Cricket EVANS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29004, 18 September 1959, Page 6

Cricket EVANS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Wicket-Keeper In 91 Tests (N.Z Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. September 16. Godfrey Evans, the English test wicket-keeper, who has played m 91 test matches—more than any other player—announced his retirement from first class cricket in a television interview tonight. Interviewed by Denis Compton at the presentation of a golden glove by the sponsors of the county championship awards, Evans said: “Regretfully, I notified the Kent County Cricket Club today that I am retiring from county cricket.”

Evans made his county debut in 1939, and played in his first test match in 1946 at the Oval

against India. His final test appearance was also against India —at Lord's last June. He toured Australia and New Zealand with M.C.C. sides four times, and toured South Africa and the West indies twice each.

Evans, whose agility and enthusiasm never slackened on the hottest days in the field,, reached a career total of 1000 victims during the English season which ended yesterday. As a batsman his best year was in 1952 when he made 1613 runs at an average of 2880. He hit two centuries in test cricket—lo 4 against West Indies at Manchester in 1950, and 104 against India at Lord's in 1952.

Regarding his future, Evans said: “I shall be giving most of my attention to the jewellery business.” and then added: “But of course I could always write a book.”