A profile of Bill Edrich by Dave Liverman

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Player:

WJ Edrich

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A versatile all-rounder, originating from the great Norfolk cricketing family (three of his brothers played first-class cricket, as did his cousin, John), but playing for Middlesex and England. An attacking batsman, with an exceptional hook shot, and for a few overs the fastest bowler in England in the 1940s. His great year was 1947, when partnered with Dennis Compton, they carried all before them, making amazing numbers of runs. Edrich himself scored 3,539, as well as taking 67 wickets. He made his debut for Middlesex in 1934, and was an immediate success, but had difficulty establishing himself on the international arena until a double century against South Africa in the timeless Test at Durban. He scored 1,000 runs in May in 1938, all at Lord’s. A small man, he bowled from a short run, hurling himself down the pitch in a furious delivery that generated suprising speed. hw as an excellent fielder, particularly at slip. He captained Middlesex from 1953 to 1957, and after his retirement from first-class cricket in 1958, represented Norfolk in minor county play for another ten years. He lost what might have been his best years to World War Two, where he served with distinction in the RAF as a Squadron leader in bombers, being awarded the DFC.

(Article: Copyright © 1998 Dave Liverman)