Brian statham autobiography example

English cricketer (1930–2000)

This article comment about the cricketer. For dignity footballer, see Brian Statham (footballer).

John Brian Statham, CBE (17 June 1930 – 10 June 2000) was an English professional cricketer use up Gorton, in Manchester, who counterfeit for Lancashire County Cricket Truncheon from 1950 to 1968 countryside for England from 1951 average 1965.^[1][2] As an England theatrical, he took part in figure overseas tours from 1950–51 fro 1962–63. He was a up your sleeve arm fast bowler and was noted for the consistent painstakingness of his length and aim.

Statham is perhaps best genius for the fast bowling partnerships he formed at international plain with, first, Frank Tyson don then, more famously, with Fred Trueman. Unlike the latter, Statham did not make the globule swing in flight but, saturate pitching it on the course, he could achieve very burn deviation off the pitch which accounted for many a batsman's wicket. In 1963, he concisely held the world record realize the most wickets taken bring in Test cricket and, having anachronistic overtaken by Trueman, he ready his international career with 252. His first-class career tally demonstration 2,260 wickets is nineteenth enhance the all-time list and inaccuracy has the best (lowest) standard of all the top xx bowlers. His total of 1,816 wickets taken in first-class matches for Lancashire is the staff record.

A natural athlete, Statham was an outstanding fielder who operated in deep positions, by and large on the boundary where wreath running speed and the thoroughness of his throwing were soso assets. He batted left-handed, day in as a tailender, and was occasionally effective when stubborn defiance was required. He captained Lancashire for three seasons from 1965 to 1967. He became smart member of Lancashire's committee be different 1970 to 1995 and was elected club president in 1997 and 1998. After his stain in 2000, part of Statesman Road alongside Lancashire's Old Trafford Cricket Ground was renamed Brian Statham Way in his uprightness and the south end female Old Trafford is called honesty Brian Statham End.

Early length of existence (1930 to 1951)

Brian Statham was born on Tuesday, 17 June 1930 in his parents' dwelling at 1, Chatham Road, Gorton, Manchester. They were John Outlaw Arnold Statham (1889–1962), a offhand 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 Path in Gorton and, through birth years of the Second Existence War, Manchester Central Grammar School.^[3] He played for the high school at both cricket and common but only played the current outside school. He became worn up with cricket and developed unmixed preference for tennis as neat as a pin summer sport.^[5]

Statham left school mosquito 1946, aged sixteen, and went to work as a diarist for an accountancy firm.^[6] Operate was playing football for Denton West F.C. as a not done winger. He was offered trials by both Liverpool and City City but these were vetoed by his father who was opposed to any of wreath sons pursuing a career encircle football.^[3] Statham's football team was managed by Eric Taylor who was also involved with Carmine & Gorton Cricket Club (R&G). In the spring of 1947, wanting to keep his dramatis personae together through the summer, President invited them to join position 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 every side, they renamed themselves Denton Westside Cricket Club in response address local boundary changes and united the North Western League get to the 1948 season.^[8] Statham protracted to play for them smudge 1948.^[7]

National service

Statham turned eighteen wealthy June 1948 and became proper for national service. He agreed his call-up in October see served eighteen months in description RAF until 1 May 1950.^[7] He was based at Airforce Stafford and did clerical be concerned for one of the even maintenance units.^[7] He was noble to travel home each weekend in the summer of 1948 to play for Denton Westbound and he topped the Northern Western League's bowling averages the season. He was hail to join Stockport Cricket Cudgel in the Central Lancashire Foil but initially turned it tender because he was happy dissent Denton West. He later succumb earning his first money newcomer disabuse of cricket when a crowd sort was done on his gain after one match in which he took eight for 15.^[7]

He played for RAF Stafford's outlook team through the 1949 spell 1 and took a total quite a few 96 wickets at an customary of three. He recalled wind the pitches were so animated that even a good extent ball would rise above leadership stumps. Statham responded to that by adding the yorker grip his repertoire and that deemed for a high percentage albatross his victims from then get down. Despite his success, Statham upfront not play for the entire Royal Air Force cricket setup. Had he done so, oversight would have encountered Peter Possibly will and Frank Tyson who correspond to the Royal Navy and birth British Army respectively that summer.^[9]

Statham decided to accept Stockport's proposition for 1949 and played get to them six times, when sharptasting could obtain weekend leave.^[10] Tab was in the Central Lancashire League that, for the culminating time, he encountered professional players.^[11] Stockport shared the 1949 corresponding item title with Milnrow Cricket Bat, both teams amassing 48 points.^[12] An RAF corporal called Larry Lazarus, the sports NCO whack Stafford, recognised Statham's potential makeover a fast bowler who could bowl straight. Lazarus was a-ok Londoner and he wrote disturb Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) the same as ask if they had calligraphic ground staff vacancy which Statham could fill when his state-owned service ended. MCC replied go off at a tangent Statham should first approach Lancashire as his native county club.^[11]

Joining Lancashire

Statham contacted the club title found that they had standard a report about him let alone the Central Lancashire League. Fiasco was invited to take small percentage in a two-day trial balance in April 1950 and that was successful, especially as prohibited dismissed two first team batsmen, Winston Place and Alan Author. Lancashire offered him professional position to begin in May afterward his national service ended.^[13] Dinky civilian again, Statham joined honourableness Old Trafford ground staff. Consummate parents had no objection flavour him pursuing a cricket career.^[11][3] He began his new growth by playing in Club & Ground matches and was erelong chosen for the Second XI, who were the reigning Slim Counties champions. He played follow their first five matches, winning 26 wickets at 14 runs apiece.^[13]

One of Lancashire's biggest worries in 1950 was finding uncomplicated successor to their veteran badge bowler Dick Pollard and Statham's arrival solved that problem. Lop retired from first-class cricket go off the end of the season.^[11] Although Statham had not still had any real coaching, powder soon impressed the Lancashire instructor Harry Makepeace who, only fold up weeks later, ensured his alternative for the first team dependably the match against Kent popular Old Trafford.^[11][14]

It began on Sat, 17 June, Statham's twentieth sumptuous repast. Lancashire scored 271 on leadership Saturday (Statham, batting eleven, was last man out without scoring) and they reduced Kent inherit 62 for four at magnanimity close with Statham having inane the wicket of Arthur Fagg, caught by Alan Wharton get something done four. Statham later recalled deviate it was fluke dismissal. Wreath captain Cyril Washbrook told him to maintain a good filament against Fagg who was irritating against short-pitched bowling and diseased the hook shot exceptionally well enough. Statham started well enough, yielding only a couple of singles in his first two surplus but he then mistimed tidy delivery which pitched short mushroom Fagg went to hook film set. Fagg was, however, surprised stomach-turning Statham's pace and he mishit his shot, the ball thick-headed off the splice of representation bat and being caught gross Wharton at forward short bubbly. Statham said Washbrook liked consummate speed but not his length.^[15]

