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Chris Old (born Christopher Middleton Old, 22 December 1948)[1] is a former English cricketer, who played 46 Tests and 32 ODIs from 1972 to 1981. A right-arm fast-medium bowler and lower order left-handed batsman, Old was a key feature of the Yorkshire side between 1969 and 1983, before finishing his career at Warwickshire in 1985. As a Test bowler for England he took 143 wickets, and scored useful runs in the famous 1981 Ashes series' Headingley victory. He was a part of the English squad which finished as runners-up at the 1979 Cricket World Cup.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

The youngest of three brothers, Chris Old first made his mark in school cricket as a left-handed batsman playing for schools in Durham, Middlesbrough and other parts of England. In 1962 he was recommended to Yorkshire, following in the footsteps of his older brothers Alan and Malcolm, who had already preceded him. He made his debut, aged 15, for Yorkshire 2nd XI against Lincolnshire at Grimsby in August 1964 as a batsman, scoring 26 in the first innings and 8 not out in the second, but he was subsequently encouraged by resident coach Arthur Mitchell to develop his bowling. He was still predominantly a batsman when he made his debut for the Yorkshire first team as a 17-year-old against Hampshire in 1966, scoring 3 runs and conceding 8 runs from 3 overs without taking a wicket. That was the start of a first-class cricket career lasting 20 years from 1966 to 1986.

First-class career

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He was mentored by the resident Yorkshire opening bowlers, Fred Trueman and Tony Nicholson, who took over 2800 wickets between them for the county and following Fred Truemans retirement in 1968 he became Nicholsons opening new ball bowling partner. He won his Yorkshire cap in 1969, and was named as the Cricket Writer's Club Young Cricketer of the Year in 1970. Old hit the 3rd fastest century of all time at Edgbaston in 1977, with 100 runs from 72 balls in 37 minutes, with the second 50 taking just 9 minutes.[1] This feat won him the Walter Lawrence Trophy for the fastest century of the year. He was also nominated as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of 1979.

'Chilly' (so known because he appeared on the scorecard as "C.Old") subsequently took the Yorkshire captaincy in 1981, but it was not a happy period. The next season, suffering from personal problems, he was ousted from the role to allow the 50-year-old, Ray Illingworth, to take charge on the field.[1] He then moved on to Warwickshire for three seasons (1983–1985) and he also appeared for Northern Transvaal in South Africa between 1981 and 1983. His valedictory first-class cricket appearance was for a Brian Close XI against the touring New Zealand side at Scarborough in September 1986. In 379 first-class matches he took 1,070 first-class wickets at the average of 23.48 and scored 7,756 first-class runs with six centuries. He finished off his domestic cricket career with a season of minor counties cricket, playing 8 matches for Northumberland in 1987, with the highlight being 6 - 98 against Durham at Chester-le-Street in July.

Test cricketer

[edit]
Chris Old batting in Wellington vs NZ, February 1978

He made his Test debut in the Second Test against India at Calcutta in December 1972. His first victim was the great Sunil Gavaskar whom he caught off the bowling of Derek Underwood as the first Indian wicket to fall. He produced a notable all-round performance scoring 33 and 17 not out and taking 2 for 72 and 4 for 43 but still finished on the losing side as India won by 28 runs. Over the next 9 years he played in 46 Test matches taking 143 wickets and scoring 845 runs.

One of his most notable performances was taking four wickets in five balls on the opening day of the Test match against Pakistan at Edgbaston in June 1978, the wicketless third ball being a no-ball.[2] Bowling at pace from the City End, the second ball of his nineteenth over was top-edged by Wasim Raja to wicket-keeper Bob Taylor before his third ball nipped back through the gate to remove Wasim Bari's off stump. Old's fourth ball, the no-ball, was edged by Iqbal Qasim into the ground but Qasim nicked a late outswinger to the keeper off the next legitimate delivery, before Sikander Bakht found the safe hands of Graham Roope at second slip. Old thus equalled the record of four wickets in five balls set by Maurice Allom on his Test debut at Lancaster Park, Christchurch in 1929–30, a feat which has since been repeated by Pakistan's Wasim Akram.

When India under A. Wadekar toured England in 1974, England swept the series 3–0. In the 2nd test, England batted first and made 629, India were then bowled out for 302 and followed on, and in the Indian second innings Chris Old took 5-21 and Arnold took 4–19, and together they bowled India out for 42, their lowest-ever test score.

