Christopher Middleton Old, affectionately known as “Chilly,” was a talented cricketer hailing from England. Born in the postwar era, his cricketing journey was marked by numerous injuries that plagued his career, hindering his full potential.
Chris Old was born in the cricket-loving country of England, perhaps destined for a sporting career from the very beginning. He came from a family with an affinity for sports, as his elder brother Alan was a renowned England rugby union fly-half. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Old made his debut for Yorkshire at the tender age of 17, standing tall at an impressive height of 6ft 3ins.
Initially, Old burst onto the scene as a fiery fast bowler, utilizing his natural athleticism to generate considerable pace. However, over time, he transformed into a more controlled and rhythmic fast-medium seamer. His ability to deliver accurate and lethal late outswing deliveries made him a formidable force on the cricket field. Additionally, Old possessed great skills as a lower-order left-hand hitter, further bolstering his value to the team.
One of the defining moments of Old’s career came during the historic Ashes Test match against Australia at Headingley in 1981. It was a match that etched his name among the unsung heroes of English cricket. England, despite following on, managed a remarkable victory – a feat unachieved by any other team in the 20th century. In this momentous Test, Old played a crucial role, coming in to bat at a precarious 252 for 8 when England’s lead was merely 25 runs. With the legendary Ian Botham as his partner, Old showcased his resilience and determination, contributing a valuable partnership of 67 runs in under an hour. His contribution played a pivotal role in England’s momentous victory.
As injuries continued to hamper his career, Old eventually made the decision to retire from professional cricket. Following his retirement, he sought a quieter life in Cornwall, where he embarked on a new venture by running a fish and chip shop. Though his playing days may have come to an end, Old’s impact on English cricket remains significant.
In retrospect, Christopher Middleton Old’s career showcased the contradictions that often accompany exceptional athletes. Blessed with natural talent and athleticism, his cricketing journey was hindered by persistent injuries. Nevertheless, when fit, Old consistently demonstrated his skills as a disciplined bowler and a reliable batsman, earning him a reputation as one of England’s unsung heroes. His contribution to the extraordinary victory over Australia at Headingley in 1981 will forever be celebrated as a testament to his determination and unwavering spirit on the cricket field.