Geoff Pullar
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Geoff Pullar England (ENG) |
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Batting style | Left-hand bat | |
Bowling type | Legbreak | |
Tests | First-class | |
Matches | 28 | 400 |
Runs scored | 1974 | 21528 |
Batting average | 43.86 | 35.34 |
100s/50s | 4/12 | 41/111 |
Top score | 175 | 175 |
Balls bowled | 66 | 659 |
Wickets | 1 | 10 |
Bowling average | 37.00 | 38.70 |
5 wickets in innings | - | - |
10 wickets in match | - | - |
Best bowling | 1/1 | 3/91 |
Catches/stumpings | 2/- | 124/- |
Test debut: 2 July 1959 |
Geoffrey Pullar, born at Swinton, Salford, August 1, 1935, was a cricketer who played for Lancashire, Gloucestershire and England.
Originally a middle order batsman, the left-handed Pullar was tried as an opener in Test matches against India in 1959 and was an instant success, scoring 75 at Headingley and 131 at Old Trafford, the first ever Test century by a Lancastrian at the ground. He then became a fixture in the England side for four years, making four centuries in all and averaging more than 43 runs per innings. His highest was 175 against the South Africans at The Oval in 1960 when he put on 290 for the first wicket with Colin Cowdrey. But he had less success against the Australians in 1961 and after the tour to Australia in 1962-63 he lost his England place, and never regained it.
After some years of declining success for Lancashire, he joined Gloucestershire in 1969, and topped the county's batting averages in his first season. But arthritis in his knees forced his retirement after just six matches the following year.
Pullar was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1960.