Alan Oakman was a sound allrounder who was rather unfortunate to play only two Tests for England - both ended in comprehensive victories, the second being Laker's match at Manchester in 1956 when he took five catches close to the wicket. His height - he was 6' 6" - meant that he took catches others couldn't get near, especially bat-pad chances - and helped his batting where his tremendous reach and strength off the front foot meant that he was an outstanding driver of the ball - he passed 1000 runs in a season nine times. He was also a more than useful offspinner - he took 99 wickets in 1954 and a hat-trick in 1952. After retiring he briefly became an umpire, standing for one over of the 1973 Edgbaston Test when Arthur Fagg, the appointed official, refused to start in protest at West Indies' behaviour in the field. Oakman was Warwickshire's senior coach for 17 years from 1970, and then their assistant secretary. He was still making occasional appearances for the county's Over-50 side when almost 70.
Martin Williamson