Jim Laker, English cricketer and sportscaster (b. 1922)

James Charles Laker, affectionately known as Jim, was an English professional cricketer whose legacy continues to resonate within the sport. Born on February 9, 1922, in Shipley, West Riding of Yorkshire, Laker became a towering figure in cricket, primarily as a right-arm off-break bowler. He dedicated his club career to Surrey County Cricket Club, playing for them with distinction from 1946 to 1959, and proudly represented England in 46 Test matches. His passing on April 23, 1986, in Wimbledon, London, marked the end of an era for one of cricket's true greats.

Laker is widely celebrated as one of the most exceptional spin bowlers in the annals of cricket history. His ability to impart significant turn and control over the ball made him a constant threat to opposition batsmen. His career-defining moment, and indeed one of the most astonishing feats in cricket, occurred in 1956. During a Test match against arch-rivals Australia at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, Laker achieved an unparalleled world record by taking an incredible nineteen wickets out of a maximum possible twenty in a single match. This extraordinary performance, which decisively led England to victory against their Ashes adversaries, has since been immortalized as "Laker's Match," a testament to his singular dominance on that fateful occasion.

At the heart of Surrey's remarkable success throughout the 1950s was Laker's formidable spin partnership with Tony Lock. While Laker operated as a right-arm off-break bowler, Lock complemented him perfectly as a left-arm orthodox spinner, creating a dual threat that was almost impossible for opposing teams to counter. This dynamic duo was instrumental in Surrey's unprecedented era of dominance, which saw the club secure seven consecutive County Championship titles from 1952 to 1958, an achievement that speaks volumes about their combined prowess.

Beyond his primary role as a bowler, Laker was also a useful right-handed batsman, often batting as a tail-ender, and even managed to score two first-class centuries, showcasing his all-round cricketing ability. Furthermore, he was regarded as a very good fielder, particularly adept in the gully position, demonstrating his commitment to every aspect of the game.

Laker's exceptional contributions to cricket did not go unnoticed, earning him numerous accolades during and after his playing career. For his outstanding achievements in 1951, he was recognized by the prestigious Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, being named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in its 1952 edition. His influence extended beyond English shores, as he was also selected as the New Zealand Cricket Almanack Player of the Year in 1952, following a stint playing for Auckland in the 1951–52 season. The year 1956, already monumental for "Laker's Match," also saw his Surrey benefit season raise a substantial £11,086, a significant sum for the time. Capping off that remarkable year, Laker was voted the "BBC Sports Personality of the Year," making him the first cricketer ever to receive this esteemed award. After retiring from the professional game, Laker continued his association with cricket, transitioning into a respected role as a cricket commentator for BBC Sport, providing his insights and expertise to audiences during their outside broadcast transmissions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jim Laker

Who was Jim Laker?
James Charles Laker, often called Jim Laker, was an English professional cricketer renowned as one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of the sport. He played for Surrey County Cricket Club and represented England in 46 Test matches.
What was Jim Laker best known for?
Jim Laker is most famous for his unparalleled world record in 1956, when he took 19 wickets in a single Test match against Australia at Old Trafford, a performance famously dubbed "Laker's Match."
How many wickets did Jim Laker take in his record-breaking Test match?
Jim Laker took an astonishing 19 wickets out of a possible 20 in that legendary Test match, a record that remains unequalled in Test cricket history.
Who was Jim Laker's spin bowling partner at Surrey?
At Surrey, Jim Laker formed a highly successful and formidable spin partnership with Tony Lock, who was a left-arm orthodox spinner. Their combined efforts were crucial to Surrey's dominance in the 1950s.
Did Jim Laker win any major awards?
Yes, Jim Laker was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1952 and, notably, became the first cricketer to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 1956.
What did Jim Laker do after retiring from playing cricket?
After his playing career, Jim Laker transitioned into a career as a respected cricket commentator for BBC Sport, sharing his expertise and insights with listeners and viewers.