Kenneth Frank Barrington was a highly regarded and accomplished cricket player from England. Born on November 24, 1930, Barrington became known for his exceptional batting skills and his unwavering dedication to the sport. He is considered one of England’s greatest Test batsmen, as he achieved remarkable success throughout his career.
Barrington had a natural attacking style of play, which made him stand out on the field. However, he made a significant change to his approach once he was dropped from the Test team. Determined to regain his spot, he transformed himself into a stonewaller, a player who focused on defense rather than aggression. This adjustment paid off, and he was able to reclaim his place on the team.
Over the course of his career, Barrington amassed impressive statistics. He scored a total of 6806 Test runs at an average of 58.67, which is surpassed for England only by Herbert Sutcliffe. His consistency and skill with the bat made him a formidable opponent for any bowler. Barrington was also known for his unique achievement of scoring a century on every Test ground in England and in every Test-playing country.
Off the field, Barrington was beloved for his jovial and gregarious personality. He possessed a positive outlook on life and always found the best in people and situations. His sense of humor was apparent when he famously responded to a fan’s comment about his lack of form, stating that he couldn’t be out of form since he had only faced nine balls all week.
After retiring from cricket, Barrington remained involved in the sport as England’s assistant manager. He was widely respected and loved by players and fans alike. However, tragedy struck on March 14, 1981, when he suffered a heart attack and passed away in his hotel room during England’s tour of the West Indies. His sudden death was a devastating blow to the cricket community, as he left behind a lasting legacy of excellence and camaraderie.
Throughout his career, Ken Barrington showcased not only his incredible talent and skill as a cricketer, but also his ability to adapt and persevere. His dedication to the sport and his unwavering commitment to his teammates and the game itself made him a beloved figure in the cricketing world. Even today, his impact continues to be felt, and he remains a respected and celebrated player in the history of English cricket.
