Edward Paynter Back to Bodyline (Players Index)
Born
1901, Oswaldwistle, Lancashire Died 1979, Keighley,
Yorkshire
Played for Lancashire and England
Perhaps
the most famous incident involving Eddie Paynter, a
short left-handed batsman, occurred during the Bodyline
Series of 1932/3. He was taken ill before the 4th Test
match at Brisbane and struggled with his illness for
days before he was taken to hospital during the game.
England were struggling and hearing this, Paynter returned
to the game from his hospital bed and scored an incredible
83 before being caught by Richardson off the bowling
of Ironmonger.
England
taking a first innings lead of 16, bowled out Australia
cheaply (Larwood and Allen both taking 3 wickets each),
and Paynter came in with 4 wickets down to hit the winning
6 just before the heaven's opened and the rain fell.
It showed the amazing determination and team spirit
that existed within Eddie's character.
He
averaged 84.42 in Test matches( 20 in all) and his highest
score was against Australia at Trent Bridge scoring
216 not out in 1938. Scoring over 2,000 runs in a season
four times between 1932 and 1938, he was an invaluable
player to have in any side.
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