Cricket mourns 'Gentleman George'

Brian Statham: Bowling legend

Former Lancashire and England fast bowler Brian Statham has died aged 69 after a long illness.

As a mark of respect, there was a minute's silence at Old Trafford before the National League game between Lancashire and Worcestershire on Sunday, and a club spokesman said: "Brian passed away peacefully at his home."

Statham, who was nicknamed 'Gentleman George' because of his mild-mannered approach to the game, first played for Lancashire on his 20th birthday.

That marked the beginning of an 18-year-long county career in which he played 430 matches and took 1,816 wickets.

I knew him for 50 years and we never had a wrong word

Fred Trueman

He made his Test debut on the winter tour of New Zealand in 1951 and played 70 Tests in all - the last in 1965 - claiming 252 wickets at an average of 24.84.

Partner

Statham, who played alongside cricket greats such as his Emgland bowling partner Fred Trueman, earned the everlasting respect of colleagues and opponents alike for his wonderful talent and his tremendous attitude to the game.

A natural sportsman, Statham had a trial as a winger with Manchester United. before ending up at the other Old Trafford - home of Lancashire County Cricket Club where he excelled as a fast bowler.

Brian Statham: Lancashire legend

Aged just 20, he joined England's 1950-51 tour of Australasia, making a modest debut against New Zealand. Twelve years later, at Adelaide Oval, he overtook Alec Bedser's then world record of 236 Test wickets.

Statham's international success was all the more remarkable as he often operated from the `wrong end', bowling up-slope or up-wind. But a high, smooth action and his wonderful accuracy proved a match for unfavourable conditions and even the best opponents.

Bouncer

Although capable of delivering a nasty bouncer, Statham used it sparingly - usually preferring to pitch the ball up.

While Frank Tyson and Trueman were undoubtedly faster and more aggressive, `Gentleman George' - as their new-ball colleague was nicknamed because of his great sportsmanship - presented opponents with just as many problems.

Trueman was soon to overtake Statham at the head of the Test wicket-taking list, eventually finishing with 307 to his mate's 252.

But Statham, who stopped playing in 1968, will always be remembered as one of England's finest fast bowlers. His consistency for both county and country was such that 2,260 first-class wickets cost him only 16.36 runs apiece.

Statham factfile

1951: Statham first played for Lancashire on his 20th birthday

1951: Made his Test debut in New Zealand

1965: Played his 70th and final Test

1968: Retired from cricket

2000: Passed away peacefully at his home, aged 69

When he eventually retired, he helped Lancashire's coaching staff and served on the committee until the early 90s.

On hearing of Statham's death, Trueman said: "This is very sad news. I knew him for 50 years and we never had a wrong word."

"I telephoned two weeks ago and he was not very well and I was intending to ring back today (Sunday).

"I want to sit back on my own for a little while and reminisce about the great days."

Top class

"He was a top class man and I have some great memories and stories which I will keep with me forever.

"He was a beautiful bowler, an absolutely superb player.

"He was my friend and room-mate for so many years. We travelled together, shared bedrooms together and talked about everything.

"In 50 years we never had a wrong word and for me and everyone connected with the game at that time, this is terrible news."