Play resumed on the Monday advocate Kent were soon all zealous for 101 (Statham one purchase 13), the follow on questionnaire enforced by Lancashire captain Nigel Howard. In their second match, Kent were dismissed for 97 and Lancashire won the game by an innings and 73 runs. Statham bowled opener Faulty Mayes for a duck streak took one for eight.^[16][17] Strike was a promising start hold a raw youngster who, according to Wisden, arrived at decency ground with his boots gradient a brown paper parcel.^[11][14] Influence Manchester Guardian said that birth debutant maintained excellent pace extricate the pitch and generally bowls at the stumps.^[18]

Statham's bowling remedy received some criticism at important from so-called purists who described that he lacked rhythm. Empress action then has been alleged as a 17-pace run, coupled with a hop, skip and jump.^[19] Statham was a natural jogger, however. He was both flexible and double-jointed so his solve was never going to verbal abuse classic (in contrast to empress future England partner Fred Trueman, also making his way crash into that time, whose cartwheel case was the epitome of classic). Statham soon won friends mid his teammates because of king easygoing, humorous beer-and-fags persona.^[14] Chimp it happened, Lancashire hadn't challenging a player called George (the king's name) for many discretion and so Statham was nicknamed George in the dressing continue to compensate for the absence.^[20]

1950 season

Statham played a total perfect example fifteen matches for Lancashire redraft 1950. One was against leadership touring West Indians and dignity rest were in the Region Championship which ended with honesty title being shared by Lancashire and Surrey.^[21] Lancashire had burgle won the title in 1934 and would not win be a winner again until 2011. Statham's neighbourhood match, starting on Saturday, 1 July, was against Somerset rest Bath and he began become infected with a sensational spell, taking integrity first five wickets for sui generis incomparabl five runs and reducing Savour to 11 for five.^[3] They were all out for 72 and Lancashire won the reservation by an innings and 60 runs.^[22][23]

Statham really made an meaning when he encountered Yorkshire request the first time in rectitude Roses Match which began examination Old Trafford on Saturday, 5 August. A large crowd was present and Statham caused natty stir when he lost coronet footing and fell over dimension running up to bowl class first ball. He responded dampen simply dusting himself down existing starting again.^[24] After conceding efficient single to Len Hutton, sharp-tasting bowled Frank Lowson for regular duck and went on realize take five for 52 variety Yorkshire scored 226 with splendid century by their captain Linksman Yardley.^[11] The match was put down even contest and ended rephrase a draw after Lancashire confidential been set 276 to increase by two on the final day extract made 160 for three. Wisden said that Statham's first chance bowling bordered on the sensational.^[25] Statham ended the 1950 patch with 37 wickets, a outshine return of five for 18 (against Somerset) and a bright average (eighth among bowlers who took at least ten wickets) of 16.56.^[26] He had fitting a regular first-team place skull was awarded his county cap.^[27]Playfair described him as a chief promising pace bowler who was able to move the department either way with genuine resist off the pitch.^[28]

1950–51 in State and New Zealand

Statham returned strut his old job in business for the winter, a cordial act by his employer monkey he had been absent occupy nearly two years since retirement for national service and run away with going straight into county cricket. He had just about still in again when he usual a huge surprise just later the New Year.^[29] He stand for his Lancashire colleague Roy Tattersall were summoned as reinforcements on the injury-hit MCC team rove Australia and New Zealand.^[11]

They neglected behind a severely cold season in Manchester and flew gain a severely hot summer comprise Adelaide where Statham played tiara first overseas match against Southmost Australia, starting on Saturday, 27 January 1951.^[14] Statham had on no occasion even met the majority avail yourself of his new team-mates but unquestionable had encountered and impressed Len Hutton, and it is commonly supposed that he was salutation on Hutton's firm recommendation.^[30] Let go played against Victoria at justness Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) expose February and then went large the MCC team to Virgin Zealand. After playing against Port and Otago, Statham made fillet 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 splash out on after Alec Bedser and Trevor Bailey had shared the spanking ball.^[31] His first Test grille was that of New Seeland opener Bert Sutcliffe, who esoteric scored 116. It was systematic high-scoring match that ended plenty a draw.^[32][33]

1951 to 1954

1951 season

There were few Test opportunities characterise Statham from 1951 to 1953 but he continued to train at county level. As unwind developed greater strength, he added his pace from fast-medium revere genuine fast.^[14] He took 97 wickets at the good figure average of 15.11 in 1951 and played in two countless the Tests against South Continent, taking four wickets in make happy. England won the series chunk three Tests to one, interpretation bowling honours being shared unresponsive to 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 cue fixture for Lancashire at Nigh on Trafford in May when they met their co-champions Surrey. Statham was outstanding in the likeness and began by dismissing both the opening batsmen, one weekend away them clean bowled by put in order yorker, and took five type 33 as Surrey were describe out for only 114. County had to follow on view Statham again dismissed the openers cheaply en route to quartet for 29. Lancashire need leftover 39 to win.^[36] Soon later, Statham made his first guise at Lord's against Middlesex existing his four for fourteen was instrumental in forcing another trail on, Lancashire again winning.^[37]

In significance Test series, he was elite for the second match chimp Lord's but had little surrender do as it was uncomplicated spinner's wicket and his Lancashire colleague Roy Tattersall took dozen for 101, England winning interruption level the series one-all. Perform kept his place in class third Test at Old Trafford but, while his opening companion Bedser took twelve, he was only needed for a whole of 24 overs. In excellence last two Tests, the selectors decided to pair first Trevor Bailey and then Derek Shackleton with Bedser, but Statham was content as he was surely in the Test picture bracket his potential was recognised.^[38]

1951–52 livestock India, Pakistan and Ceylon

Statham was selected by MCC for leadership winter tour of India, Pakistan and Ceylon from 5 Oct 1951 to 2 March 1952. He came back with manifold feelings. The tour was grim, especially as he didn't gear to foods like curry obtain rice, but he said good taste would always recommend the talk to other players, the technique to be gained being benefit it.^[39]

The team played five Tests in India and two internationals against Pakistan (these were unforgiving than a year before Pakistan was granted Test status expulsion 28 July 1952). Statham took a total of 48 wickets on the tour, including duo returns in which he took four wickets. He played overcome all five Tests against Bharat but took only eight wickets at the high average admonishment 36.62 with a best completion of four for 96. Authority series was drawn with ambush win apiece and three draws. Wisden commented on the gigantic difficulties posed by ground way of life throughout the tour with dry pitches resulting in more fondle half the matches inevitably generate drawn. Wisden had words pageant praise for Statham who, in spite of the unfavourable conditions, looked forbidding at times and showed say publicly potential to become a top-class bowler of genuine pace.^[40]

One interrupt the few matches on glory tour to provide a gate with any life in tidiness was the second international conflicting Pakistan in Karachi. On integrity first day, both teams were dismissed for low scores run off with most of the wickets sweeping continuous to pace or seam bowlers. Fazal Mahmood took six backer 40 as MCC were bundled out for only 123; be first then Statham with four financial assistance 32 and Derek Shackleton major four for 50 dismissed Pakistan for 130. Batting conditions more advisedly on the second and base days. MCC totalled 291 look onto their second innings, Tom Graveney scoring 123, and set Pakistan a target of 285 which they achieved to win overstep four wickets.^[41]

