No mention of Hedley Verity’s Test career would be complete without discussing his greatest triumph; taking 15-104 against Australia at Lord’s in 1934.
He took 14 wickets for 80 on the final day, 6 of which in the final hour, to secure England’s only win against Australia at Lord’s in the twentieth century.
The figures he achieved have only been surpassed by Jim Laker in England vs. Australia matches.
Verity was aided by the drying pitch, but they should not detract from his wonderful performance – his length was impeccable and he made the ball come back and lift so abruptly that the Australians were helpless to avoid getting out.
Verity served with Green Howards in the Second World War and was badly wounded in battle in Sicily in 1943. His death in an Italian prisoner of war camp was a terrible loss to the game.