Peter Lever: A Tributes to a Lancashire and England Cricket Legend
Peter Lever, the distinguished former Lancashire and England fast bowler, has died at the age of 84 following a short illness. His passing marks the end of an era for English cricket, leaving behind a rich legacy of skill, determination, and memorable moments on the field. Lever’s career spanned the 1960s and 1970s, a period of significant change and excitement for the sport.
Early Career and Lancashire Dominance
Lever’s impact was most keenly felt during his time with Lancashire. He amassed nearly 1000 wickets for the county, demonstrating exceptional pace and accuracy. His contributions were instrumental in Lancashire’s successes during that period. He was renowned for his aggressive bowling style and ability to consistently trouble batsmen.
International Career with England
Lever represented England in 17 Test matches and 10 One Day Internationals (ODIs). Despite his talent, his initial opportunities with the national team were limited due to strong competition for places within the England seam-bowling lineup. He had to wait until the age of 30 for his official Test debut.
Notable International Performances:
- Rest of the World XI Match (1970): Lever delivered a remarkable performance against the Rest of the World XI, claiming 7 wickets for 83 runs. This included the dismissals of prominent batsmen such as Graeme Pollock, Garry Sobers, and Clive Lloyd. Although this match later lost its Test status, it showcased his potential.
- 1970-71 Ashes Series: Lever played a vital role in England’s victorious Ashes series against Australia, taking 13 wickets as England reclaimed the urn with a 2-0 victory. He was also selected for the inaugural One Day International (ODI) due to the abandonment of the Melbourne Test.
- 1974-75 Tour of Australia and New Zealand: During a Test match in Auckland, Lever bowled the delivery that tragically struck New Zealand’s Ewen Chatfield on the side of the head, requiring immediate on-field resuscitation.
- 1975 Cricket World Cup: Lever was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the first men’s Cricket World Cup.
Post-Playing Career and Recognition
Following his retirement from playing in 1976, Lever transitioned into coaching, serving as England’s bowling coach under Ray Illingworth. His expertise and experience were invaluable to the development of younger bowlers. His contributions to English cricket were formally recognized last year when he was inducted into the Lancashire Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was Peter Lever’s playing style? Lever was a fast bowler known for his pace, aggression, and accuracy.
- When did Peter Lever retire from international cricket? He retired from international cricket in 1976.
- What was his role after retirement? He served as England's bowling coach.
- What is the significance of the incident involving Ewen Chatfield? It was a tragic event that highlighted the inherent risks associated with fast bowling.
Peter Lever’s death represents a significant loss to the cricket community. His contributions to Lancashire and England will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike.