Luke Anthony Procter is a talented and hardworking cricket player hailing from England. Known for his workmanlike approach to the game, he is a left-handed batsman and a medium-paced bowler with a whippy top-side action. Procter initially made his mark in the domestic cricket scene with Lancashire, before eventually joining Northamptonshire and thriving in his new environment.
Procter’s breakthrough season came in 2022 when he emerged as a key player for Northants. He showcased his batting prowess by amassing an impressive 961 runs at an average of 53.38, including three centuries. His consistency with the bat proved instrumental in helping Northants retain their Division One status, a feat they had failed to achieve in their previous attempts. Procter’s leadership qualities were recognized, and he was appointed as the red ball captain from 2023 onwards.
The left-hander made his debut in the four-day format for Lancashire against Somerset at Taunton in 2010, following impressive performances in one-day matches. He quickly made an impact, scoring an unbeaten 64 in a Clydesdale Bank 40 match against Worcestershire and notching up 97 runs against West Indies A in a 50-over game. Procter’s contributions with the bat were key to Lancashire’s Championship-winning campaign in 2011. He not only secured his place in the one-day side but also finished on top of the county’s batting averages with 366 runs at an average of 40.66.
However, Procter’s progress was hampered by injuries in the subsequent years. He missed a significant portion of the 2012 season due to a torn thigh muscle but showed promise upon his return, particularly as an opener in the last four matches. In 2013, he played the majority of Lancashire’s four-day matches but struggled to maintain high batting and bowling averages.
When Lancashire returned to Division One of the Championship in 2016, Procter was deployed as a specialist No. 3 batsman to bolster the top-order stability. He embraced the role and became a regular fixture in the side, even scoring two centuries. His determined innings of 137 against Hampshire stands as his personal best. Despite his contributions, Procter found himself underutilized during the following season and ultimately joined Northamptonshire on loan for the last month. Impressed by his performances, he made the decision to make the move permanent during the close season.
Apart from cricket, Procter has pursued a sideline as a hairdresser. He has even offered free haircuts to his Lancashire teammates in a makeshift salon located in the Old Trafford dressing room toilets. This demonstrates his diverse interests and his ability to balance multiple pursuits alongside his cricketing career.
Luke Anthony Procter is an accomplished and resilient cricketer whose dedication and consistency have made him an integral part of Northamptonshire’s success. With his batting prowess and leadership qualities, he continues to make strides in his cricketing journey, leaving a lasting impact on the game.