Born June 21, 1937, Blofield, Norfolk, John Edrich hailed from a strong cricketing background, his four cousins, Eric, Bill, Geoff and Brian, all having played first-class cricket. John was a solid left-handed batsman, who was adept at building as well as rebuilding an innings. He was patient in leaving balls outside the off-stump but put the looseners away to the fence.

John Edrich also had a good conversion rate, scoring 12 hundreds and 24 fifties with his highest score of 310* against New Zealand in a mamooth innings win for England at Leeds. He is also remembered for being the receipient of one of the most painful head injuries. Late to duck to a Peter Pollock bouncer, which leapt from the Lord's slope, Edrich was pinged on the forehead and had to retire hurt on 7. Remember, helmets did not exist in those days.

Edrich holds the distinction of scoring 100 first-class centuries. In 1977, he was awarded an MBE for his outstanding contribution to cricket. Post retirement, John Edrich went on to become an ECB selector. Later in 2006-07, John Edrich presided Surrey Cricket Club.

By Cricbuzz Staff