Former England and Lancashire fast bowler Peter Lever, who finished his career with over 1,000 wickets, has sadly passed away at the age of 84 – he almost gave up the sport after nearly killing Ewen Chatfield
Former England and Lancashire fast bowler Peter Lever has died at the age of 84. Lever played 17 Tests and 10 ODIs for his country – including the historic inaugural one-day international in 1971 – and was part of the triumphant Ashes tour of 1970-71.
He returned Down Under in 1975, when he claimed career-best figures of six for 38 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In the pre-helmet era, Lever struck New Zealand’s Ewen Chatfield on the head with a bouncer during a Test in Auckland, with emergency medical treatment saving the tailender’s life after his heart briefly stopped.
Reflecting on the incident, Lever expressed remorse, stating “I honestly thought I had killed him as I saw him lying there in convulsions.
“I felt sick and ashamed at what I had done, and all I could think when I got back to the pavilion was that I wanted to retire.”
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Cricket broadcaster Jonathan Agnew said the Chatfield incident “nearly destroyed Peter”.
Agnew added: “A few years later, in a famous game between Derbyshire and Lancashire, it snowed and left the pitch as something of a lottery. Peter refused to bowl because he thought it was too dangerous.”
Lever was also a prolific figure for the Red Rose during a long and fruitful domestic career, finishing with over 1,000 professional wickets.
Lancashire posted the news on social media, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the news that Peter Lever has passed away, aged 84.
“Peter was inducted into our Hall of Fame last year after playing 301 First-Class matches between 1960 and 1976 – taking 796 wickets. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Lever’s wife Ros told the BBC : “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that Peter Lever has passed away peacefully today. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
“An enormous thank you to everyone that has been caring and considerate in supporting Peter through these difficult recent times.”
