Percy Perrin
Percival Perrin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | November 20, 1945 (aged 69) |
| Occupation(s) | Cricketer, publican, property investor, cricket selector |
| Years active | 1896–1928 (cricket), 1926–1939 (selector) |
| Known for | Right-handed middle-order batsman for Essex, Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1905) |
Percival Albert Perrin (26 May 1876 – 20 November 1945), commonly referred to as "Percy" or "Peter," was an English cricketer who served as a right-handed middle-order batsman for Essex over a span exceeding three decades beginning in 1896.[1]
Balancing his cricketing commitments with his roles as a Tottenham publican and property investor, Perrin consistently represented Essex from 1896 until 1926, officially retiring in 1928.[1] His participation in 496 County Championship fixtures for Essex stands as the highest tally by any amateur player in English first-class cricket history.
Perrin's batting technique initially emphasized driving but gradually developed into a comprehensive repertoire featuring nearly every stroke. Alongside fellow amateur Charles McGahey, he formed the duo famously dubbed the "Essex Twins," with Perrin recognized as the more accomplished batsman. Over 18 seasons, he surpassed 1,000 runs each year, amassing a total of 29,709 runs at an average close to 36.[1] His 66 centuries place him third on the list of prolific century-makers who never participated in Test cricket, trailing only John Langridge and Ken McEwan.
His career-best innings was an unbeaten 343 during Essex’s total of 597 against Derbyshire at Chesterfield in 1904, marking the highest individual score recorded by a batsman in a losing side.[2] This innings featured 68 fours, underscoring why he was overlooked for Test selection and representative fixtures such as Gentlemen v Players: his fielding was notably slow and his running between wickets was weak.[3] Despite these limitations, he earned the distinction of being named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1905.
Known for his reserved nature, Perrin rarely captained Essex, typically serving under his friends McGahey and Johnny Douglas, stepping in only when necessary. Following his playing days, he contributed as an England selector from 1926 and then again between 1930 and 1939, assuming the chairmanship of the selection panel in his final year.[1] Douglas Jardine once remarked that while Perrin was permitted access to the dressing room during selections, he remained notably silent compared to his peers.[4]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedBeard - ↑ "Impressive debuts, and scoring 343 and losing".
- ↑ "Peter Perrin".
- ↑ Wellings, E. M. "Unthanked captains".