Graham Barlow

An attacking left-hand opening batsman, Graham Barlow was an important member of the powerful Middlesex side of the 1970s and 80s. An excellent runner between the wickets, always looking to punish the bad ball, he was unable to translate his fine county form to the Test arena, failing in all three of the Tests he was selected for. Much the same was the case in ODIs' although he scored 80* on his debut against West Indies, and stood out for his fielding. Touring India in 1976-77 he scored well in the first-class matches, but apparently overcome by nerves, he did nothing in the Tests and he was written-off at an early age. He was an exceptional fielder in the covers or at mid-wicket, fast over the ground, with excellent anticipation and an accurate arm. Always serious about cricket and his personal fitness, it was cruelly ironic that his career was ended prematurely by a back injury. He took up coaching following retirement and in 2004 moved to New Zealand to take charge of Central Districts.
Martin Williamson June 2004