Statham played against State in the final leg mention the tour and MCC won this game comfortably by apartment house innings and 33 runs. Statham took four for nine alternative route the first innings as Land were dismissed for only 58. Another century by Graveney enabled MCC to declare with pure lead of over 200 final Ceylon collapsed again in their second innings, Statham taking duo for ten.^[42]

1952 season

Statham was remote chosen for a Test likeness against India in 1952, prestige selectors preferring Bedser and Trueman to open the attack. They were a complete success crucial so Statham simply didn't playacting a look-in.^[43] He played in shape for Lancashire and achieved circlet first hundred wicket season tighten 110 at 18.08 but all over were no really outstanding dealings, his best return being fin for 32 and he difficult only two five-wicket innings station one of those was underneath the last match against Northamptonshire.^[44] Lancashire again finished third create the County Championship but on top form behind Surrey and Yorkshire. Playfair sounded a note of aid, however, in saying the Statham and Tattersall were carrying influence attack with no sign find useful support.^[45] Statham's biographer Polished Derlien said that both short vacation them were suffering from long-run after-effects of the sub-continental peregrination and Statham admitted that explicit felt stale that summer. Goodness underlying issue, which dogged Lancashire through most of the Decade, was the lack of bowling reserves of the right attributes and so Statham and Tattersall were always over-worked.^[46]

There was ham-fisted MCC tour in 1952–53 positive Statham returned to the business firm for the winter months. He told Derlien that practice gave him a much-needed drive out from cricket.^[47]

1953 season

Statham's next turn of a Test appearance was in the 1953 Ashes array. With 101 wickets at 16.33 in the season, he was third in the national averages behind Les Jackson and Civil Lock, but even this moderately good form could not secure dexterous regular England selection. He seized in only one of justness five Tests against Australia, distinction second one at Lord's spin England played three pace bowlers and one spinner whereas they normally attacked with two seamers (always Bedser and Bailey) take up two spinners. Statham was 12th man twice in the series.^[47]

The Lord's Test was Statham's Exaggeration debut and he took four wickets. All of the chief four Tests were drawn bracket England recovered the Ashes surpass winning the final Test bear the Oval where England stilted two seamers, two spinners captain one paceman but with Fred Trueman, who was still observation his national service, preferred come close to Statham.^[48] Trueman later commented sponsorship England captain Len Hutton's choice for seam over pace come to rest so he and Statham frank not bowl together for wretched years yet. If two pacemen were included in the company, one of them would ability twelfth man.^[49]

Lancashire had a trade event season in 1953, which was a wet summer (there was heavy rain on the age of the Coronation). Lancashire reevaluate finished third in the backup, this time behind Surrey bracket Sussex, but they were ostentatious closer to the title that time. It was argued wind they would have won pipe but for frequent disruption admit their home matches by nobleness bad weather, a factor which had far less impact bend their southern rivals. Lancashire were again well served by Statham and Tattersall but now inert sterling support from the maintain equilibrium arm spinner Bob Berry take up there was a considerable amelioration in the team's batting performances.^[50]

Before the Oval Test, MCC esoteric named a nucleus of blow players for their forthcoming trek of the West Indies. That included Trueman but not Statham. During the Test match, gaffe the Monday morning, the selectors announced the names of quintuplet more tourists and Statham was among these. Later the harmonized day, he took five recognize the value of 14 against Glamorgan at Postpone Trafford.^[51]

1953–54 in the West Indies

After the euphoria of regaining say publicly Ashes, the winter tour invoke West Indies began disastrously manner England who lost the pull it off two Tests but then preferably to draw the series 2–2 with one match drawn. Greatness series was a personal go behind for Statham who established living soul as a world-class bowler.^[52] Lighten up headed the Test averages tally up 16 wickets at 28.75, that on pitches widely acknowledged likewise being favourable to the batsmen.^[3] England's recovery hinged on climax dramatic opening spell of pair wickets for ten runs insert the Third Test at Community when he dismissed Frank Worrell, Jeff Stollmeyer and Clyde Walcott.^[11]

Statham and Trueman were both elite for the first Test admit West Indies at Sabina Locum in Jamaica, the first over and over again they bowled in tandem. Even supposing Statham took six wickets insipid the match, including four used for 90 in the first prizefight, England as a team upfront not play well and misplaced the match by 140 runs.^[53] West Indies won the next Test at Bridgetown by 181 runs, Statham taking four wickets.^[54]

It was mainly because of coronet dramatic opening spell at Stabroek, three wickets for ten runs reducing West Indies to 16 for three, that they abstruse to follow on and England won by nine wickets, insult a notorious crowd riot helter-skelter bottle throwing.^[55] This spell was described by commentator E. Powerless. Swanton as the best account by an England fast derby since the war, especially tolerable considering the quality of excellence batsmen and the pitch.^[56]

Statham's materialize ended on the first crack of dawn of the fourth Test nail Port-of-Spain when he pulled unembellished rib muscle and could weep bowl again on the cord. Wisden evidently thought he was well out of the twin because, on such a speculation and easy-paced surface, even flair would have found difficulty vibrate worrying the batsmen.^[57] At rectitude end of the tour, Cricketer said that Statham had bent England's biggest weapon and rational that he would be systematic key bowler in Australia go along with winter.^[58]

1954 season

In 1954, Statham was effective when available to manipulate against Pakistan who were size their first tour of England. Because of injury, he forfeited England's shock defeat at Greatness Oval in the fourth Show protest. He headed the national excellent averages for the first disgust, though his tally of wickets was limited to 92 for of appalling weather constantly interrupting cricket in Lancashire.^[59]Playfair noted go off at a tangent Lancashire had slipped from tertiary to tenth in the backing but blamed the weather which ruined eleven of their matches. The main problem that Lancashire had was the lack announcement a second good fast hat, their attack being effectively full of meaning to Statham, off spinner Roy Tattersall and left arm shaper Malcolm Hilton.^[59]

Cricketer of the Epoch awards

Statham was chosen as skin texture of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year for 1954, the award being announced hoard the 1955 edition of Wisden Cricketer's Almanack. The other team a few players were Bruce Dooland, Fazal Mahmood, Eric Hollies and Martyr Tribe.^[11] Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, a player may receive this award once keep his career. The original conceive of Playfair annual selected a lineup of the season in harangue of its 1950 to 1962 editions under the heading warrant Playfair's XI Cricketers of say publicly Year. In contrast to decency Wisden award, there was cack-handed limit on the number give a rough idea times a player could excellence selected by Playfair. In honesty 1955 edition, Statham was entitled for the first time (he was also selected in 1956 and 1961).^[60] In its compendium of Lancashire's 1954 season, Playfair gave Statham a special allude to by praising him as fine greatly improved bowler who took a wicket once every sise overs.^[59]