However, he is probably best remembered for one of the key second-innings batting partnerships with Ian Botham during the famous Headingley Ashes game of 1981, where they put on 67 crucial runs for the 9th wicket. He followed this up by taking the key wicket of Allan Border who he clean bowled for a duck in the Australian second innings. He was the only England cricketer to play in both Centenary Test Matches against Australia in 1977 at Melbourne and 1980 at Lord's, alongside Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rodney Marsh for Australia. Old turned down an invitation from Tony Greig to play in Kerry Packer's rebel World Series Cricket, fearing the withdrawal of the traditional benefit season offered by Yorkshire. He subsequently joined the rebel South African Breweries English touring side in South Africa during 1982 effectively ending his Test career with the resulting 3-year ban from international cricket.

He subsequently went to Australia to play in a veterans three-match series, Old Australia XI v Old England XI in 1988, and five years later made a final appearance for an England XI v an Australian XI in a 36 over per side game for Derek Randall's Testimonial at Trent Bridge in June 1993. None of these later matches had first-class status.

One-day international cricketer

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Old was the most successful bowler in the early days of one-day international cricket, and by the end of the first decade of the format had taken more wickets than any other bowler in the world in the format (assisted by the fact that England had played more matches than any other team to that point).[3] He also played for England in two world cups, making his highest ODI score in the first tournament in 1975 (51 against India), and taking his best ODI bowling figures, 4 wickets for 8 runs, in the second tournament in 1979 in a match against Canada. In the latter tournament he appeared in the final, where England were beaten by the West Indies.

Injury problems

[edit]

There is little doubt that he would have played more Test cricket had he not been so prone to injuries. He already had surgery on both of his knees during 1970 and 1971 before making his England debut in 1972. He became a regular member of the England squad for almost a decade. A skilful and accurate right-arm swing bowler and powerful late order left-handed hitter, he was once described by his England captain Mike Brearley as a talent to rival Ian Botham. Despite being a fine natural athlete, and possessing a natural sideways on action, he was continually hampered by regular injury problems and had a tendency to fall prey to 'niggles' in his back and legs, to such an extent that the first bowling machine installed at Lord's was nicknamed Chris Old, due to a propensity for breaking down so often.[4] His departure from the field later in his career to the physiotherapist's table became part of cricket folklore.[1] He never completed any of the ten series that he played abroad, and his only ever-present home series was against India and Pakistan in 1974, when in six Tests he took twenty-five wickets at twenty-two apiece, just emphasising what might have been under different circumstances.[1]

Post cricket

[edit]

After struggling to cope with retirement for several years, Old acquired and managed his 'Clipper Fish Restaurant' in Praa Sands, Cornwall, with his second wife Letitia, in 2002. Subsequently, he sold the restaurant amid the economic recession in 2009 and it was revealed in the press, during 2012, that he was working at Sainsbury's.[5] He still coaches a local cricket club in Falmouth and tutors cricket coaching courses.

His brother, Alan Old, is a former England rugby union international, who played one first-class match for Warwickshire against Cambridge University in 1969, and also played Minor Counties cricket for Durham in the 1970s.[1]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Chris Old

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from Grokipedia

Chris Old (born 22 December 1948) is a retired English cricketer who represented England as a right-arm fast-medium bowler in Test and One Day International matches during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Old played 46 Tests between 1972 and 1981, taking 143 wickets at an average of around 37, while also contributing lower-order runs with a highest score of 65. His career was hampered by recurring injuries, particularly to his back and knees, which prevented him from achieving greater consistency despite his natural pace and swing bowling ability.
A notable batsman in domestic cricket, Old holds the record for the second-fastest century in first-class history, scoring 100 runs off 72 balls in just 37 minutes for Yorkshire against Warwickshire at Edgbaston in 1977, including six sixes and thirteen fours. He was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1979 for his performances, including a strong 1978 season where he excelled despite injury setbacks. Old also featured in England's triumphant 1981 Ashes series, providing key support in the historic Headingley victory. In first-class cricket, he appeared for Yorkshire and later Warwickshire, amassing over 1,000 wickets.

