Jim Parks (cricketer, born 1931) facts for kids

James Michael Parks (born October 21, 1931 – died May 31, 2022) was a famous English cricket player. He played in 46 Test matches for the England team. His career with the national team lasted from 1954 to 1968.

During his Test matches, Parks scored 1,962 runs. His highest score in a single game was 108 runs without being out. He also showed great skill as a wicket-keeper, catching 103 balls and stumping 11 players.

Early Life and Family History

Jim Parks was born in Haywards Heath, England, on October 21, 1931. Cricket was a big part of his family. His father, Jim Sr., was also a well-known cricketer. He played many games for Sussex and even played once for England in 1937.

Jim Parks' uncle, Harry, also played a lot of cricket. He played over 400 games for Sussex. Jim Parks went to school at Hove County Grammar School for Boys.

Cricket Career Highlights

Jim Parks started his first-class career with Sussex in 1949. He was known as a strong batsman and a fast fielder. He could also bowl spin.

Switching to Wicket-keeping

In 1958, Parks made a big change in his role. Sussex needed a good wicket-keeper, so Parks decided to try it. He became very good at it.

Parks once shared how he started wicket-keeping by accident. He said their main wicket-keeper got hurt during a game. The team captain then asked Parks to fill in, even though he had no special gear. He had to borrow gloves from the other team's keeper!

Playing for England

Parks first played for England in a Test match in 1954. He was only 22 years old and played as a batsman. He didn't make a big impact in that game.

He had to wait until 1960 to really shine for England. While touring the West Indies, he scored an unbeaten century (100 runs). This helped England get a draw and win the series. After that, he became England's main wicket-keeper for many years.

During the 1965–66 Ashes series, Parks scored 290 runs. He was a strong hitter of boundaries. Cricket writer Colin Bateman described Parks as a "gifted batsman" and a "most effective wicketkeeper." He was known for his safe hands and good stopping skills.

Captaincy and Retirement

Parks became the captain of Sussex from 1967 to 1968. After leaving Sussex in 1972, he joined Somerset for three years.

He stopped playing first-class cricket in 1976. In his long career, he played 739 first-class matches. He scored 36,673 runs, including 51 centuries and 213 half-centuries. As a wicket-keeper, he took 1,087 catches and made 92 stumpings. He also took 51 wickets as a bowler.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from playing cricket, Jim Parks worked for a company called Whitbread. Later, he returned to Sussex County Cricket Club. He became their marketing manager.

He also served as the club president twice, starting in 2013. For several years, he managed the Old England cricket team. From August 2021 until his death, Jim Parks was the oldest living male England Test cricketer.

Personal Life and Passing

Jim Parks was married and had three children: Andrew, Bobby, and Louise. His son, Bobby, also played county cricket.

Jim Parks passed away on May 31, 2022, at the age of 90. He had a fall at his home before his death.