Jim Laker: A Biography

by Alan Hill (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2002

  $4.01

  In this perceptive and well-researched biography, Alan Hill traces the life and career of Jim Laker, possibly the greatest spin bowler ever to play for England. Laker was born and raised in Yorkshire, but left to fight in World War II, lying about his age to secure an earlier posting, the perfect escape from the confines of home. While serving in North Africa, Laker discovered a talent for bowling and when the War ended he joined Surrey, who were on the verge of becoming English cricket's dominant team. The year 1956 will always be linked with Laker because of the Test Match at Old Trafford when he took 19 wickets, including his second 10-wicket haul in an innings against Australia. Laker, in tandem with left-arm spinner Tony Lock, formed a deadly spin attack as Surrey won seven consecutive County Championships. Off the field, Laker found himself in conflict with authority and his apparent unwillingness to play when his oft-injured finger caused him problems meant he was not selected for a number of tours. Things came to a head when a badly ghost-written book Over To Me, was published. Laker was effectively forced out of cricket for 3 years, returning to play for Essex for three seasons, before retiring in 1965. He moved into television after giving up cricket and the measured Yorkshire tones of Jim Laker became synonymous with English summer days from the the late 1960s to the mid-1980s. Jim Laker died in 1986, aged 64.