Len Hutton was the first name of a sportsman that I heard as a child (circa 1946). I soon learnt to listen out for his name and when literate to look for his name in the T&A in the county scorecard. In 1949 I saw him hit an unbeaten 37 against Surrey at Park Avenue at the end of the first day's play. That day, Laurie Fishlock scored 89 in the Surrey innings and Arthur McIntyre - narrowly not the England wicketkeeper (Evans got it) - scored a few. Alec Bedser opened the bowling for Surrey. We came back home after and reenacted the events of the day in Eastwood School's big yard. Later I saw the incomparable Len hit 67 against the WIndies - again at Park Avenue. He became England's first professional skipper for the visit of Lindsey Hassett's Aussies in 1953. The first 4 matches were drawn - I saw the one in which Len opened the batting at Headingley and was bowled first ball by Lindwall. The silence was not loud. He went on that series to lead the England team to victory in the Ashes in the final test at the Oval where Denis Compton hit the winning four with a typical sweep to the leg boundary. As England captain he never lost a series. Yorkshire has a knack of producing series winning captains. I attended one of Len's benefit matches circa 1950 - at Salts CC where Joe Phillips (Bfd Nthn RLFC) hit 90 odd runs. I collected Len's autograph that day. I bore you with all this stuff because ESPN Classic (the revived Setanta channel)have just shown a programme featuring Sir Len - in the series Cricketing Greats.Sir Len had great technique and temperament - and as a captain/tactician, he got up the nostrils of the Australians.A great Yorkshire and England cricketer and leader. Any other recollections?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1952-60

I sure have Terry. I too have Sir Len's autograph from when I was a junior cricketer in the West Bradford League about 1952. When I went to Oz in 1954 I had a great time rubbing the noses of my Aussie mates in it when Len was around. In turn they gave me a hard time trying to copy a Yorkshire accent repeating constantly " Uttons oot". Cheers.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1947-51

Current location (optional) Auckland NZ usually but now in Italy on my way back from Keighley!!

I was taken by my Dad to Bradford Park Ave to see Sir Len play for Yorkshire against the Aussies. Must have been around 1957 ish. He was clean bowled third ball for a duck, Ray Lindwall I think got him. It was the only time I saw him live.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

An entry in Kenny Preston's diary for the 17th of January 1956 reads:- "Great blow to Yorkshire today - the great and only Hutton has arranged to retire. He has withdrawn from all 1st class cricket because of some trouble he has had with his back."

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 55-60

Current location (optional) Harrogate

Since we are in reminiscent mood about Hutton a very good read that some (many?) may have missed at the time was Donald Trelford's 'Len Hutton Remembered'. It was published by H.F & G. Witherby in 1992 (ISBN 0 85493 213 5)and is a series of recollections by friend and 'foe' alike, shortly after the great man's demise in 1990 (so long ago, already!). It will surely be out of print now but may well be available through book searchers or second hand sellers specialising in sport (or cricket, like the one in Sedbergh). I thoroughly recommend it if you can lay your hands on it.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58