Early Life

Upbringing and Introduction to Cricket

Christopher Middleton Old was born on 22 December 1948 in , , , in an industrial area known for its steelworks and heritage. As the younger brother of Alan Old, an international fly-half who earned 15 caps between 1972 and 1978, Chris grew up in a sporting family environment that emphasized physical fitness and competitive team games. Old's introduction to cricket occurred during his schoolboy years in the Middlesbrough region, where he initially distinguished himself as a left-handed batsman. He represented Durham schools, the North of England schoolboys, and eventually the Public Schools XI in representative matches, showcasing early batting promise before transitioning toward pace bowling as his physique developed to 6 feet 3 inches in height. At age 13, local scouts recommended him to , recognizing his raw athletic potential from club and school performances in the north of the county. By 1966, at 17 years old, Old made his first-class debut for against at , entering the professional scene primarily as a right-arm fast bowler capable of exploiting his height for bounce, though his all-round skills would evolve later. This early county exposure marked the foundation of his career, blending innate pace with the disciplined grounding provided by 's in an era when fast bowlers were central to English cricket's domestic structure.

Domestic Career

Yorkshire County Cricket Club

Chris Old made his first-class debut for Yorkshire at the age of 17 in the 1966 County Championship match against Hampshire at Portsmouth. As a tall right-arm fast-medium bowler and left-handed lower-order batsman, he quickly established himself as a promising all-rounder despite early inconsistencies. In , Old claimed 55 wickets at an average of 17.05, topping Yorkshire's bowling averages, with career-best figures of 7 for 20 against . He earned his county cap that year and was named Cricket Writers' Club Young Cricketer of the Year in 1970 after taking 74 wickets. These performances highlighted his potential as a strike bowler capable of exploiting seam movement, though persistent knee injuries began to affect his reliability. Old's tenure with spanned 1966 to 1982, during which he contributed significantly to the side's attack, forming effective partnerships with bowlers like Chris Nicholson. Notable batting contributions included an unbeaten 100 against at in 1978, alongside match figures of 9 for 85. He won the Walter Lawrence Trophy in 1977 for the fastest first-class century of the season. A benefit season in 1979 raised £32,916 for the player. Appointed captain in 1981, Old led for two seasons but was removed and subsequently released in 1982, prompting his move to . Despite injury setbacks, his 17-year association underscored his resilience and value as a versatile performer in domestic .

Warwickshire County Cricket Club

Old joined ahead of the 1983 season, following his departure from after 16 years, during which internal club tensions and persistent injuries had impacted his role. He remained with the county until the end of the 1985 season, concluding his first-class career with the club after three seasons that provided a positive finale despite ongoing knee and back problems. Warwickshire awarded Old his county cap in 1984, recognizing his experience as a fast-medium bowler and lower-order batsman. In that same year, he contributed significantly to a 191-run victory over , scoring 52 in the first innings and 13 not out in the second while taking wickets in the match. His bowling retained late swing and accuracy, though limited by fitness, allowing him to mentor younger players and add depth to the attack in and limited-overs fixtures. Old's stint at emphasized resilience, as he battled through injuries that had previously hampered his selection, delivering consistent county-level performances without the pressures of . This period aligned with 's competitive efforts in domestic competitions, though the club did not secure major titles during his tenure.

International Career

Test Matches


Chris Old made his Test debut for on 30 December 1972 against at , , where he claimed 6 wickets for 115 runs across both innings and scored 33 in the first innings and 17 in the second. Over his international career spanning 1972 to 1981, Old played 46 matches, primarily as a fast-medium seam bowler capable of late swing. He took 143 wickets at an average of 28.11 runs per wicket, with best innings figures of 7/50 and best match figures of 9/88.
CategoryMatchesInningsRunsAverageHighest ScoreWicketsAverageBest Bowling (Innings)
Tests466684514.826514328.117/50
Old's peaked in home conditions, where he exploited seam movement, as evidenced by his 7/50 against at in June 1978, during which he dismissed four batsmen in five balls, including three in four deliveries. Away from home, performances were more variable due to injuries and inconsistent selection, though he contributed wickets in series against (1976-77) and (1977-78). His final Test appearance came during the 1981 series, where persistent knee problems limited his prior involvement but allowed a recall for the decisive matches. As a lower-order left-handed batsman, Old aggregated 845 runs at an average of 14.82, with two fifties and a highest score of 65. A standout contribution occurred in the 1981 Ashes Test at , , where followed on; Old scored 29 runs alongside Ian Botham's 149 , aiding a partnership that set up Bob Willis's match-winning spell and 's improbable 18-run victory. This performance underscored his utility in crises, though injuries curtailed more consistent all-round impact.