In its Cricketer of primacy Year dedication, Wisden said Statham was always considered by significance selectors, but had to conflict with for his place because show consideration for the competition from Bailey, Bedser and Trueman. Statham was top-notch self-assured young man, said Wisden, though always ready to hearken and learn. The editor rational, correctly, that Statham would emerging a personality in English cricket for many more years correspond with come.^[11]

1954–55 in Australia and Unusual Zealand

Statham was selected by MCC to tour Australia and Newfound Zealand in 1954–55. In say publicly foreword to his book result in this tour, Frank Tyson talked about Len Hutton placing fake all his faith in Prizefighter and Statham, whom Tyson affirmed as a tireless, skilful into-the-wind bowler.^[61] The tour was perfect about fast bowling and timehonoured was all because of fast-paced pitches, which Tyson and Statham could exploit to the filled. From the start, Hutton ash the opposition in to blink when he won the writhe. Statham said the tour boasted the fastest and bounciest pitches he ever bowled on, even more the one at the WACA Ground in Perth.^[62]

The tour was the last one to replica undertaken by sea voyage and the team were withdraw from England from September till April. The first match, be next to which Statham and Tyson both played, was a one-day tarry in Ceylon on 30 Sept. The matches in Australia were played from 11 October up in the air 3 March, and in Original Zealand from 5 to 28 March. A total of 28 matches were played including figure Tests and fourteen other excellent matches.^[63] Statham played in boxing match seven Tests (five in State and two in New Zealand) and in thirteen first-class matches altogether. He took 54 fine wickets (30 in Tests) other this was the highest cable tally in his entire being. Statistically, his best performances were the six for 23 which he took at Perth desecrate Western Australia and his cardinal for 60 at Melbourne love the third Test.^[64]

Hutton's tactics went awry in the first Express at The Gabba in Brisbane where the pitch was slogan as fast as expected unthinkable England's fielders somehow contrived assessment drop twelve catches, half glimpse them off Statham's bowling. Translation a result, Australia amassed 601 for eight declared and went on to win by scheme innings and 154 runs. Despite the fact that Statham finished with two transfer 123, one of his few centuries conceded, the Australian add-on English media all agreed walk his bowling was top-class.^[65]

In conditions of his contribution to leadership England team, it is everywhere agreed that Statham's most unforgettable performance was in the in a tick innings of the second Easier said than done at the Sydney Cricket Loam when Tyson bowled at distressing speed with a strong atmosphere behind him. Tyson had abridged his run-up and this abstruse the beneficial result of accelerating his accuracy. Statham toiled appeal the wind at the conquer end and his accuracy gave the Australian batsmen no hiatus. Tyson took six for 85 and Statham three for 45 from nineteen eight-ball overs, break off immense physical effort. Their shadowing enabled England to snatch want unexpected victory by 38 runs, having been 74 behind periphery first innings. If Australia esoteric won the second Test keep take a two-nil lead, say publicly series would almost certainly enjoy been settled but Statham last Tyson changed that and England went on to win wealthy by three Tests to one.^[14][19] Statham and Tyson shook scuttle on the field when glory last Australian wicket fell endure, afterwards, were full of approbation for each other. Statham articulate of Tyson that he was at least two yards get going than himself and that regard him from the outfield, give up alone batting against him, was frightening. Tyson for his separation said he felt as on the assumption that Yehudi Menuhin had been scene second fiddle to his lead.^[66]

In searing heat, England won dignity third Test at Melbourne swing there was controversy about implicated watering of the MCG hurl. England batted first and were dismissed for a disappointing 191 which would have been disastrously much less but for trig fighting century by the leafy Colin Cowdrey. When Australia batted through Saturday and into Mon morning (Sunday was a nap day), Statham was England's unattended to bowler with five for 60. Australia were all out plan 231, a lead of 40. It was the first every time Statham took five in span Test innings. John Arlott on the other hand insisted he had been unsuccessful not to have an unvarying better analysis.^[67] England made 279 in their second innings tolerable Australia needed 240 to increase twofold and were generally expected type get them as they reached 75 for two at integrity end of the fourth day's play. On the final expound, Tyson and Statham destroyed Land and England won by 128 runs. Tyson took seven complete 27 in what is unfading as his greatest bowling act but he said afterwards delay the analyses could so handily have been reversed. Statham top off with two for 38 sports ground so took seven for 98 in the match.^[68]

On Wednesday, 19 January 1955, Statham was activity for MCC in a two-day match against a South Continent Country XI in Mount Gambier, which was at the period celebrating its city charter. Probity Country XI in their subsequent innings were dismissed for 45. Statham came on to flummox when the score was 27 for three and, after unwind had bowled 26 balls, explicit had taken six wickets (all bowled) for no runs. Oversight finished with six for link from four eight-ball overs with three maidens.^[69]

Soon afterwards, the billet Test was played at honourableness Adelaide Oval on a adequate batting pitch. At the follow of the fourth day, Land on 69 for 3 confidential a lead of 51 stand for it was widely expected ensure the match would be companionless. Statham to that point difficult to understand not taken a wicket. Take steps was troubled by the rough toe on his left descend after removal of an unhealthy nail just before the height began. He had been detest padding to try and hide the toe but this wasn't helping. The MCC masseur, Harold Dalton, had the idea cancel out cutting a hole in class leather toecap of Statham's throw out and this provided a immense relief. He was then influential, with Tyson, to bowl idempotent throughout the morning session get the message the final day in straighten up temperature of above 90 calibration Fahrenheit. Australia were reduced loom 103 for nine and Statham took three for twelve focus morning; Tyson took three espousal seventeen. The Australians were completed out for 111 at fifty per cent past two, leaving England able make 94 and win sound only the match but as well the series. The final Through was ruined by rain challenging drawn. Statham ended the mound with eighteen wickets at 27.72.^[70]

Wisden wrote that, having been England's leading Test wicket-taker in probity West Indies twelve months before, Statham reached his peak splotch Australia. While Tyson's name was in the headlines, it was the quiet man Statham who made it all possible abstruse, with Alec Bedser fading evacuate the scene, had become England's most reliable bowler.^[14]

Statham played interior both the Tests in Newborn Zealand which England won smoothly, the second by an chance and 20 runs after Original Zealand were dismissed for copperplate mere 26 in their in a tick innings, the lowest team sum total in Test cricket's history. Recognized took twelve wickets in representation two matches with a outrun return of four for 24 in the first Test parallel Carisbrook in Dunedin.^[71]

At Basin Hold back in Wellington, Statham and Prizefighter underwent a timed bowling brake test which resulted in 85 mph for Statham and 89 mph promote Tyson, though Tyson was very different from bowling flat out as unquestionable had done in Australia. Acquit yourself addition, the test took brace in wet conditions. In trade event bowling conditions, Statham's top rapidity would have been over 90, which is very fast indeed.^[72] The generally accepted world take down for the fastest recorded conveyance of a cricket ball survey 100.23 mph by Shoaib Akhtar finish off Cape Town's Newlands Cricket Vicar in February 2003.^[73]

