England and Lancashire cricket have lost a legend. Former England fast bowler Peter Lever, a key figure in the 1970-71 Ashes victory in Australia and a pioneer of One-Day International cricket, has passed away at the age of 84.
Lever’s contributions to English cricket were significant. He earned 17 Test caps, claiming 41 wickets, and was also part of the historic inaugural ODI match against Australia in 1971, marking the dawn of a new era in the sport.
His Test debut came during Raymond Illingworth’s successful Ashes tour of Australia, where his pace and aggression made a lasting impact. Lever once again shone in Australia in 1975, achieving his career-best Test figures of six for 38 in Melbourne.
Beyond his successes, Lever’s career was also marked by a harrowing incident in a 1975 Test against New Zealand in Auckland. A bouncer from the bowler struck Ewen Chatfield on the head, leading to a life-threatening injury. Chatfield’s life was saved by emergency medical intervention after his heart briefly stopped. Lever was deeply affected by the event and considered retirement but was convinced by Chatfield that it was a cricketing accident.
Lever’s legacy extends beyond his international career. He was a stalwart for Lancashire, playing 301 First-Class matches between 1960 and 1976 and amassing 796 wickets. Last year, he was inducted into Lancashire’s Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the county.
Lancashire County Cricket Club shared the somber news on X, expressing their deep sadness and extending condolences to Lever’s family and friends. The cricketing world mourns the loss of a fierce competitor and a key figure in England’s cricketing history.
