Timothy Harold Coulter Hancock, born in Reading, England, is a former cricket player who enjoyed a successful career with Gloucestershire. With his undeniable talent as an opening batsman, Hancock played a significant role in the club’s most prosperous period in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Having made his first-class debut against the West Indians at Bristol in 1991, Hancock quickly established himself in the team and became a regular member of the first XI in the following season. Known for his technical prowess, he possessed a natural ability to move into position early, which allowed him to comfortably play shots on the back foot and drive through the leg-side. His aggression at the crease was evident, as he always aimed to dominate the bowling attack.
However, Hancock’s biggest challenge throughout his career was his occasional lapses in concentration, which often led to his downfall after reaching the half-century mark. Despite this, he remained a dedicated and committed player, bringing his expertise to the team both as a fine outfielder and an occasional bowler. Moreover, his leadership qualities were acknowledged when he served as the vice-captain of Gloucestershire.
While Hancock consistently performed well in the County Championship, maintaining an average around 30, his true success lay in one-day cricket. He was part of the Gloucestershire side that achieved remarkable success, winning seven trophies in just six seasons between 1999 and 2004. These achievements include the memorable “cider final” against Somerset in 1999, where Hancock scored a notable 74, and the retention of the Benson and Hedges Cup against Glamorgan the following season, where he contributed a valuable 60 runs.
Hancock’s most outstanding season occurred in 1998 when he surpassed the milestone of a thousand runs in a season for the only time in his career. His highest first-class score, an impressive 220 not out, also came during this period against an opponent that handed Gloucestershire their 11th win of the campaign. Despite their success, the club fell just short of securing the championship title that season, finishing behind champions Surrey.
In 2001, Hancock faced a setback when he suffered a broken hand, which severely impacted his form and hindered his ability to regain his previous level of performance. Nevertheless, he made a comeback in 2004, contributing to Gloucestershire’s victory over Worcestershire in the C&G Trophy final at Lord’s.
Following his retirement from the first-class game in 2005, Timothy Hancock went on to play two seasons for Shropshire Minor Counties. Additionally, he worked for Gloucestershire Cricket Board, utilizing his vast experience and knowledge to contribute to the development of the sport.
Although calls for Hancock’s selection in the England one-day side were optimistic, his impact on the success of Gloucestershire during his tenure remains undisputed. His skill, commitment, and natural leadership made him a valuable asset to the team, and his contributions to the club’s dominance in one-day cricket will forever be remembered.