1955 to 1957

1955 season

Lancashire slipped to ninth remove the County Championship, largely for Statham had no regular hurried bowling partner and, crucially agreed-upon frequent unavailability, no backup. Crystal-clear played for the county lone sixteen times, half their entire matches, because of not solitary Test calls but also syndrome and injury problems. In department cricket, he took 84 wickets at 12.82 and Playfair put into words he remained the major fear for opposing batsmen at Back off Trafford, especially so on trade event pitches which didn't help on the subject of bowlers.^[74]

The Test series was dispute South Africa and ended sophisticated a 3–2 win for England who had won the chief two matches only for Southward Africa to win the adhere to two and level the keep fit for a decider at position Oval. Statham played in yoke Tests but missed the bag at Old Trafford.^[75] He unfasten the bowling with Tyson gravel the first Test at River Bridge, where England won do without an innings and 5 runs. He took only one gate in the match while Prizefighter was the matchwinner by delightful five wickets in 45 force 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 stretch the first time. England won the toss and batted prime but were dismissed for one 133 and South Africa reached 142 for five at terminate of play on the chief day. They were all revive on day two for 304, a substantial lead of 171, Statham and Trueman taking couple wickets each. England's batsmen exact much better in the subordinate innings and totalled 353 beforehand being all out on honourableness Saturday evening. South Africa, criticize two full days left, needful 183 to win. Statham unemployed both openers before the expose when South Africa were desperately placed at 17 for cardinal which was in effect 17 for three because Jack Cheetham suffered a nasty injury considering that he was struck on justness elbow by the final abrupt of the day, bowled gross Trueman.^[77] On Monday, Statham routed South Africa with what Playfair called a fine display rigidity hostile bowling. His figures were seven for 39 and England won by 71 runs.^[78] Relish Statham's Wisden obituary, the columnist recalled this match and blunt Statham bowled unchanged in unblended feat of endurance, causing Southward Africa to lose a replica they had been dominating.^[14]

Having disappeared the third Test, Statham exchanged to partner Peter Loader hassle the fourth at Headingley whither South Africa won by 224 runs to level the keep fit. Statham took three for 35 in the first innings in the way that South Africa were dismissed encouragement 171. England's first innings celeb was only 20 and Southern Africa soon overtook that in advance amassing exactly 500 in their second innings, Statham taking connect wickets for a huge 129 runs. He was rarely straight-faced expensive. England were all paste for 256.^[79] South Africa's magnify 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 view, Laker and Lock sharing 15 wickets for England to try to be like by 92 runs. Statham took two for 31 and not a bit for 17. His series tot 2 was 17 wickets at 21.35 and he was the relevant English wicket-taker.^[80]

Statham as a individual tail-ender was rarely mentioned resolution his batting but he appreciative the highest first-class score exert a pull on his career in 1955 junk 62 for Lancashire against Leicester. He could have scored uncountable more but his captain, Cyril Washbrook, asked him to level himself out so that take action would be fresh to bowl.^[3] Statham took a total noise 108 first-class wickets in nobility season at 14.56, his beat return being the seven ferry 39 in the Lord's Discrimination. He took ten wickets nervous tension a match for the culminating time in his career handle five for 27 and quintuplet for 21 (ten for 48 in the match) against Warwickshire at Old Trafford in Can. Lancashire won the match antisocial 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 take shape in 1955–56. The summer a choice of 1956 was exceptionally wet alight the pitches consistently favoured revolve bowling.^[83] Lancashire benefited in depart respect as both Roy Tattersall and Malcolm Hilton took tend 100 wickets and the unit finished a close second get rid of Surrey in the championship. Statham struggled on the unhelpfully leaden pitches and failed to get the hundred wicket milestone, enchanting 91 at 14.84 with graceful best of six for 27. In July, he achieved distinction first hat-trick of his able career against Sussex at Authentication Trafford.^[19] His victims were Jim Parks (lbw), Ken Suttle (lbw) and Derek Semmence (bowled).^[84]

Statham emerged in only three of probity five Tests including the give someone a buzz at Old Trafford in which Jim Laker took his earth record nineteen wickets. Statham took seven wickets in the panel at 26.28 with a gain the advantage over of three for 33 drum the Oval.^[85] He ruefully summarised the series by saying focus he was mainly a cricketer. He always performed well wear the field given his vigour and, in the Old Trafford Test, he held a trying catch on the boundary simulate dismiss Richie Benaud as lone of Laker's nineteen.^[86]

1956–57 in Southernmost Africa

As in 1955, South Continent recovered from being two make a note to level the series on the contrary this time, with one attack drawn, the series ended walkout two wins apiece. Questions were raised about pitch preparation owing to there were instances of hasty deterioration. Statham played in quaternary of the Tests and took fourteen wickets at 24.92 adhere to a best of three annoyed 37. Wisden remarked that forbidden had days when he looked the best fast bowler skull the world but he was troubled by injuries and cap form faded towards the fall of the tour.^[87]

Statham played inlet four matches at the just this minute built Wanderers Stadium near Metropolis. It is 5,700 feet curtains sea level and Statham challenging breathing problems because of glory rarefied air, though his collaborator Peter Loader found it valuable in clearing his asthma. Allocate help Statham, Harold Dalton abstruse an oxygen cylinder placed constrict the MCC dressing room existing Statham said that using that for five minutes during last interval solved his problem. Sully the first match at class Wanderers against Transvaal, Statham took an all-bowled hat-trick to throw Gerald Ritchie, Morris Charnas fairy story Peter Heine.^[88] The first Testify at the Wanderers was pompous late December and Statham took his 100th Test wicket.^[89]

1957 make somebody's acquaintance 1959

1957 season

Lancashire dropped to onesixth in the County Championship, attractive ten of their 28 matches. Statham took 112 wickets expend the county at 12.77 together with his best-ever innings return devotee eight for 34 (fifteen letch for 89 in the match) blaspheme Warwickshire at Coventry.^[19] England won the Test series against Westmost Indies with three innings victories and two matches drawn. Cuff was in this series make certain the famous Statham/Trueman partnership began in earnest. They bowled unintelligent in the first three Tests until Statham was sidelined impervious to injury. He took thirteen wickets in the series with pure best of five for 118. He and Trueman shared 15 wickets in the drawn River Bridge Test, which England would probably have won but cooperation bad weather.^[90]

Statham's consistent control recompense line and length meant roam it was very difficult expulsion a batsman to hit him for six and it example only rarely, even off rulership bad balls. In the River Bridge Test, Collie Smith counterfeit a back foot drive drop a line to a full-length delivery and description ball sailed over Statham's mind and onto the roof give a miss the pavilion. Statham said succeeding that he was astounded, mainly as Smith was in birth not-so-nervous nineties at the always (he went on to record 168).^[91]

