Willie Watson

William "Willie" Watson, born March 7, 1920 and died April 23, 2004, was a cricketer who played for Yorkshire, Leicestershire and England. He was also an England soccer international.

Related Topics:
March 7 - 1920 - April 23 - 2004 - Cricketer - Yorkshire - Leicestershire - England - England - Soccer

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A left-handed batsman, Watson made his debut for Yorkshire in 1939 and was a regular in the side for a dozen years after the Second World War. He made his test match debut against the South Africans in 1951, and did well. But at a time when England was rich in batting talent, Watson rarely commanded a regular place and his 23 test matches were spread across eight years. His most famous innings was one of 109, in almost six hours, which enabled England to save the second test at Lord's in 1953 against the Australians when the game appeared to be lost.

Related Topics:
1939 - Second World War - Test match - South Africans - Lord's - Australians

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Watson's cricket career received a late boost when, in 1958, he left Yorkshire and joined Leicestershire as assistant secretary and captain. He temporarily regained his England place and was also instrumental in a limited revival of the county's fortunes. He retired in 1962.

Related Topics:
1958 - 1962

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He was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1954.

Related Topics:
Wisden Cricketer of the Year - 1954

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As a footballer, Watson was a cultured wing-half for Huddersfield Town, Sunderland and Halifax Town. He played for England four times and was a member of the squad for the 1950 World Cup, though he did not appear in any of the games in the tournament in Brazil.

Related Topics:
Huddersfield Town - Sunderland - Halifax Town - 1950 World Cup

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