Statham inducted into Hall of Fame

Former England and Lancashire fast bowler Brian Statham has been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Statham, who died in June 2000, aged 69, represented England in 70 Tests and took 252 wickets. In his 559 first-class matches spanning over 18 years, Statham claimed 2260 wickets.

Statham was part of an England side that included two other Hall of Famers, Fred Trueman and Colin Cowdrey. His best Test match haul of 11 for 97 came against South Africa at Lord's in June 1960. He also managed 16 wickets in the seven Tests he played in front of his home crowd at Old Trafford.

He captained Lancashire from 1965-1967 and took 761 of his first-class wickets at Old Trafford, where one end of the ground is named after him.

At a ceremony at Old Trafford on Sunday, ECB chief executive David Collier, alongside Lancashire Cricket Club chairman Michael Cairns and former West Indies and Lancashire captain Clive Lloyd, presented Audrey Statham, Brian's wife, with her husband's cap.

"This award would have meant a great deal to Brian," Audrey said. "He would have been extremely pleased that his achievements are still being recognised today. He is among many friends in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame who had great respect for each other. He enjoyed the company of cricketers and was rightly referred to as the gentlemen of the game. Brian was a great acceptor of people, and was always talking with Lancashire members and fans. He thought it was a privilege to play cricket as it was his passion."

Cairns said Statham would be remembered by Lancashire members and spectators not only for his contributions to cricket but as a real gentleman of the game. "This quietly spoken, unassuming man let his talent do the talking and it's only fitting that the sports governing body induct him into their Hall of Fame," he said.