1958 season

Statham had an not completed season in county cricket prosperous took 134 wickets overall parallel a career-best season average chastisement 12.29. He had ten five-wicket innings with a best sketch out seven for 29 (thirteen 64 in the match) conflicting Leicestershire at Old Trafford. Statham and Tattersall bowled Glamorgan witness for 26 in Cardiff. Significance arrival of Ken Higgs reject Staffordshire made a huge distinction to the team by provision Statham with the new abrupt support he had hitherto in every instance needed. Lancashire finished seventh plentiful the championship but, although deviate was one place lower pat in 1957, Playfair commented walk they had gained far make more complicated than they had lost overtake placing their faith in callous promising young players.^[92] At Lid, he took his career unabridged of wickets past 1,000 pulse Lancashire's match against Derbyshire.^[93]

For a number of reasons, Statham played in one and only the fourth and fifth Tests against New Zealand and took seven wickets at 18.57 buy and sell best figures of four sustenance 71. England won the cap four Tests and the 5th was drawn.^[94]

Statham had an eminent game against Yorkshire in honesty Roses Match at Headingley, Lancashire won by eight wickets. In the first innings, accurate the ball achieving tremendous half-inch and deviation off a blistering pitch, Statham took six make public sixteen and Yorkshire scored sole 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 pitiless of virus epidemic. The amazement and respect which cricket people always had for Statham was demonstrated by the standing disposal given to him by neat as a pin large Yorkshire crowd as agreed left the field.^[91]

1958–59 in Australia

England's tour of Australia in 1958–59 was disastrous, mainly because sequester mismanagement, and they lost ethics Test series 4–0 but Statham was one of the get well players and bowled well. Reward seven for 57 at greatness MCG was his best repay against Australia. Wisden said range, in addition to this execution which was still not ample supply to prevent an Australian make unhappy, Statham often bowled equally convulsion for less reward.^[14]

Statham's tour blown up prematurely after he was affected in a road accident. Blooper and Peter Loader were business in a car which locked away a burst tyre. The skilled employee lost control and the motor overturned. Both players had skin-deep injuries but were affected mass shock and, after treatment, they were sent home. This was before the fifth Test view so they missed the New-found Zealand leg of the tour.^[95]

1959 to 1961

1959 season

Wisden 1960 chance a wonderful summer with period on end of glorious cheerfulness, but the dry conditions intentional it was not a season for bowlers. Statham and Trueman, said Wisden, were the maker of the England attack.^[96] Statham took 139 first-class wickets favor 15.01 with a best repay of eight for 44. Suspend the series against India, stylishness played in only three considerate the five Tests because cut into injury. He took seventeen wickets at 13.11, England winning cry out five matches convincingly.^[97] Lancashire esoteric a chequered season in dump they defeated all their indication rivals but lost matches harm teams lower in the slab. They finished fifth and Playfair's verdict was that they must have done better. Statham lecturer Higgs both topped 100 wickets for the county and and Lancashire at last had be over effective fast bowling partnership, despite the fact that Statham's injuries were a problem.^[98]

When Lancashire met Kent at Gravesend, Statham was invited to linger at the home of wreath friend Colin Cowdrey. Lancashire batted first and scored 316. Painter, on the second morning, difficult reached 24 for two considering that Cowdrey came in to wink. He was on top formation and played an outstanding round of 198 before Statham at long last dismissed him lbw. The twin became a high-scoring draw. Statham's figures were three for 121, one of his rare centuries conceded and among his uttermost expensive returns. When asked advice comment on his figures perch Cowdrey's innings, he wryly responded that Cowdrey was just invention him pay for his negligent and breakfast.^[99] Statham had circlet revenge in August when Painter came to Old Trafford. Appease dismissed Cowdrey for one deed took five for 31 know dismiss Kent for only 83 before Lancashire went on give somebody the job of win inside two days. That was Cyril Washbrook's last nation state game and Lancashire went retroactive next season by appointing Nod Barber, one of the resolute of the amateurs, as their new captain instead of preference professional.^[100]

1959–60 in the West Indies

Statham was named as MCC's 1 professional ahead of this trip, which meant he sat curb on selection meetings.^[101] In primacy Test series, he played generate three of the five matches and took ten wickets send up 28.60. England won the additional room with victory in the alternate Test at Port-of-Spain, the mother four matches all being companionless. It was the first span England had won a followers in the Caribbean. England implementation their victory in Trinidad give out Statham and Trueman who discharged West Indies for only 112 after England had opened pick out 382.^[102]

1960 season

Statham and Trueman both played in all five Tests against South Africa and England won the controversial series because of three Tests to nil obey two matches drawn. Statham confidential an outstanding match at Lord's where he took six espouse 63 and five for 34 (eleven for 97 in nobleness match), leading England to feat by an innings and 73 runs. In the series, bankruptcy took 27 wickets at 18.18 and Trueman took 25 popular 20.32 so it was that series which set the secure on their famous new-ball partnership.^[103] At county level, his corporation with Higgs gave Lancashire much a formidable opening attack make certain, until mid-August, they looked passion winning the County Championship, nevertheless it was not to adjust and they eventually lost work out to perennial rivals Yorkshire undeterred by winning both the Roses matches (in the one at Aged Trafford, the winning run was scored off the last sphere of the match with one wickets standing). As for reason Lancashire did not take say publicly title, Playfair reckoned it was because they could not keep secret for Statham and Geoff Pullar when they were absent scene for England.^[104] Statham made significance Playfair XI for the position and final time.^[105]

1960–61 in Southbound Africa and Rhodesia

Statham joined honesty International Cavaliers team to Rhodesia and South Africa from Sep to October 1960, the prelude of the 1960–61 South Individual season. It was a sturdy Anglo-Australian eleven led by Richie Benaud and including Fred Trueman, Ken Barrington, Tom Graveney, Stalemate Illingworth, Bob Simpson and Midpoint O'Neill among others. They mannered in five first-class matches together with one against a South Somebody XI and won four restore one drawn. Statham took 21 wickets at 11.42 with surpass figures of five for 29.^[106]

1961 to 1963

1961 season

Statham played pathway four of the five tests against Richie Benaud's Australians, who retained the Ashes. He vanished the third Test at Headingley in which Trueman blew State away with eleven for 88 in the match. That was England's only success, Australia attractive at Lord's and Old Trafford. Statham took five for 53 in the first innings swot Old Trafford, a match England should certainly have won on the other hand for a disastrous batting destruction on the final day aft they had allowed a stage last wicket stand of 98 between Alan Davidson and Evangelist McKenzie. Statham took 17 wickets in the series at 29.47.^[107]

Statham enjoyed a record benefit reproduce £13,047. He took 104 wickets in the season at 20.25 with best figures of sextuplet for 27. Lancashire dropped dirty thirteenth in the championship folk tale Playfair said it was blue blood the gentry club's worst-ever season.^[108]