One-Day Internationals

Chris Old debuted in One-Day Internationals for against the at on 5 September 1973. Over the course of his ODI career, spanning until his final appearance against the at on 4 February 1981, he featured in 32 matches, establishing himself as a reliable fast-medium bowler capable of exploiting swing conditions. Old claimed 45 wickets at an average of 22.20, with his best figures of 4/8 highlighting his potential for breakthroughs in limited-overs cricket. As a lower-order left-handed batsman, he contributed 338 runs across 25 at an average of 18.77, demonstrating occasional aggression with a highest score of 51 and a of 84.29. Old's ODI contributions were particularly notable during England's participation in the inaugural Prudential World Cups. In the 1975 tournament's group stage match against at on 7 June 1975, he scored an unbeaten 51 off 30 balls, accelerating England's innings to a then-world record ODI total of 334/4, which set a platform for a 196-run victory. His in the semi-final against later that month further underscored his utility, restricting the opposition while supporting the pace attack. Earlier, in a one-off ODI against at on 13 July 1974, Old took 3/43 in England's defense of 250, though India reached the target with overs to spare.
StatisticBattingBowling
Matches3232
Innings2531
Runs/Wickets33845
Average18.7722.20
Highest Score/Figures51*4/8
Strike Rate/Economy84.29-
Old's effectiveness in ODIs stemmed from his ability to generate late swing and maintain accuracy under pressure, making him a key component of England's early limited-overs strategy amid the format's evolution. His career in the discipline reflected greater consistency compared to his Test record, with frequent selections in bilateral series against touring sides like Pakistan and Australia during the late 1970s.

Playing Style and Technique

Bowling Approach

Chris Old employed a right-arm fast-medium bowling approach characterized by rhythm and power, delivering seam-up balls with notable accuracy and late outswing. His action was orthodox and visually appealing, featuring a sideways-on delivery stride reminiscent of Yorkshire predecessor Fred Trueman, which facilitated control and consistency when fit. Old's run-up was not excessively long but incorporated smooth acceleration, allowing him to build momentum efficiently without overexertion, a trait that remained consistent throughout his career. This approach enabled bursts of considerable pace—medium-fast speeds that could unsettle top-order batsmen—particularly in overcast English conditions where swing was pronounced. He typically operated in short, disciplined spells to manage stamina, prioritizing economy and wicket-taking through subtle movement rather than outright aggression, as evidenced by economical analyses like 43 overs for 91 runs against in 1981. While effective on responsive pitches, Old's technique proved less potent on slower, flatter surfaces, such as during England's 1972 tour of , where grip and turn diminished his impact. Injuries, particularly to his and , occasionally disrupted his rhythm, but his core method emphasized late deviation and seam positioning over raw velocity, aligning with the swing-seaming traditions of English .

Batting Contributions

Chris Old, a left-handed lower-order batsman, provided aggressive contributions with the bat throughout his career, complementing his primary role as a fast-medium bowler. In , he scored 7,756 runs across 379 matches at an average of 20.84, including six centuries and 27 half-centuries, with a highest score of 116. His batting was characterized by hard-hitting strokeplay, particularly effective in counter-attacking situations. One of Old's standout domestic batting performances came in the 1978 Roses match at , where he scored an unbeaten 100 against , aiding Yorkshire's successful chase while also claiming nine wickets in the match. Earlier, in 1977 at , he recorded the third-fastest first-class century of the time, reaching 100 runs off 72 balls in just 37 minutes, with the second fifty coming in 14 minutes. These highlighted his capacity for rapid scoring under pressure. In Test cricket, Old's batting yielded 845 runs in 46 matches at an average of 14.82, with a top score of 65; his contributions were often vital in partnerships or rescues from the lower order. On debut against India in 1972 at Lord's, he made 33 and 17, showing early promise. In One Day Internationals, he faced 401 balls for a strike rate of 84.29, topping the scoring in one innings. Despite inconsistent output at the international level, his lower-order hitting added depth to England's lineup during the 1970s.

