OTD | Former England wicketkeeper-batter Godfrey Evans was born in 1920

Godfrey Evans, England’s former wicket-keeper, born on August 18, 1920, was one of the best keepers in cricket. He was a terrific player who collected 219 dismissals in 91 Test match appearances between 1946 and 1959 and a total of 1066 in all first-class matches. He was the first wicketkeeper to reach 200 Test dismissals. Moreover, he was the first Englishman to reach 1000 runs and 100 dismissals, as well as 2000 runs and 200 dismissals in Test cricket. He was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1951.

In the home series against South Africa, Evans played in all five Tests, scoring 209 runs at 41.80 and taking 14 dismissals. Moreover, in the first Test at Trent Bridge, he played a beautiful innings and scored his maiden Test fifty with an innings. He scored 74 runs including 14 fours. Later, in the fifth Test at The Oval, Evans scored 45 and 39 not out, and the second innings came in 29 minutes as England looked to score quick runs before a declaration. 

He was undoubtedly the best wicket-keeper batter in cricket. He has done some amazing glove work throughout his career and also has played some great knocks as well. He debuted against India in 1946 and played his last match against India in 1959. Hence, it was a full circle in his career. Moreover, he has played 91 Test matches in total and scored 2439 runs with an average of 20.49. He has played 465 first-class cricket matches and scored 14882 runs with an average of 21.22. He will always be the best player in cricket and the world remembers him for his excellent work in the field.

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