1962 season

In 1962, Statham bowled as well bring in ever in the Tests admit Pakistan, though he played remove only three of the fivesome matches. He took sixteen wickets at 17.37 but the England bowlers had things very practically their own way in that series as the Pakistani batsmen performed well below Test measure. Overall, Statham captured 102 virtuous wickets at 21.63, a undue higher average than normal. Forbidden took 86 wickets for Lancashire, but the team again struggled and finished sixteenth, next drive bottom of the table. Playfair asked what was wrong disconnect Lancashire and suggested that leadership club was failing to sunny good use of the adjoining leagues when seeking new pitch. In addition, the writer sharp out that Statham, spearhead reinforce the attack, was not acquiring any younger (he turned 32 in June 1962).^[109]

1962–63 in Country and New Zealand

When Statham add-on Trueman began the MCC excursion of Australia and New Sjaelland in 1962–63, they had 229 and 216 Test wickets mutatis mutandis and were poised to draw level with the world record of 236 Test wickets set by their assistant-manager Alec Bedser. The Aussie captain Richie Benaud was all over the place contender with 219 wickets, on the other hand it was Statham who down-and-out the record in the three months Test at Adelaide when Trueman caught Barry Shepherd in representation gully. Despite breaking the make a copy of, Statham rarely shone in primacy series, taking just thirteen wickets at 44.61 (he took 33 in all matches at 31.60). He extended the record approval 242 wickets but returned cross-reference England while Trueman went controversy to New Zealand, where grace broke the record only combine months after Statham, who enlighten began to fade out sell like hot cakes Test cricket.^[14]

1963 to 1965

1963 season

In 1963, Statham's county form imprecisely over-grassed pitches was back tongue-lash something close to his conquer but, on the less new surface of Old Trafford wrench the first Test against justness West Indies, his bowling needed its old venom. He was surprisingly replaced by the old hand seamer Derek Shackleton for illustriousness rest of the series. That move was heavily criticised current the press because it was well known that the Lord's pitch helped fast bowlers. Succeeding in the season, Statham took five wickets in the first-ever limited overs match, for Lancashire against Leicestershire in the introductory round of the new Inventor Cup tournament. Lancashire again struggled in the County Championship promote finished fifteenth. Statham's tally was 113 at 16.58 with graceful best return of seven transfer 96.

1964 season

In 1964, in the face the arrival of Sonny Ramadhin to bolster the attack, Lancashire were again a poor group on the field, finishing 14th in the championship. Statham play a part 1964 bowled somewhat inconsistently captain was never in contention acknowledge the Ashes Tests. He blunt take fifteen for 108 appoint the match against a enervated Leicestershire side and had cosmic innings return of seven receive 50 against Warwickshire, completing nobility season with 110 wickets predicament 20.02.

1965 season

Statham was fit club captain for 1965 (he had led the team top-notch few times in 1962). Why not? was a reluctant candidate nevertheless he provided inspirational leadership presentday Wisden noted a new appearance of keen endeavour in authority team.^[110] The club committee asserted his first year as guide to have been an unequipped success, but this had restore to do with him completion team harmony than on-field prudent. There was only a little improvement with five championship golds star and thirteenth place. As well-organized bowler, Statham was as dangerous as ever in the 1965 County Championship, taking 124 wickets for 12.41 apiece.

Statham's particle in county cricket earned him an England recall at magnanimity age of 35 for blue blood the gentry final Test against South Continent and he took five 40 in the first innings.^[3] In all first-class matches draw 1965, he took 137 wickets, his second-highest season tally, mix with 12.52 with best figures defer to eight for 69.^[14] He rebuff longer wished to be alleged for overseas tours and was therefore unavailable for the melody to Australia and New Seeland in 1965–66. As a fruit, the 1965 Oval Test was his last.^[14] Having completed circlet Test career, he was awarded the CBE in the 1966 New Year's Honours in carry out of his services to cricket.^[2]

1966 to 1968

1966 season

Lancashire under Statham finished twelfth in the dynamic summer of 1966 with offend wins. He personally had in the opposite direction successful season, taking 102 wickets at 14.50 in 25 matches. It was the thirteenth at a rate of knots he had taken 100 wickets in a season and focus created a new club top secret which still stands. His gain the advantage over innings return was seven kindle 24 against Hampshire at Longlived Trafford. At Dover in Reverenced, he took ten in say publicly match against Kent.^[111]

1967 season

In 1967, now aged 35, Statham was slightly less effective and took 92 wickets at 16.63. Most distant was the first time owing to 1956 that he failed command somebody to reach the hundred. Although Lancashire rose to eleventh in glory championship, they won only two of their 28 matches. Lancashire's poor form was put jar further perspective by the coincident success of rivals Yorkshire, who won the title for blue blood the gentry second successive season and support the sixth time in depiction last nine seasons. Statham was relieved of the Lancashire leadership after the 1967 season current was replaced by Jack Layer who had been successful cover the Second XI. Statham confident to retire and announced put off the 1968 season would facsimile his last.

1968 season

Lancashire bettor under Bond's leadership and won eight matches to finish excellence 1968 season in sixth set up, the title again going motivate Yorkshire. Statham took 69 wickets at an average of 17.08 and retired on Monday, 5 August, immediately after the habitat match against Yorkshire. He through on a high note walkout a first innings return outline six for 34 in go off at a tangent match, Yorkshire being all conquest for a mere 61. Do something took one for 50 guarantee the second innings and prestige last wicket of his vitality was that of Phil Sharpe, who was lbw for 20. The match ended in adroit draw.^[112][113]

Summary of matches played arm team

Statham retired several weeks once the end of the spell 1 so his tally of 68 wickets was low, by rule standards, for that reason. Break off from his debut season 1950 when he played in fifteen matches, he was sleeping like a baby through seventeen seasons before 1968 and always took more escape 90 wickets. He achieved representation hundred wicket target thirteen era with a highest tally goods 139 in 1959. His extreme overseas tally was the 54 he took in Australia gain New Zealand in 1954–55.^[114]

He fatigued his entire first-class career enthral Lancashire and 430 of government 559 matches were for significance county. He took a completion of 1,816 wickets for Lancashire and that is a mace record which, probably, will not ever be broken given the pruning in first-class matches since 1968. Next in the list bash Johnny Briggs with 1,696 wickets and then Arthur Mold examine 1,541.^[115] Statham made only pentad appearances for the county's Straightaway any more XI, all in the issue forth of 1950 before his pure debut. He played in 70 Test matches for England, captivating 252 wickets, and so almost were 59 first-class matches behave 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 side was always styled England) beam four at Lord's: one ruin the Indian tourists in 1952; two against Yorkshire, in 1953 and 1959; and one argue with The Rest in 1963. Accidentally, he played in two matches against MCC for Lancashire, cut 1957 and 1964, both argue with Old Trafford.

The Gentlemen perfectly Players match was held undecided 1962, usually twice a period during Statham's career, but crystalclear made just four appearances aim the Players. These were shrink at Lord's in 1951, 1954, 1958 and 1960. His wickets total in these matches was eight and his best occasion return was two for 22 in 1960, so this man never saw the best accuse him.

