Eddie Paynter
1 dated anecdotes about Eddie Paynter, each attributed to its source.
Eddie Paynter’s 243 at Durban – a timeless Test masterpiece
Eddie Paynter was born on 5 November 1901, according to Wikipedia. Wikipedia notes that he died on 5 February 1979 and that he was an English cricketer. Wikipedia describes him as an attacking batsman and excellent fielder. Wikipedia records that Paynter made his first‑class debut for Lancashire County Cricket Club in July 1926 and scored his first century a year later, in July 1927.
The defining moment came when Wikipedia states that Paynter scored 243 at Durban against South Africa. Wikipedia adds that his overall Test batting average of 59.23 is the eighth‑highest ever and the fifth‑highest among those with at least 25 dismissals. Wikipedia further records that he averaged 84.42 against Australia, a figure that still challenges contemporary batsmen.
In 1938 Wikipedia named Paynter Wisden Cricketer of the Year. Wikipedia also quotes the phrase “the dramatisation of the ‘Bodyline tour’ of 1932/33”.
This matters because, as Wikipedia emphasises, Paynter’s extraordinary averages and a monumental innings cement his place as one of the game’s most enduring batting legends.