Of England's many one-cap wonders of the 1980s, Paul Parker was one of the most unfortunate. An entertaining and correct middle-order batsman, Parker was particularly sound against spin and was notable for his swift running between the wickets - and his cover fielding was so outstanding that many considered him effectively an allrounder. Although he scored 0 and 13 in the final Test against Australia in 1981, few thought that would be the extent of his international career. With his reputation against slow bowling, it was a surprise he was omitted for the following winter's tour of India and Sri Lanka, but thereafter his form was never consistent enough to attract the selectors' attention. His first-class debut for Cambridge University was dramatic. He began with 0, 16, 8, 8 and 2 before hammering 215 against Essex; that was followed with a pair and then 40 and 148. He won Blues in his three years at the university, and but for injury would probably have added at least one for rugby as well. His captaincy of Sussex was widely praised, and after retiring he became a classics master at Tonbridge.
Martin Williamson