James Horace Parks, a remarkable cricket player from England, left an indelible mark on the sport during his career. Born on an unspecified date, Parks played a vital role in Sussex Cricket Club and accomplished an extraordinary feat in 1937, scoring an astounding 3,003 runs while also taking 101 wickets—a record that may never be surpassed in the realm of country cricket.
Parks burst onto the scene in 1924 when he made his debut for Sussex. In just his third match, he astounded spectators by taking seven wickets for a mere 17 runs in the second innings against Leicestershire at Horsham. The cricketing world took notice of his potential, anticipating great things from the promising young player. However, Parks took some time to fully develop and fulfill his immense promise.
It wasn’t until 1927 that Parks began to justify the high expectations placed upon him. During that season, he scored 1,036 runs at 23.54 and secured 44 wickets at an average of 26.93, proving his worth as an all-rounder. From then on until the outbreak of the Second World War, he became an integral part of the Sussex team.
In 1928, Parks marked the first of his 41 centuries, a remarkable achievement that cemented his legacy in county cricket. The following year, he partnered with Bowley to set a Sussex record at the time, amassing 368 runs in just three hours for the first wicket against Gloucestershire, with Parks contributing 110 to the total.
Parks achieved the coveted feat of the double in 1935, excelling both as a batsman and a bowler. Following this accomplishment, he was selected to represent the Players at Lord’s. During the winter of 1935, he toured Australia and New Zealand as part of E. R. T. Holmes’s MCC side. Although it was not an official Test series, it provided Parks with valuable international exposure. He made his solitary Test appearance against New Zealand at Lord’s in 1937, showcasing his skills as an opening batsman alongside his debutant partner, Hutton. Although he scored a solid 22 runs in the first innings and bowled well, his limited international career did not feature any matches against Australia, implying that he may not have been considered a strong contender for a place in the team against the Aussies.
Parks concluded his first-class career in 1939 when the outbreak of World War II interrupted cricketing activities. He later joined the Lancashire League and became the county coach at Hove in the 1960s. Parks was renowned for his dependability on the field, making him an essential figure in the Sussex squad for over a decade. While he may have lacked the brilliance of some top-class players, Parks compensated with his solid technique and outstanding close fielding abilities.
As a batsman, Parks was known for his reliability, particularly as a proficient cutter of the ball. Though not the flashiest player to watch, he possessed the ability to score quickly when required. With a stocky build, Parks formed a formidable opening partnership with John Langridge, known for his resilience against fast bowlers. As a bowler, Parks specialized in slow-medium in-swingers that occasionally moved away from the batsmen after pitching—a technique that often proved reliable, if not lethal.
Parks hailed from a distinguished cricketing lineage. His younger brother established himself as a key player in Sussex’s batting lineup, while his son, who captained Sussex at one point, represented England on numerous occasions both as a batsman and wicket-keeper. Continuing the family tradition, Parks’s grandson made recent appearances for Hampshire, ensuring the family’s cricketing legacy endures.
James Horace Parks will forever be remembered for his exceptional contributions to Sussex and his unrivaled record-breaking performance in 1937. His impact on the sport and his role in shaping English cricket is immeasurable, solidifying his place among the game’s greats.
