Patsy Hendren, English cricketer and footballer (d. 1962)

Elias Henry Hendren, universally known by his enduring nickname Patsy Hendren, was a distinguished English sportsman whose remarkable career spanned from 1907 to 1937. Born on 5 February 1889 in Turnham Green, West London, and passing away on 4 October 1962 in Tooting Bec, South London, Hendren left an indelible mark on both cricket and football, earning recognition as one of the most prolific and engaging personalities of his era.

A Dual-Sporting Maestro: Cricket and Football Careers

Primarily celebrated as a first-class cricketer, Patsy Hendren was a stalwart for Middlesex County Cricket Club throughout his extensive career. He made his debut in 1907 and continued to play at the highest level of domestic cricket until 1937, becoming synonymous with the Middlesex team and Lord's Cricket Ground, their home. His consistent performances for Middlesex paved the way for his international recognition, leading to a significant tenure with the England cricket team, for whom he played 51 Test matches against various national sides.

Beyond the cricket pitch, Hendren showcased remarkable athletic versatility as a professional footballer. He had a concurrent and notable career as an inside-forward, spending a long and successful tenure with Brentford Football Club. His contributions were instrumental during a period of growth for the club, demonstrating an exceptional ability to excel at the elite level in two demanding sports simultaneously.

Patsy Hendren's Unmatched Batting Prowess

As a right-handed batsman known for his aggressive yet elegant style, Hendren was undoubtedly one of the most dominant and prolific batsmen of the inter-war period in cricket. His statistical achievements place him among the sport's all-time greats:

• Exceptional Test Match Record: In his 51 Test appearances for England, Hendren maintained an impressive batting average of 47.63, a testament to his consistent high-level performance against international opposition from countries like Australia, South Africa, and the West Indies.
• Outstanding First-Class Consistency: Across all his first-class matches, which included the rigorous County Championship and other representative fixtures, his average climbed even higher to 50.80. This underscored his remarkable reliability and immense scoring power in a highly competitive domestic circuit that often involved playing against other Test-calibre cricketers.
• Third Highest First-Class Run Aggregate: Hendren amassed a staggering 57,611 runs in first-class cricket, a colossal figure that ranks him as the third-highest run-scorer in the history of the game. He stands only behind the legendary Sir Jack Hobbs (61,760 runs) and Frank Woolley (58,959 runs), both contemporaries and giants of the sport. The sheer volume of cricket played in the early 20th century, particularly the extensive County Championship schedules, made such aggregates a true measure of endurance, skill, and longevity.
• Second Most First-Class Centuries: His total of 170 first-class centuries is an astonishing feat, demonstrating an unparalleled ability to convert starts into significant scores. This number is surpassed only by his close personal friend and fellow cricketing titan, Sir Jack Hobbs, who recorded 199 centuries, placing Hendren in an elite category of batsmen who consistently reached the century mark.
• Occasional Off-Break Bowler: Though primarily a batsman, Hendren was also an occasional off-break bowler, adding another dimension to his game and capable of breaking partnerships when needed by the team.

A Charismatic Personality Off the Field

Beyond his sporting achievements, Patsy Hendren was equally renowned for his vibrant personality and engaging character. He was widely regarded as a noted wit, whose sharp humour often lightened the atmosphere in the dressing room and amongst teammates. He was also a keen practical joker, always ready with a prank or amusing antic, and possessed a remarkable talent for mimicry, delighting those around him with his impressions of various figures. These qualities made him a hugely popular figure among players, fans, and the media, contributing significantly to his enduring legacy not just as an exceptional sportsman but as a beloved public figure whose charisma resonated far beyond the boundaries of the playing field.

Frequently Asked Questions about Patsy Hendren

What was Patsy Hendren's full name?

Patsy Hendren's full given name was Elias Henry Hendren. "Patsy" was a widely adopted and well-known nickname throughout his entire career.

Which cricket teams did Patsy Hendren play for?

Patsy Hendren primarily played first-class cricket for Middlesex County Cricket Club from 1907 to 1937. He also proudly represented the England national team in 51 Test matches between 1920 and 1935.

Did Patsy Hendren play any other sports professionally?

Yes, Patsy Hendren also had a successful concurrent career as a professional footballer. He played as an inside-forward for Brentford Football Club for a significant period during his sporting life.

How many first-class runs did Patsy Hendren score in his career?

Patsy Hendren scored an incredible 57,611 runs in first-class cricket, making him the third-highest run-scorer in the history of the sport, behind only Sir Jack Hobbs and Frank Woolley.

How many centuries did Patsy Hendren achieve in first-class cricket?

He amassed an astonishing 170 first-class centuries, a remarkable achievement that ranks him second only to Sir Jack Hobbs in the all-time list of first-class century-makers.

What was Patsy Hendren's playing style in cricket?

He was primarily a right-handed batsman, often described as aggressive and flamboyant, known for his ability to score runs quickly. He also occasionally bowled off-break deliveries, providing an extra option for his team.