Book Review: Patsy Hendren: A Different Kind of English Hero by Jeremy Lonsdale

Jeremy Lonsdale is one of the finest modern cricket writers and his output, certainly in quality, stands alongside many others. His book on Bill Bowes was a classic and here he turns his attention to another of the great inter-war cricket characters, 'Patsy' Hendren.

I have to admit that this was a book that I eagerly anticipated, the subject being one of my favourite characters in the game from when I first read its literature, somewhat voraciously, from childhood. 

Hendren seemed to be a man of the people, the kind of person that people wanted to know and in whose successes they shared.

There were many such successes for Hendren, both as a footballer and cricketer. I'd never realised quite what a footballer he was, perhaps focusing too much on the somewhat rotund cricketer whose photograph appeared in many magazines and newspapers. He was good enough to make 435 appearances, mainly for Brentford and played once for England. The book gives good detail of his football exploits, although cricket is the main thrust, as it was in his life. 

Nor had I realised how great was the debate on his merits in England colours, yet he finished with a Test average of just under 48 and seven centuries. He was rarely sure of his place and there were those who considered him short of a big match temperament, but the figures suggest a player, who although unorthodox in style, was highly effective.

 There were 170 centuries in the first-class game, second only to Jack Hobbs, over a career that spanned three decades. He finished with an average of 50, extraordinary by any standards. Perhaps not as universally appreciated for his style as Frank Woolley, but maybe the one you would prefer in a tight situation. 

Everyone loved Patsy and he appeared on stage, in film, in print, on radio and was in demand for advertising a range of products. He was a noted wit - although some of his attempts at humour seem less funny at distance - as well as a talented mimic and fine singer. He was also unfailingly generous and was willing to give to good causes and to provide prizes and memorabilia for auctions and raffles. 

This quite superb read is a worthy record of a life well-lived and largely enjoyed. He kept remarkably busy and was a popular speaker in his playing days and in retirement, when he became a much-loved coach and subsequently scorer for Middlesex. 

The author has been short-listed and long-listed for awards before and I have no doubt that this title will achieve similar recognition.

I have enjoyed a lot of books this year, but for the depth of research, as well as its readability, this one currently sits astride them all.

Sincere congratulations to the author and to Pitch Publishing for another outstanding work.

Patsy Hendren: A Different Kind of English Hero is written by Jeremy Lonsdale and published by Pitch Publishing