William Eric Bowes

 

Born 1908, Elland Yorkshire - Died 1987 , Otley - Yorkshire

Played for Yorkshire and England

Bill Bowes, was a tall, strong man, his profile better know for the glasses that he wore when he played. He was an effective opening bowler for both Yorkshire and England, had the ability to swing the ball both ways, and loved using the occasional short delivery to test the batsman's nerve. Although not as quick as Larwood or Voce, he was still a very skilful bowler. Bowes only played in one test (the second at Melbourne) when he forced Bradman to play on, facing his first ball back in test cricket after an enforced rest.

Not one to shy away from using Leg theory - he used it to good effect during Yorkshire's championship winning season in 1930/1. His best cricket came after the Bodyline controversy of 1932/3 when he played against Australia in 1934 and 1938, South Africa in 1935, and the West Indies in 1939. During these matches he was an important part of England's bowling attack. In 15 test matches he took 68 wickets costing a little over 22 each.

Captured by the Germans in the Second World War (POW), he returned to England after the conclusion but never regained full fitness and his pace deteriorated, however he managed to play for two further seasons before turning his hand to journalism for a Yorkshire paper.