David Fletcher

David Fletcher joined Surrey straight after the war, making an immediate impact with four hundreds in 1947, winning a place in the Players side against the Gentlemen at Scarborough. One of his hundreds came in bizarre circumstances when he played for the North against the South at Kingston-upon-Thames after the visiting side found themselves one short.

He failed to press home that early form in 1948, missing much of the summer through illness, and he again struggled between 1949 and 1951, with only two centuries. Stuart Surridge, Surrey's inspirational captain, believed that Fletcher's natural talent was stifled by an adherence to the coaching manual.

His return to form in 1952, when he formed an effective opening partnership with Eric Bedser and made 1960 runs at 37.96, coincided with the first of Surrey's seven Championships, and while he again prospered in 1953, his returns were less impressive for the next few years, although he maintained his place in the title-winning side. In 1960 he made 1259 runs at 35.97 with four hundreds, but the following season he retired after only playing twice.

As a batsman, Fletcher played confidently all round the wicket, and he drove and hooked with confidence.
Martin Williamson