Tony Nicholson
Quick Facts
Biography
Anthony George "Tony" Nicholson (25 June 1938–4 November 1985) was an English cricketer: a medium-pace bowler who played county cricket for Yorkshire between 1962 and 1975. Of 403 matches at first-class and List A level, only one — a game for MCC against Scotland in 1963 — was not for Yorkshire.
Prior to joining the County club, he was a policeman in Southern Rhodesia.
Nicholson took 879 first-class wickets at an excellent average of 19.75; writing many years later, James Lawton in the Independent said that Nicholson "simply despised batsmen". He claimed 100 wickets in a season twice, in 1966 and 1967. Despite his achievements, he never played for England, although he was selected for the 1964-65 tour of South Africa but had to withdraw injured.
Nicholson's later career was dogged by ill health caused by blood clots in his leg. which contributed to his early death.
Although he never managed international recognition, Nicholson was highly rated by the Yorkshire public.
Indeed, the county's Players Association holds a Tony Nicholson Memorial Trophy in his honour. At a time when retirement was greeted with muted thanks by the Committee, Nicholson was paid the warmest possible tribute.