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Derek Shackleton 1924-2007

Derek Shackleton dies aged 83

Martin Williamson

September 28, 2007

Comments: 4 | Text size: A | A

Derek Shackleton: Shrewdly varied, and utterly accurate © Cricinfo

Derek Shackleton, who played seven Tests for England and took a record 2669 wickets for Hampshire, has died at the age of 83. Only six men have taken more wickets than his total first-class haul of 2857, and none of those operated entirely in the post-war period.

Shackleton was a seamer - not fast but metronomic in his accuracy - who was desperately unlucky not to have be called on more by England. Unfortunately for him, he played in an era when Alec Bedser, Fred Trueman and others dominated. "Shrewdly varied, and utterly accurate," wrote John Arlott, "beating down as unremittingly as February rain". He was also economical, conceding under two runs an over. Initially he relied on late outswing, but he later developed an equally late inswinger, and he could also cut the ball either way off the pitch.

His seven Tests came in two bursts separated by almost 12 years, but he was not as penetrative at the highest level. He played once in 1950 and 1951 and then toured India in 1951-52, finishing with the most wickets but only one more Test. He had to wait until 1963 for a recall, taking 14 wickets at 34.53 against West Indies, including 3 for 93 and a best 4 for 92 at Lord's.

Shackleton bowling against West Indies in 1963 © Cricinfo

He made his debut for Hampshire, who spotted him while he was playing services cricket, in 1948 and was taken on as a batsman who bowled occasional legspin. Bereft of quick bowlers, Hampshire asked him to give it a try. He took 21 wickets in his first season and a hundred in his second. In a career which lasted until 1969 he took 100 wickets in a season 20 times consecutively, his haul of 172 in 1962, a year after he had helped the county to their first Championship, being the best. Few bowlers have got through so many overs, and those that have have been spinners.

In 1955 he took match figures of 14 for 29 against Somerset (including 8 for 4 in their first innings) and five years earlier took five wickets in nine balls for no runs, but not including a hat-trick; that was about the only achievement that eluded him.

In all Shackleton took 2857 first-class wickets at 18.65; his 18 Test wickets cost him 42.66.

After retiring he coached and acted as groundsman at Canford School in Dorset and had a brief spell as an umpire in 1979. He was one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year in 1959.

Martin Williamson is executive editor of Cricinfo

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Posted by Crumpie on (October 01 2007, 11:15 AM GMT)

Shack was inpirational and one of the most dedicated cricketers Hampshire County Cricket Club has fielded. He was a hero and a nice guy as well. His name is part of Hampshire's cricket history and I will continue to remember his exploits everytime I visit the bar at the Rose Bowl named in his honour.

Posted by ABGardener on (September 30 2007, 05:15 AM GMT)

Definitely 15 wickets v the West Indies.Player page reports no tests on India tour however he played at Delhi ?

Posted by bobletham on (September 29 2007, 22:47 PM GMT)

John Arlott used to refer to Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie's comment, that Shackleton was like a tap -he switched him on in the morning and left him running all day. The reference to his Test career is a little harsh. Recalled after twelve years, against a formidable West Indies batting side (including Hunte, Kanhai, Sobers, Butcher, Nurse and Worrell) he took 15 wickets (not 14, the article is in error) in 4 Tests. He was by far England's most economical bowler that series, took the second highest number of wickets, and - apart from Trueman - had a much better average than any of the other front-line bowlers. I say this not being a Hampshire member or supporter but having watched him on many occasions, behind the arm, while he moved the ball both ways, in the air and off the pitch, with unremitting accuracy. Of his type he had few equals. Obviously, McGrath and Pollock have been in a league of their own. However, Shackleton could go on literally all day, day after day.

Posted by normsky on (September 28 2007, 16:35 PM GMT)

Derek Shackelton - "Shack" to so many of us Hampshire fans was a true legend. Thanks for so many memories and Rest in Peace

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Martin Williamson

Executive editor Martin Williamson joined the Wisden website in its planning stages in 2001 after failing to make his millions in the internet boom when managing editor of Sportal. Before that he was in charge of Sky Sports Online and helped launch and run Sky News Online. With a preference for all things old (except his wife and children), he has recently confounded colleagues by displaying an uncharacteristic fondness for Twenty20 cricket. His enthusiasm for the game is sadly not matched by his ability, but he remains convinced that he might be a late developer and perseveres in the hope of an England call-up with his middle-order batting and non-spinning offbreaks. He is now managing editor of ESPN EMEA Digital Group as well as his Cricinfo responsibilities.

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