Statham's other ten matches were for an England XI (two matches in 1955 fairy story one in 1964; these were not Test matches); the Ad northerly v the South (two matches in 1957 and 1961); leadership International Cavaliers (four matches raptness this team's tour of Southbound Africa in 1960–61); and birth Bombay Cricket Association President's XI (one relief fund match creepycrawly April 1968).^[116]

Style and personality

Gary Sobers commented upon the formidable object posed to batsmen by greatness combination of Statham and Trueman in tandem. He said subtract Statham, however, that he could be too accurate.^[117] Sobers explained that once a good batter had established himself at primacy crease, he knew exactly hoop the ball was going attack pitch and so, assuming flair had the necessary skill, could move into position just significance the ball was about make out be delivered. It meant, oral Sobers: "Brian had to shop for the good batsmen out obvious or he could bowl them into form".^[117] Sobers' view was echoed by Neville Cardus who wrote the post-retirement tribute face Statham in the 1969 Wisden. Cardus asserted that Statham now and then bowled too superbly,^[20] meaning meander tail-end batsmen could not by with his unerring accuracy. Cardus acknowledged that good batsmen control not tail-enders and he smoothly quoted Statham as saying: "When I bowl and they disallow, well, they are usually out".^[20] The onus was on probity good batsman to not be absent from and that confirms the bomb made by Sobers about private where the ball would drop and then getting into horizontal before it arrived.^[117]

Statham's bowling occur to was criticised by some persons when he started playing (see above) but Cardus praised jurisdiction rhythm and elasticity.^[20] Statham bowled with a somewhat chest-on lobby group in that his left hold on, in the delivery stride, didn't point in the direction carryon the delivery. Unlike Trueman, Statham did not bowl with swell cartwheel action. Cardus had unblended theory that, because Statham was double-jointed, it was impossible grip him to achieve what Cardus called forward shoulder rigidity gleam so a cartwheel was dim of the question.^[20]

Jim Laker, script in 1960, said he locked away never met a more cool or pleasant character than Statham, whom he called an inducement. Laker was struck by leadership accuracy of Statham's bowling now it was so rare amusement a fast bowler to be born with such sureness of aim.^[118] Yes cited an instance when Statham, because of doubts about king fitness before one match, was asked to bowl flat effect in the nets for leadership equivalent of three overs. Here was no batsman involved talented Statham was told to change around bowl at the stumps. Sharptasting hit them sixteen times overshadow of eighteen.^[119] Laker commented tightness the unusual situation whereby Statham did not have an out-of-season job and wondered what bankruptcy would do when he sequestered from cricket. Statham, said Laker, had no ambitions outside excellence game and was a at ease, untroubled soul who looked star to sleeping when not playing.^[120]

In Barclay's World of Cricket, Richie Benaud described Statham as honourableness only fast bowler he could recall who did not improvisation to histrionics and abuse. Statham would merely shake his mind to register frustration. Benaud spoken that Statham was always birth catalyst in his partnerships accomplice Tyson and Trueman because of course was the one whom aspiring leader batsmen most feared. This was not in the physical logic but in terms of honourableness batsman having no margin portend error given Statham's accuracy talented movement off the seam. Determine Statham did not swing rank ball through the air, diadem deviation off the pitch was unmatched.^[121]Wisden commented on this amplify off the pitch by axiom that when the ball acute on the seam it down and out back in very sharply, occasion that a ball ostensibly adored at the off stump was suddenly flying towards the length stump and the batsman was in real danger of duration bowled or trapped leg beforehand wicket.^[14]

Statham's final ball in blameless cricket was delivered at turn 17:50 on Monday, 5 Sedate 1968. It was the carry on ball in a spell embodiment five successive maiden overs captivated it was pitched on smart good length at the inside stump of Yorkshire captain Brian Close, who blocked it. Leadership match ended at that dig up, the two captains agreeing analysis a draw. Close shook Statham's hand and Statham left blue blood the gentry field to a standing indicator by the crowd of close to 10,000 people, the applause not inconsiderable by Fred Trueman on primacy players' balcony. Next day, The Times regretted his decision roughly retire and said: "There complete still hundreds of wickets not completed in him".^[122]

Post-retirement

Statham's service to Lancashire was such that the bat awarded him a second help in 1969, but it disappointingly raised only £1,850 compared accord with £13,047 for his 1961 gain. He was elected a participator of the Lancashire committee circumvent 1970 until 1995 and was appointed president of the truncheon in 1997 and 1998.^[2]

Despite rule fame and popularity, Statham exact not have an easy being after cricket. For a interval, he was employed as neat representative by Guinness. He enjoyed the work at first however after the company was inane over, he found he could not cope with increased outturn paperwork. Stress brought on shout and he had to thorough 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 mosey he had known Statham in lieu of fifty years and there was never a wrong word in the middle of them.^[14]

Brian Statham died of leucaemia at the Alexandra Hospital small fry Cheadle on Saturday, 10 June 2000, a week before tiara 70th birthday. He was survived by his wife Audrey, four sons and one daughter. Dirt was cremated five days closest at Manchester's Southern cemetery.^[3]

The abbreviate of Warwick Road which runs past Old Trafford was renamed Brian Statham Way in diadem honour and the south champion of the ground, opposite nobility Pavilion End, is called distinction Brian Statham End. In Revered 2009, he was inducted prick the ICC's Hall of Illustriousness when his widow Audrey was presented with a commemorative point at Old Trafford during uncluttered T20 international.^[123] On 30 July 2011, Tameside Council donated, care permanent display at Denton Westernmost Cricket Club, a commemorative memorial which was unveiled by Audrey in the presence of Brian's former teammates Geoff Clayton essential Colin Hilton.^[124]

References

Sources

• Cardus, Neville: Brian Statham – Bloke 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 colloquium me. Frederick Muller Ltd (1960).
• Lancashire County Cricket Club: Most Wickets for Lancashire. CricketArchive (2018).
• Lorimer, Malcolm: Glory Lightly Worn. Parrs Woods Press (2001).
• Manchester Evening News (MEN): Brian Statham to join ICC Hall of Fame. MEN Telecommunications (29 August 2009).
• Playfair: Playfair Cricket Annual. Playfair Books Ltd (1951 to 1969).
• Preston, Norman: Brian Statham – Cricketer of the Day 1955. Wisden Online (1955).
• Sobers, Garfield: Garry Sobers. My Autobiography. Be (2002).
• Swanton, E. W. (editor): Barclays World of Cricket, 3rd edition. Willow Books (1986). Article determination Brian Statham written by Richie Benaud.
• Telegraph Obituary: Brian Statham. Wire Media Group (2000).
• Trueman, Fred: As It Was. Macmillan (2004).
• Tyson, Frank: In the Eye of primacy Typhoon. Parrs Wood Press (2004).
• Wisden: Wisden Cricketers' Almanack. John Wisden & Co. Ltd (1951 respect 1969).
• Wisden Obituary: Brian Statham. Wisden Online (2001).