Former England fast bowler Peter Lever dies aged 84
Lever, who played 17 Test matches and took 41 wickets, also featured in 10 one-day internationals, including the first-ever ODI against Australia in 1971.
Former England fast bowler Peter Lever, a key figure in the 1970-71 Ashes triumph in Australia, has passed away at the age of 84.
Lever, who played 17 Test matches and took 41 wickets, also featured in 10 one-day internationals, including the first-ever ODI against Australia in 1971.
The Lancashire pacer made his Test debut under Raymond Illingworth on the 1970-71 tour of Australia. He returned to the country in 1975 and delivered his best Test bowling figures, claiming six for 38 in Melbourne.
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In an era before helmets, Lever was involved in a frightening incident during a 1975 Test in Auckland when a bouncer struck New Zealand's Ewen Chatfield on the head. Chatfield's heart briefly stopped, but emergency medical intervention saved his life.
Reflecting on the incident, Lever admitted, "I honestly thought I had killed him as I saw him lying there in convulsions. I felt sick and ashamed at what I had done and all I could think when I got back to the pavilion was that I wanted to retire." Chatfield later reassured him that it was not his fault.
Lancashire Cricket confirmed Lever's passing on social media, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the news that Peter Lever has passed away, aged 84. Peter was inducted into our Hall of Fame last year after playing 301 First-Class matches between 1960 and 1976, taking 796 wickets. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
