Manchester, Aug 31 (IBNS) Former England and Lancashire bowling great Brian Statham was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame* at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Statham’s widow, Audrey, accepted her late husband’s commemorative cap as part of the joint venture between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), said an ICC release.

ECB chief executive David Collier alongside Lancashire Cricket Club chairman Michael Cairns and ICC Cricket Committee Chairman and former West Indies and Lancashire Cricket Club captain Clive Lloyd presented Mrs. Statham with her husband’s cap.

Brian Statham represented England in 70 Test matches taking a total of 252 wickets and was regarded as one of England’s greatest bowlers. He appeared in 559 first-class matches for Lancashire taking 2,260 wickets in a career that lasted 18 years.

Statham captained Lancashire from 1965 to 1967 and took 761 of his 2,260 first-class wickets at Old Trafford, and Lancashire has since named one end of the ground after the former fast bowler.

Statham featured in an England side that included two other Hall of Fames, Fred Trueman and Sir Colin Cowdrey. His best Test match haul was against South Africa in June 1960 when he took 11-97 at Lord’s.

He played seven Tests at Old Trafford taking 16 wickets in front of his home crowd.

Statham died in 2000.

Audrey, upon receiving her late husband’s cap, said: “This award would have meant a great deal to Brian. He would have been extremely pleased that his achievements are still being recognised today.

“He is amongst many friends in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame who had great respect for each other. He enjoyed the company of cricketers and was rightly referred to as the gentlemen of the game. Brian was a great acceptor of people and was always talking with Lancashire members and fans. He thought it was a privilege to play cricket as it was his passion.”

Lancashire County Cricket chairman Michael Cairns said: “It’s a real privilege for me to be part of a presentation party honouring a true Lancashire and England legend.

“Brian Statham will be remembered by Lancashire members and spectators not only for his contributions to cricket but as a real gentleman of the game. This quietly spoken, unassuming man let his talent do the talking and it’s only fitting that the sports governing body induct him into their Hall of Fame.”

The cap presentation ceremony is a key part of the celebrations to mark the ICC’s centenary year as it acknowledges the greats of the game and the contributions they have made to ensure cricket is a great sport with a great spirit.