Key Points

Former England and Lancashire fast bowler Peter Lever has died at 84 after a short illness. Lever played a key role in England's 1970-71 Ashes victory, taking 13 wickets across five Tests. He later became England's bowling coach under Ray Illingworth and was inducted into Lancashire's Hall of Fame last year. Lever is also remembered for the 1975 delivery that left New Zealand's Ewen Chatfield needing on-field resuscitation.

Key Points: England and Lancashire Legend Peter Lever Dies at 84

  • Played 17 Tests and 10 ODIs for England
  • Took 13 wickets in 1970-71 Ashes win
  • Bowled the infamous delivery that injured Ewen Chatfield
  • Inducted into Lancashire Hall of Fame in 2023
2 min read

Former England bowler Peter Lever passes away

Former England bowler and Lancashire great Peter Lever passes away at 84, remembered for his Ashes heroics and coaching legacy.

"He was a fierce competitor and a true Lancashire legend – ESPNcricinfo"

New Delhi March 27

Former England and Lancashire player Peter Lever passed away following a short illness at 84. He served as England's bowling coach under Ray Illingworth and was inducted into the Lancashire Hall of Fame last year, as per a report by ESPNcricinfo.

During his career in the 1960s and '70s, Lever claimed nearly 1,000 wickets for Lancashire. He earned 17 Test caps for England and also played 10 one-day internationals.

Initially, Lever's opportunities with England were restricted due to intense competition from seam bowlers, and he had to wait until he was 30 for his official debut. He had played for England against the Rest of the World in the summer of 1970, taking 7 for 83, which included the dismissals of Graeme Pollock, Garry Sobers, and Clive Lloyd--but those matches subsequently lost their Test status.

He played in five Tests during the 1970-71 Ashes series, taking 13 wickets, as England triumphed 2-0 to reclaim the title. He was also selected for the inaugural ODI due to the cancellation of the Melbourne Test.

Though his participation afterward was irregular, Lever toured Australia and New Zealand once more in 1974-75. In the Auckland Test, Lever bowled the delivery that hit Ewen Chatfield on the side of the head, necessitating mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for the New Zealand No. 11 on the field.

Lever was part of the England team that reached the semi-finals of the first men's World Cup later that year, but he only made one additional Test appearance before retiring in 1976.

He played 17 test matches, where he took 41 wickets with an average of 36.80 and an economy of 2.53. Lever played ten One Day Internationals in which he took 11 wickets with an average of 23.72 and an economy of 3.55. His best figures for 6/38 came against Australia. He has two five-wicket hauls to his name.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah P.
Sad to hear about Peter Lever's passing. He was part of that golden era of English cricket. That 7/83 against the Rest of the World side was legendary, even if it didn't count officially. RIP to a true cricket gentleman.
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Mike T.
My dad used to tell me stories about Lever's bowling. Said he had one of the meanest outswingers of his time. 84 is a good innings though - hope he's bowling them in heaven now! 🏏
J
James L.
Interesting career - waited till 30 for debut but still made an impact. Shows how tough competition was back then. That incident with Chatfield must have haunted him though. Can't imagine how scary that must have been for both players.
A
Anita K.
While his stats may not look spectacular by today's standards, we have to remember the context - fewer matches, tougher conditions, and no modern training methods. A true servant of the game who contributed even after retirement as a coach. 🌟
R
Rajesh M.
Respectful criticism - the article could have included more about his coaching career. His work with England's bowlers in the 90s was quite influential. Still, a good overview of an underrated player from cricket history.
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Tom W.
That 1970-71 Ashes series was before my time, but I've watched highlights. Lever's bowling action was so smooth! Modern players could learn from his economical style - 2.53 economy in Tests is impressive even today.

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