Vic Wilson (cricketer)

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John Victor "Vic" Wilson, born at Scampston, Malton in Yorkshire on 17 January 1921, was a cricketer who played for and captained Yorkshire.

Wilson made his first-class debut for Yorkshire in 1946 as a left-handed batsman and a very occasional right-arm medium pace bowler. He was also an occasional wicketkeeper and a magnificent fielder close to the bat. In 1954-55, he was a surprise selection for the MCC tour to Australia and New Zealand under Leonard Hutton, but he never adjusted to the fast pace of Australian pitches and was not picked for any of the Test matches. He also represented MCC at home in 1962 and 1963.

Though he was by then far from guaranteed a place in the first team, Wilson survived the purge of Yorkshire's playing staff in 1958 which saw Johnny Wardle, Bob Appleyard and Frank Lowson leave the staff and a new young team take shape under the captaincy of Ronnie Burnet. After Burnet retired, Wilson was appointed as the first professional county captain of Yorkshire in 1960. He had a successful tenure, leading the club to the County Championship in 1960 and 1962. He retired in 1962 and was succeeded by Brian Close for the 1963 season.

Wilson was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1961.

[edit] Career Statistics (1946-1963)

  • Batting

502 matches; 770 innings; 79 not out; 21650 runs, 230 Highest Score; 31.33 average; 30 hundreds; 119 fifties and 549 catches

  • Bowling

692 balls; 9 maidens; 435 runs; 9 wickets; 2/1 Best Bowling; 48.33 average