968.

It was the determined ball in a spell disturb five successive maiden overs arena it was pitched on boss good length at the interior stump of Yorkshire captain Brian Close, who blocked it. Glory match ended at that align, the two captains agreeing cause somebody to a draw. Close shook Statham's hand and Statham left excellence field to a standing involvement by the crowd of approximately 10,000 people, the applause slipshod by Fred Trueman on probity players' balcony.

Next day, The Times regretted his decision look after retire and said: "There shard still hundreds of wickets not done in him".^[122]

Post-retirement

Statham's service to Lancashire was such that the mace awarded him a second help in 1969, but it disappointingly raised only £1,850 compared familiarize yourself £13,047 for his 1961 cooperate.

He was elected a shareholder of the Lancashire committee outlandish 1970 until 1995 and was appointed president of the cudgel in 1997 and 1998.^[2]

Despite authority fame and popularity, Statham exact not have an easy brusque after cricket. For a spell, he was employed as clean representative by Guinness. He enjoyed the work at first nevertheless after the company was free over, he found he could not cope with increased yield paperwork.

Stress brought on disease and he had to extort early retirement.^[3] In 1989, Fred Trueman discovered that he was in financial trouble, and organized two testimonial dinners for him.^[3] Trueman said at these wind he had known Statham portend fifty years and there was never a wrong word amidst them.^[14]

Brian Statham died of cancer at the Alexandra Hospital trim Cheadle on Saturday, 10 June 2000, a week before climax 70th birthday.

He was survived by his wife Audrey, combine sons and one daughter. Unquestionable was cremated five days after at Manchester's Southern cemetery.^[3]

The department of Warwick Road which runs past Old Trafford was renamed Brian Statham Way in queen honour and the south cease of the ground, opposite birth Pavilion End, is called righteousness Brian Statham End.

In Venerable 2009, he was inducted cling the ICC's Hall of Make shy when his widow Audrey was presented with a commemorative unswerving at Old Trafford during span T20 international.^[123] On 30 July 2011, Tameside Council donated, contemplate permanent display at Denton Westbound Cricket Club, a commemorative monument which was unveiled by Audrey in the presence of Brian's former teammates Geoff Clayton limit Colin Hilton.^[124]

References

Sources

• Cardus, Neville: Brian Statham – Male adult 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 telling off 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 Travel ormation technol (29 August 2009).

• Playfair: Playfair Cricket Annual. Playfair Books Ltd (1951 to 1969).
• Preston, Norman: Brian Statham – Cricketer of the Harvest 1955. Wisden Online (1955).
• Sobers, Garfield: Garry Sobers. My Autobiography. Advertise (2002).
• Swanton, E.

  W. (editor): Barclays World of Cricket, 3rd edition. Willow Books (1986). Article snare Brian Statham written by Richie Benaud.

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

  John Wisden & Co. Ltd (1951 work to rule 1969).

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