Cecil “Sam” Cook, known for his slow left-arm bowling, was an accomplished cricketer from Gloucestershire, England. Born and raised in Tetbury, Cook was a true local hero and a beloved figure in the cricketing community.
Cook’s cricketing journey began in 1946 when he made his debut for Gloucestershire at the age of 22. His impressive performance in the nets caught the attention of the legendary Wally Hammond, who predicted that Cook would take 100 wickets in his first year and eventually play for England. True to Hammond’s words, Cook took 133 wickets and earned his first England cap.
Despite a disappointing Test debut against South Africa at Trent Bridge, where the pitch provided no help for his bowling, Cook’s talent and dedication were evident throughout his career. He possessed incredible control and accuracy, often bamboozling batsmen with his spin and flight. Gloucestershire teammate Tony Brown even remarked that Cook would return to the team in April, immediately finding his perfect length as if he had never been away.
Throughout his 18-year career, Cook took an impressive 1782 wickets for Gloucestershire. He reached the milestone of 100 wickets in a season on nine occasions, with his best season coming in 1956 when he claimed 149 wickets at an average of 14.16. His bowling prowess was particularly noteworthy in a match against Yorkshire in Charlie Barnett’s benefit game in 1947, where he took a remarkable 9 for 42.
However, it wasn’t just Cook’s bowling that made him a unique and beloved cricketer. He was known for his easy-going nature and good humor, always remaining calm even in high-pressure situations. His teammates and opponents alike admired his ability to tackle late-order crises on the pitch with the same level of composure he displayed while enjoying a pint at the local pub.
Off the field, Cook was a plumber by trade and often found himself hitchhiking to matches due to his lack of a car. Despite this, his friends rarely let him down, offering him lifts to the county ground in Bristol whenever he needed. His gratitude for these small acts of kindness further endeared him to those around him.
After retiring from professional cricket in 1964, Cook continued his involvement in the sport as a first-class umpire from 1971 to 1986. He left a lasting impact on the cricketing community, with his warm and jovial nature being sorely missed by all who knew him.
On September 4, 1996, Cecil “Sam” Cook passed away at the age of 75, leaving behind three daughters. At his funeral service in Tetbury, his former county colleague Tom Graveney delivered a heartfelt eulogy, honoring Cook’s contributions to the game. Even in death, Cook’s love for cricket remained evident, as Arthur Milton remarked with a touch of humor, “See they’ve got you down at third man again, old son.” Undoubtedly, Cook would have appreciated the jest.
