John Hampshire’s brief Test career got off to a flying start with a debut hundred at Lord’s against West Indies.
Hampshire was one of three Yorkshire cricketers to make centuries in the match, along with Geoff Boycott and Ray Illingworth. A fourth, Phil Sharpe, came close with a second innings 86. Despite his impressive debut, Hampshire never secured a regular place in the England team and his Test career was spread across six years. He never made another Test century. Following his retirement as a player, Hampshire became a respected umpire, standing in 20 Tests and 21 ODIs.
Hampshire’s innings was a vital one as England, slumped to 61 for 5 in response to West Indies’ 380. Partnerships of 128 with Alan Knott and 60 with Ray Illingworth helped England to 249 for 7 by the time Hampshire fell lbw to John Shepherd. In the second innings Hampshire was run out for 5 as England went for quick runs in pursuit of an improbable 322 for victory.
John Harry Hampshire (1941-2017)
8 Tests for England averaging 26.86 with the bat