England

Alan Knott

Born: April 09, 1946, Belvedere, Kent

Alan Knott bio

Alan Philip Eric Knott, a highly acclaimed cricket player from England, left an indelible mark on the sport through his exceptional wicketkeeping skills and versatile batting prowess. Over the course of his illustrious career, Knott played 89 out of England’s 93 Tests, setting a record that remains untouched to this day.

Born on April 9, 1946, in Belvedere, Kent, Knott developed a passion for cricket at an early age. His incredible dexterity behind the stumps was instantly evident and his nimble footwork and lightning-fast reflexes set him apart from his contemporaries. While he was an exceptional wicketkeeper against any bowler, it was his partnership with left-arm spinner Derek Underwood that truly showcased his talent in the most spectacular manner.

Facing Underwood’s deliveries on a rain-affected pitch during county cricket matches for Kent, Knott’s displays of wicketkeeping were nothing short of breathtaking. Underwood’s unpredictable deliveries, varying in both spin and bounce, posed a considerable challenge for any wicketkeeper. However, Knott effortlessly took the ball, showing an agility and skill that appeared as though he was keeping wicket in the confines of an indoor net rather than on a vastly unpredictable pitch.

Knott’s batting exploits were equally impressive. Undoubtedly, he valued his wicket highly and was renowned for his resilience at the crease. In just his fourth Test match, during the 1967-68 series in Georgetown, he exhibited his mental fortitude by scoring an unbeaten knock of 73, spanning an impressive four hours. This innings played a significant role in helping his teammate Colin Cowdrey save the series and showcased Knott’s ability to adapt his game based on the circumstances. With five Test centuries to his name, he proved himself to be a genuine all-rounder capable of both attacking and defending as per the needs of the match.

What made Knott even more endearing was his modesty and natural humility. He never sought the limelight or indulged in self-promotion, yet his amiable nature made him one of the most well-liked players in the game. Whether on or off the field, Knott exuded a warmth and approachability that endeared him to teammates, opponents, and fans alike.

Even after the Packer-split in 1977, which saw several English cricketers join World Series Cricket, Knott remained dedicated to the game, continuing to represent England until his retirement. His unwavering commitment and contribution to the sport earned him a place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Alan Knott’s cricketing legacy is one defined by excellence. With a record-breaking number of Test matches played, exceptional wicketkeeping skills, and an adept batting technique, he established himself as one of the greatest players to have graced the cricketing arena. Today, his name is synonymous with grace, skill, and a genuine love for the game of cricket.

Alan Knott career stats

Batting stats

Batting Matches Innings Nos Runs High score Ave BF SR 100s 50s 4s 6s Ct St
Tests 95 149 15 4389 135 32.75 - - 5 30 - 6 250 19
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 20 14 4 200 50 20 247 80.97 0 1 17 1 15 1
FC 511 745 134 18105 156 29.63 - - 17 97 - - 1211 133
List A 317 246 44 3260 65 16.13 - - 0 6 - - 343 54
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bowling stats

Bowling Matches Innings Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10w
Tests 95 - - - - - - - - - - - -
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 20 - - - - - - - - - - - -
FC 511 - 104 87 2 1/5 - 43.5 5.01 52 - 0 0
List A 317 - 0 0 0 - - - - - 0 0 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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