Peter Loader

Peter Loader was a member of the all-conquering Surrey side of the 1950s, opening the bowling with Alec Bedser before Jim Laker and Tony Lock did their stuff. Tall, with a long run, he swung the ball late, had a dangerous bouncer and used variations in pace to great effect - the only blemish was the occasional murmur over his faster ball. In almost any other era he would have played far more than the 13 times he did, but he was kept out the reckoning by England's proliferation of fast bowlers during his career. But he earned his place in history when he took England's first post-war hat-trick against West Indies at Leeds on his way to 6 for 36, his only five-wicket haul in Tests. He exceeded 100 wickets in a season seven times, toured Australia in 1954-55 and 1958-59, and twice took nine wickets in an innings. After retirement he emigrated to Australia, establishing a successful haulage business as well as carving a niche as a broadcaster.
Martin Williamson