ROY TATTERSALL, the former Lancashire and England off spinner died on 9 December aged 89.
A tall man who relied on flight, bounce and variation of pace rather than sharp spin, he played 16 Test Matches taking 58 wickets at 16.08. HIs best figures were achieved against South Africa at Lord's in 1951 when, on a rain affected wicket, he had a match analysis of 12/101, setting up a 10 wickets win for England. However he lost his regular place in the England side after that winter's tour of India, playing only twice more. Jim Laker and - briefly - Bob Appleyard took over the off spinner's role.
In all first class matches in an 18 year career he took 1369 wickets at 18.04, with a best bowling of 9/40 against Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford in 1953 when he took 7 wickets in 19 balls including the hat trick.
A negligible batsman, whose career batting average was 9.35, his most memorable innings was 10 against Australia at Melbourne in the Fifth Test of the 1950/51 series. He put on 74 for the last wicket with RT Simpson (156*) which led to England's first win over Australia since the Oval Test of 1938.
During his Lancashire career, Roy played once against Ireland at Ormeau and three first class matches against Scotland at Old Trafford. The Irish match in 1954 was a humiliation for the hosts who were beaten by an innings well inside the two days allocated, with Stan Bergin's first innings 18 their highest score of the match. Roy did not bowl in the first innings but, coming on late in the second took 2/35, disposing of all rounders Alfie Cooper and Joe Burke.
The Scottish matches were all ruined by rain but he made little impact in them, the most destructive bowler, as had been the case against Ireland, being slow left armer Malcolm Hilton.
After losing his place in the county side in 1960, Roy played with success in the Lancashire and Birmingham Leagues and had a successful season for Worcestershire 2nd XI in 1962 while working in the textile industry in Kidderminster. He returned to Lancashire for one match - his final first class appearance - against MCC in 1964, taking 6/63 in the first innings.
Edward Liddle December 2011
