David Lloyd

David Lloyd was an unlucky cricketer. Many of his admirers - and probably he himself - were disappointed that he did not achieve more. A talented allrounder, and especially a brilliant strokemaker, he was very much, and proudly, a man of what Neville Cardus called the Lancashire hinterland (Accrington). He promised to - and almost did - reach the top; but remained calmly cheerful and humorous despite his setbacks. In short, in his Second Test- against India in 1974- he scored a splendidly fluent 214 not out.

That alone ensured his selection for the following winter's tour of Australia where, in a side routed by the `heart-line' attack of Lillee and Thomson, he was effectively shocked and shattered out of Test cricket.

Like several other capable and loyal professionals of his period, he took on the captaincy of his county - which he had never sought - out of loyalty. In a term of office from 1973 to 1977 he led the county to three Gillette finals, one of which they won.

As a captain, his natural modesty probably caused him to use his left-arm slow bowling much less than he might have done. For many years he was one of the bravest and finest close fieldsmen in the world.

Always considerate of young players, he helped considerably in the development of, in particular, Graeme Fowler. He returns now to league cricket in his native town; leaving behind many good memories as a man; and figures which, though useful, do less than justice to his ability. John Arlott (January 1984)

Footnote
After retiring, Lloyd briefly became a first-class umpire, before turning his hand to radio commentary and then coaching. In 1996 he became England coach and helped with the professionalisation of the side. He was always a ready source for a quote, but his boundless enthusiasm made him enemies in high places, and he departed after the 1999 World Cup. He returned to commentating with Sky Sports.