Edward Paynter, commonly known as Eddie Paynter, was a remarkable left-handed batsman from England who was known for his exceptional performance on the cricket field. Born on November 5, 1901, in Keighley, Yorkshire, Paynter made significant contributions to English cricket during his career and left a lasting impact on the game.
Paynter’s impressive Test match record against Australia remains unmatched by any other Englishman. In the seven Tests he played against Australia, Paynter boasted an average of 84.42, an exceptional figure that firmly places him among the cricketing greats. However, it is not just his average that makes his performances remarkable; it is the circumstances in which he delivered.
Throughout his career, Paynter consistently rose to the occasion when England faced challenging situations. One such instance was during the third Test of the 1932-33 Ashes series in Australia. Coming in at 186 for 5, a less than ideal score by the standards of the time, Paynter produced a remarkable innings of 77, forming a crucial partnership of 96 runs with Verity for the eighth wicket.
In another memorable display of resilience, during the fourth Test at Brisbane, Paynter was struck with tonsillitis and initially taken to the hospital. However, as England’s innings began to falter at 216 for 6, Paynter returned to the field against medical advice, refused a runner, and batted until the close of play. The following day, he continued his innings, eventually scoring 83 runs, all while dealing with illness. Paynter’s partnership with Verity of 92 runs for the ninth wicket played a vital role in the match.
One of Paynter’s most outstanding performances occurred during the Lord’s Test in 1938. With England struggling at 31 for 3, Paynter joined forces with Wally Hammond and together they crafted a remarkable partnership of 222 runs, with Paynter contributing an impressive 99 runs to the total. This innings showcased Paynter’s ability to excel under pressure and support the team when needed the most.
Paynter’s record-breaking innings of 216 not out during the previous Test match against Australia in Nottingham left an indelible mark on the cricketing history of England. It stood as the highest individual score for an Englishman against Australia on home soil at the time, further solidifying his status as an exceptional batsman.
Although Paynter made his first-class debut for Lancashire II at a young age, it took him several years to establish himself in the team. He didn’t make his first century until the age of 30, against Warwickshire at Old Trafford in 1931, finally earning a regular place in the side. However, once he found his form, Paynter became a consistent run-scorer for Lancashire, especially in 1937, when he amassed an impressive 2,904 runs with an average of 53.77.
Paynter’s career was interrupted by World War II, which limited his opportunities to play at the international level. Despite this setback, he resisted the pressures of returning to county cricket at the age of 45, ultimately bidding farewell to his career. However, in 1947, during a couple of festival matches at Harrogate, Paynter showcased his batting prowess with innings of 154, 73, and 127, proving that his skills were intact even years after his retirement.
Beyond his batting abilities, Paynter was renowned for his exceptional fielding skills. He possessed a safe pair of hands and was known for his accurate throws. Remarkably, Paynter achieved this level of excellence despite having lost the top joints of two of his fingers in an accident during his early life.
Eddie Paynter will always be remembered as a wonderful cricketer who consistently produced match-winning performances when England needed them the most. His exceptional averages and the extraordinary circumstances in which he delivered them make him a significant figure in the history of English cricket. His talent, resilience, and unwavering determination continue to inspire cricketers around the world.
