Ex-England Ashes bowler Peter Lever dies aged 84
Peter Lever, an England quick who was part of their triumphant 1970-71 Ashes triumph in Australia, has died at the age of 84.
Lancashire spearhead Lever played 17 Tests and 10 ODIs for his country - including the historic inaugural one-day international in 1971 - and made his official Test debut as part of the Ray Illingworth-led side that won
He returned for the series in Australia in 1975, when he claimed career-best figures of 6-38 at the MCG.
We are deeply saddened by the news that Peter Lever has passed away, aged 84.Peter was inducted into our Hall of Fame last year after playing 301 First-Class matches between 1960 and 1976 - taking 796 wickets.Our thoughts are with his family and friends.🌹 #RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/5JuAXNB07j
— Lancashire Cricket Men (@lancscricket) March 27, 2025
In the pre-helmet era, Lever struck New Zealand's Ewen Chatfield on the head with a bouncer during a Test in Auckland, with only emergency medical treatment saving the tailender's life after his heart briefly stopped.
Lever was also a prolific figure for Lancashire during a long and fruitful domestic career, finishing with over 1000 professional wickets.
Lancashire posted the news on X, writing: "We are deeply saddened by the news that Peter Lever has passed away, aged 84.
"Peter was inducted into our Hall of Fame last year after playing 301 First-Class matches between 1960 and 1976 - taking 796 wickets. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Lever's wife Ros told the BBC: "It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that Peter Lever has passed away peacefully today. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
"An enormous thank you to everyone that has been caring and considerate in supporting Peter through these difficult recent times."
Jonathan Agnew, the former England bowler, hailed Lever's influence, reflecting on how he always wanted to become a paceman after watching Lever bowl.
"He had a massive influence on my cricketing life. They say you should never meet your heroes. I'm so lucky that I got to know mine," Agnew told the BBC.
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