Shackleton passes away

Derek Shackleton passed away last night. The Middlesex man was desperately unlucky not to have received more than his seven Test caps, but was unfortunate to play in an era where England were well served in the fast bowling department.

Shackleton was a record holder, taking 2857 First Class wickets, a number bettered by only seven men in history, none of whose entire careers were after the Second World War. Not terribly fast, Shackleton preferred to rely on accuracy to get opposition wickets, but used outswing on a regular occasion and developed a useful inswinger.

Shackleton was named as one of Wisdens Cricketers of the Year in 1959, and was 83 when he died.