Paul Parker

If you think about the 1981 Ashes series, what comes to your mind?

Ian Botham, of course; Bob Willis, almost certainly; Mike Brearley, perhaps. But Paul Parker? Probably not.

All the same, Paul, an attacking batsman and a thrilling fielder for Sussex and latterly Durham, a player good enough to score over 19,000 first-class runs and take part in two winning one-day finals at Lord’s in 1978 and 1986, made his Test debut in the final match of that unforgettable series, at The Oval.

He’d set his heart on playing for England, this was his chance – and, as it turned out, his only chance.

This is Paul Parker’s story of a momentous week in his life, one which had profound repercussions for his career…