Cyril Washbrook
A doughty and stylish opening batsman for England, whose resilient partnership with Len Hutton became the bedrock of the post-war Test side.
1914–1999 (age 85)·English cricketer·Birthday: December 6·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Cyril Washbrook embodied the grit and grace of Lancashire cricket. With a trademark handkerchief tucked into his waistband, he combined a sound defensive technique with elegant strokeplay, particularly through the covers. His career was cleaved in two by World War II, where he served as a flight lieutenant in the RAF, but he returned to pick up where he left off. His most famous alliance was with Len Hutton; together they formed England's most dependable post-war opening pair, weathering the fiercest new-ball attacks. After retiring, he surprised many by returning as a Test selector to choose himself for a memorable comeback innings against Australia at the age of 41, proving his enduring class.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Cyril was born in 1914, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Cyril Was Born
The biggest hits of 1914
Cyril's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1914Born
World War I begins
President: Woodrow Wilson
1919Started school
Treaty of Versailles signed; Prohibition ratified
President: Woodrow Wilson
1927Became a teenager
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1930Could drive
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1932Could vote
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1935Turned 21
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1944Turned 30
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1954Turned 40
Brown v. Board of Education desegregates US schools
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $8,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Little Things Mean a Lot" — Kitty KallenBest Picture: On the Waterfront
1964Turned 50
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1974Turned 60
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 70
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1994Turned 80
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Died at 85
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
Key Achievements
- Formed a celebrated opening partnership with Len Hutton for England, sharing 19 century stands.
- Played 37 Test matches for England, scoring 2,569 runs at an average of 42.81.
- Was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1947 for his dominant post-war season.
- Served as a Test selector and later as President of the Lancashire County Cricket Club.
Did You Know?
He was a talented footballer in his youth and played as an amateur for Stockport County.
His Test comeback at the age of 41 in 1956 saw him score a vital 98 against Australia at Headingley.
He was the first professional cricketer to serve as a Test selector for England.
“You play each ball on its merits, and you play for the team.”