Injuries and Career Challenges

Persistent Knee Issues

Old's knee issues originated from congenital conditions that manifested early in his life, causing ongoing pain and mobility limitations that persisted beyond his playing days. These problems intensified during his formative years as a cricketer, with bone growth abnormalities in the knees requiring surgical intervention to alleviate recurrent pain and swelling. In 1970, Old underwent an operation on his right knee to address these structural defects, followed by a similar procedure on his left knee in 1971, prior to his international debut. These surgeries temporarily restored his fitness, enabling a breakthrough season in 1972, but failed to eradicate the underlying vulnerabilities. By 1976, the knee troubles had escalated to a critical point, prompting consideration of major that risked ending his professional career prematurely. Although he avoided that procedure at the time, the persistent nature of the injuries—characterized by chronic inflammation and —continued to flare up, undermining his physical reliability despite determined rehabilitation efforts.

Impact on Performance and Selection

Old's persistent injuries, stemming from congenital issues and exacerbated by the physical demands of fast-medium , significantly curtailed his stamina and pace, compelling him to prioritize accuracy and late outswing over sustained aggression. Surgeries on both in 1970 and 1971 disrupted his momentum following a promising debut season, leading to a subdued 1971 county campaign with where he took only modest wickets amid recovery. These operations, combined with subsequent back and shoulder problems, restricted his early international exposure, as evidenced by his exclusion from the 1970–71 tour to due to right . In Test cricket, the injuries fostered selection inconsistency, with Old featuring in 46 matches between 1972 and 1981 but rarely as an undisputed first-choice seamer; he competed against healthier options like Geoff Arnold and , amassing 143 wickets at an average of 28.11 despite frequent fitness doubts. Peaks of form, such as his 1978 Wisden Cricketer of the Year honors with hauls including 7/50 against Pakistan at , demonstrated resilience, yet recurring flare-ups often precipitated dips, including high economy rates in spells like 1973–74 (5 wickets at 62.60). At county level, the impact was less prohibitive, enabling Old to claim 1,070 first-class wickets over two decades across and , though knee limitations still hampered full-season availability and contributed to his 1982 release from despite prior captaincy assurances. A 1976 threat of major that risked permanent mobility loss underscored the precariousness, yet avoidance through rigorous rehabilitation allowed a career extension, albeit one marked by adaptive rather than dominant performances.

Notable Performances and Achievements

Standout Matches

One of Chris Old's most remarkable performances came in the first Test against at from 1 to 5 June 1978, where he claimed 7 wickets for 50 runs in Pakistan's first innings—his career-best figures in . This haul included an extraordinary spell of four wickets in five balls, dismissing , , Iqbal Qasim, and another batsman in rapid succession, collapsing Pakistan's innings to 270. Old followed up with 2 for 38 in the second innings, finishing with match figures of 9 for 88, as secured victory by an innings and 83 runs; he was named . In the third Ashes Test at Headingley in July 1981, Old played a supporting role in England's improbable 18-run win after following on, contributing 29 runs in the second innings alongside Ian Botham's 149 not out and Bob Willis's 117 not out during the record chase of 130. With the ball, he took the crucial wicket of for 21, helping to restrict in their chase. This match, often associated with Botham's heroics, marked a turning point in the series, with Old's all-round utility underscoring his value in high-pressure scenarios. Old also excelled in limited-overs cricket, notably in the semi-final of the inaugural Prudential against on 18 June 1975 at , where his bowling figures of 4 for 37 helped defend 206 for 8 and advance to the final. These instances highlight Old's ability to deliver under scrutiny, blending pace, swing, and lower-order batting aggression.

Records and Recognitions

Old claimed his career-best Test innings bowling figures of 7/50 against at in June 1976, dismissing key batsmen including and to help secure victory by an innings and 285 runs. His best match haul in Tests was 9/88, also against in that series, underlining his effectiveness on home pitches despite persistent injury setbacks. In One-Day Internationals, Old's standout performance came with figures of 4/8 against at in 1974, contributing to England's 4-wicket win and ranking among the tournament's notable bowling efforts. Across 32 ODIs, he captured 43 wickets at an average of 25.47, with his economy rate of 3.41 placing him 11th among bowlers with at least 20 wickets in the format during his era. Old received the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award for 1979, honoring his resurgence in the 1978 season where he took 117 first-class wickets at 15.64 apiece for and , including strong showings in the Ashes series such as 5/112 at . This recognition highlighted his resilience after years of knee injuries, with Wisden noting his pace and swing as pivotal to 's attack. In retrospective ICC rankings, he peaked at No. 3 in bowling with a rating of 691, reflecting his brief but impactful spells of dominance. In , Old's lower-order batting produced a notable with the third-fastest century in history (by time), reaching three figures in 37 minutes off 37 balls for against at Scarborough on 7 September 1970, scoring 111 runs. Overall, he amassed over 1,000 wickets, cementing his status as a prolific county seamer.

