Eddie Paynter

[Steerforth]

Perhaps the most famous of his Test appearances came against Australia, on the "Bodyline tour" of 1932/33. At Brisbane, Paynter was taken to hospital suffering from tonsillitis, yet with England in difficulty at 216/6 in reply to Australia's 340, came out to bat. After spending the night in hospital, he made his way to 83 and helped his team to an unlikely first-innings lead, and though he only fielded for a couple of hours, returned for the second innings and had the honour of hitting the winning runs – with a six off Stan McCabe. Paynter averaged a fine 61.33 over his five innings on this tour.

I found this clipping in my files. It must be from about 1975. My mum and dad always told a story: After Eddie got up from his sick bed and won the ashes, the town of Clayton-le-Moors held a welcoming party for him. Everybody was gathered outside the local church waiting for him to arrive, but Eddie was late. The preacher's young son grew very impatient, and suddenly yelled out at the top of his lungs, "WHERE'S THIS BLOODY PAINTER?"

[Bob Dobson]

I was in the Enfield pavilion a couple of years ago. Eddie's photo on the wall was in a dreadful condition. I hope it's been refreshed. When I was a teenager in the 50s, I watched Enfield most weeks - or rather every other week, but don't remember even hearing his name mentioned, though my dad had told me the story.

[landhusweg]

I also watched the Enfield team in the fities with my Dad, mainly to watch Sir Clive Walcott, but my Dad would point out the fact that the English cricketer Eddie Paynter was also there.
Cheers

[Bob Dobson]

Clyde Walcott was my No 1 Hero in the 50s when he was pro at Enfield. None of the other pros came anywhere near him.

[landhusweg]

Sorry for the "Clive" mistake, yes it was of course "Clyde". Memory these days getting a little foggier!
Cheers