He made his county debut in 1946 having discovered an ability to turn the ball on coconut matting strips with the Army during the War.

Laker first played for England on tour to the West Indies in 1948, taking nine wickets on his debut.

Despite that success it took him some time to claim a regular Test berth, particularly after being severly punished by the Australians that summer.

However, he exacted revenge on those wearing baggy green eight years.

Laker's annus mirabilis came in 1956 when he claimed 46 Australian Test scalps in superb style, averaging 9.60.

That haul - an Ashes series record - included another milestone that will probably never be broken when he took 19 wickets for 90 at Old Trafford, including all 10 in the second innings.

In the same summer he also took all 10 for 88 when the tourists played Surrey.