Legacy and Assessments

Overall Impact on English Cricket

Chris Old served as a pivotal seam bowler for during a transitional era in the , delivering swing and seam movement that complemented the team's pace attack amid challenges from dominant batting sides like the . Across 46 appearances from 1972 to 1981, he claimed 143 wickets at an average of 28.11, with notable hauls including seven for 50 against at in 1978 and six for 52 in the of 1977, aiding victories in seamer-friendly conditions. His 15 wickets at 24.00 in the 1972 series win over underscored his early reliability, while lower-order batting contributions—aggregating 845 runs, including a highest of 65—provided crucial depth, as seen in his unbeaten 100 alongside nine wickets in a 1978 county match that highlighted his all-round utility. In One Day Internationals, Old's 32 matches from 1973 to 1981 positioned him as England's preeminent wicket-taker in the format's initial decade, with performances like his best bowling in the 1975 World Cup semi-final against enhancing the team's limited-overs capabilities during nascent developments in the game. Key interventions, such as dismissing Alan Border in the 1981 Test, proved instrumental in England's improbable series retention, bolstering morale and tactical flexibility against . Old's resilience against recurrent knee injuries, managed through innovative treatments like weight training and electrical stimulation rather than in 1976, modeled perseverance for peers and selectors, influencing approaches to player durability in an injury-prone fast-bowling . Honored as Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1978 for maturing into a controlled exponent akin to , his efforts sustained England's tradition and county-to-international pipeline, evidenced by over 1,070 first-class wickets at 23.48 across 379 matches for and . Despite physical limitations curbing greater volume, Old's precision and versatility reinforced England's competitive edge in multi-format , leaving a legacy of understated efficacy over raw dominance.

Criticisms of Underutilization

Some observers, including former England captain , have described Chris Old as an underrated talent with the potential to rival in all-round ability, arguing that his late outswing, accuracy, and lower-order batting were insufficiently leveraged by selectors during periods of fitness. Despite amassing 74 wickets for in the 1970 County Championship at an average of 15.85—figures that outshone many contemporaries—Old's Test selections remained sporadic, with critics pointing to a preference for express pacemen like and over his rhythmic fast-medium style. The arrival of in 1977 exacerbated this, as Botham's superior all-round statistics and charisma often blocked Old from the third seamer's berth, even when Old demonstrated potency in overseas conditions, such as his 7 for 50 against at in 1978. Selection inconsistencies persisted post-injury recoveries, with analysts noting that Old's domestic resurgence—evident in hauls like 9 for 37 against in 1977—was not always rewarded with immediate recall, potentially costing a reliable swing option in seam-friendly series. Old's own reflections highlight internal factors, admitting he sometimes became "my own worst enemy" by tensing up under pressure, which disrupted his rhythm and may have fueled selector doubts. Nonetheless, detractors of the selection process contend that greater persistence with Old, akin to that afforded to less versatile seamers like Mike Hendrick (30 Tests), could have elevated England's attack in the late 1970s, given Old's proven match-winning bursts when conditions suited.

Post-Retirement

Professional Engagements

Following his retirement from professional in 1982, Old initially worked as a cricket development officer in , a role he held for several years to promote the sport at grassroots levels. Later, after relocating to amid personal changes including a , he entered the sector by acquiring and managing the Clipper in Falmouth, which he opened in 2002 and continues to operate as a . In parallel with his business ventures, Old maintained ties to through . He served as a coach for a local club in Falmouth and delivered tutoring for courses, sharing expertise from his playing career with emerging players. These engagements reflect a shift from high-level competition to community-oriented roles, though Old has not pursued formal administrative or media positions in the sport.

