Paul Parker      

Full name Paul William Giles Parker

Born January 15, 1956, Bulawayo, Rhodesia

Current age 53 years 298 days

Major teams England, Cambridge University, Durham, Natal, Sussex

Nickname Porky, Polly

Batting style Right-hand bat

Height 5 ft 10 in

Education Collyer's Grammar School: St Catherine's College, Cambridge

Of England's many one-cap wonders of the 1980s, Paul Parker was one of the most unfortunate. An entertaining and correct middle-order batsman, Parker was particularly sound against spin and was notable for his swift running between the wickets - and his cover fielding was so outstanding that many considered him effectively an allrounder. Although he scored 0 and 13 in the final Test against Australia in 1981, few thought that would be the extent of his international career. With his reputation against slow bowling, it was a surprise he was omitted for the following winter's tour of India and Sri Lanka, but thereafter his form was never consistent enough to attract the selectors' attention. His first-class debut for Cambridge University was dramatic. He began with 0, 16, 8, 8 and 2 before hammering 215 against Essex; that was followed with a pair and then 40 and 148. He won Blues in his three years at the university, and but for injury would probably have added at least one for rugby as well. His captaincy of Sussex was widely praised, and after retiring he became a classics master at Tonbridge.
Martin Williamson

Sussex Cricket Society Player of the Year 1978, 1979, 1986, 1988
Cricket Writers' Club Young Cricketer of the Year 1979

Jun 10, 1985

Paul Parker batting at Horsham

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