David Mills, English cricketer (d. 2013)

David Cecil Mills, whose life spanned from 23 April 1937 to 16 March 2013, was an English cricketer remembered for his brief yet notable foray into the realm of first-class cricket during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Born in the historic mining town of Camborne, nestled in the heart of Cornwall, Mills developed his cricketing acumen from an early age, displaying a natural flair for the game that would lead him to play at the highest amateur levels.

His formative years saw him attend Clifton College, a distinguished independent school in Bristol renowned for its strong academic and sporting traditions. It was within this environment that Mills truly honed his skills, proudly representing the college's cricket team and showcasing the potential that marked him as a promising young talent.

A Glimpse into First-Class Cricket

Mills was primarily a right-handed batsman, known for his technique and ability to contribute runs. Complementing his batting, he also offered a useful option with his right-arm medium pace bowling, a versatile combination that made him a valuable asset on the field. While his first-class career was relatively brief, it offered him the chance to compete against some of the era's emerging talents and established players.

Debut with Gloucestershire

David Mills made his inaugural first-class appearance in 1958, stepping onto the field for Gloucestershire, one of England’s esteemed county cricket clubs. This match pitted them against the formidable Cambridge University side, a traditional fixture that often provided a platform for both established professionals and promising university players. In this significant debut, Mills scored 17 runs. His innings, a testament to his batting skill, was brought to an end when he was dismissed by Michael James. This particular match represented his sole batting innings for the county of Gloucestershire, a poignant snapshot of his time with the club.

An Opportunity with the Free Foresters

Two years later, in 1960, Mills once again found himself playing first-class cricket, though this time under a different banner. He represented the Free Foresters, an historic and respected amateur touring club. The Free Foresters played an important role in English cricket, offering opportunities for players, often those from university backgrounds or with other professional commitments outside the sport, to participate in high-level matches. In this encounter, also against Cambridge University, Mills had another chance to bat, contributing 2 runs before his wicket was taken by David Kirby. These two first-class matches underscore his participation in an era where amateurism still held significant sway alongside the burgeoning professional game.

FAQs About David Cecil Mills

How many first-class matches did David Cecil Mills play?

David Cecil Mills played a total of two first-class matches during his cricketing career.

Which teams did he represent at first-class level?

He represented Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in 1958 and the Free Foresters in 1960.

What was his highest score in first-class cricket?

His highest score in first-class cricket was 17 runs, achieved during his debut match for Gloucestershire against Cambridge University in 1958.

What was his primary playing style?

David Cecil Mills was a right-handed batsman and also bowled right-arm medium pace.

When did David Cecil Mills pass away?

He passed away on 16 March 2013, at the age of 75.