Personal Reflections and Later Life

After retiring from professional in 1981 due to persistent knee injuries, Chris Old relocated to with his second wife, , where he struggled initially to secure employment within the sport. Unable to find coaching roles despite his experience—spanning 46 Tests and 32 ODIs for , plus nearly two decades at county level—he opened "Chris Old's Clipper," a beachfront café at specializing in Yorkshire-style , alongside daytime cakes and evening meals using local ingredients. The business, which he ran jointly with , catered to tourists and locals but was sold during the 2009 economic recession. Old expressed regret over the lack of opportunities for and players in , lamenting that his extensive knowledge from international and went underutilized, as older generations were often overlooked in favor of newer talent. He remained involved in grassroots , a local club in Falmouth, tutoring courses, and managing the Under-17 team around 2003, though ongoing in his knees limited physical demands. By 2022, he continued participating in public speaking events, such as a talk in Mylor sharing career memories. Reflecting on his career, Old acknowledged becoming "his own worst enemy" at times by getting overly tense, which affected performance, and cited clashes with over selections and media as tensions that hindered team dynamics. He praised Mike Brearley's captaincy for respecting his bowling rhythm and providing calm support, crediting it for key moments like the 1981 Headingley partnership with . Injuries, including multiple knee operations, were a profound regret, as they eroded his pace and prevented him from realizing full potential, particularly in batting where he hit a rapid county century in 37 minutes but prioritized bowling development. Old viewed modern 's shift toward seam over swing and dominance of limited-overs formats as diminishing the role of outswing bowlers like himself, though he took pride in highlights such as 9-88 against at in 1974 and contributions in Centenary Tests. , he noted, stayed "in your blood," fueling his ongoing connection despite post-career challenges.

References

  1. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/chris-old-154489
  2. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/chris-old-18256
  3. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/cricket/england/chris-old-1928/international-test-cricket-career-for-england_a01844/
  4. https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/chris-old-cricket-indian-cricket-england-headingley-bishan-singh-bedi-erapalli-prasanna/article31696510.ece
  5. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jun/08/yorkshire.englandcricketteam
  6. https://www.wisden.com/wisden-cricketers-almanack/chris-old-triumphing-injuries-almanack-wisden
  7. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/england-s-ashes-hero-now-works-in-a-supermarket-621301
  8. https://www.cricketweb.net/chris-old-yorkshire-warwickshire-and-england/
  9. https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1403/1403.html
  10. https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/cricket/weekend-middlesbroughs-chris-old-became-10937948
  11. https://www.sheffieldcricketlovers.org.uk/chris-old-yorkshire-ccc-warwickshire-ccc-and-england/
  12. https://www.howstat.com/cricket/statistics/Players/PlayerOverview.asp?PlayerID=1298
  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpT8pHjGxl4
  14. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/chris-old-18256/bowling-batting-stats
  15. https://www.cricbuzz.com/profiles/5302/chris-old
  16. https://www.facebook.com/LKLIONS/posts/on-this-day-in-1981-during-the-headingley-test-against-australia-one-of-the-fine/1295713979220669/
  17. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/chris-old-18256/matches
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  19. https://www.howstat.com/Cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerOverview_ODI.asp?PlayerID=1298
  20. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/prudential-world-cup-1975-60793/england-vs-india-1st-match-65035/full-scorecard
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdmkPe6d6zU
  22. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-england-1974-62274/england-vs-india-1st-odi-64951/full-scorecard
  23. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-england-1978-61457/england-vs-pakistan-1st-odi-64961/full-scorecard
  24. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-england-1977-61348/england-vs-australia-1st-odi-64958/full-scorecard
  25. http://www.relianceiccrankings.com/playerdisplay/test/batting/1548-chris-old/
  26. https://www.facebook.com/LKLIONS/posts/chris-old-made-his-test-debut-against-india-in-1972-scoring-33-and-17-in-his-res/1121041053354630/
  27. https://cricketthrills.com/chris-old-cricketer-england-fast-bowler/
  28. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-england-1978-61457/england-vs-pakistan-1st-test-63211/full-scorecard
  29. https://edgbaston.com/news/iconic-moments-chris-old-78/
  30. https://www.facebook.com/icc/posts/on-this-day-in-1978-chris-old-took-750-against-pakistan-at-edgbaston-including-f/2024991760853243/
  31. http://that1980ssportsblog.blogspot.com/2023/07/headingley-1981-day-five-review.html
  32. https://internationalcricket.fandom.com/wiki/Chris_Old
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdmkPe6dZ6U
  34. http://www.relianceiccrankings.com/playerdisplay/test/bowling/1548-chris-old/
  35. https://www.[cricbuzz](/page/Cricbuzz).com/profiles/5302/chris-old
  36. https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/692325/-sometimes-i-became-my-own-worst-enemy
  37. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-38678651
  38. https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/20611587.cricket-legend-chris-chilly-old-appear-mylor-month/
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