Definition
Norman Gifford is a former English cricketer, principally a left‑arm orthodox spin bowler, who represented England in Test cricket and played the majority of his first‑class career for Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
Overview
- Full name: Norman Gifford
- Date of birth: 26 June 1940
- Place of birth: Kidderminster, Worcestershire, England
- Playing role: Bowler (left‑arm orthodox spin)
- International career: Played 15 Test matches for England between 1964 and 1974, taking 39 wickets.
- Domestic career: Represented Worcestershire from 1959 to 1985, appearing in 530 first‑class matches and claiming 2,068 wickets. He captained Worcestershire from 1971 to 1974.
- Honours: Named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1976.
- Post‑retirement: Involved in cricket coaching and administration, including serving on the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) committee.
Etymology / Origin
- Norman: A given name of French origin, derived from the Old Germanic elements north (“north”) and man (“man”), historically used to denote a person from the north or a Norseman.
- Gifford: An English surname of Norman French origin, originally Giffard, meaning “chubby” or “stout” in Old French. It entered England after the Norman Conquest and is associated with several historic families.
Characteristics
- Bowling style: Left‑arm orthodox spin, noted for accuracy, consistency, and the ability to maintain a low economy rate.
- Batting: Right‑handed lower‑order batsman, with modest contributions; career first‑class batting average around 12.
- Fielding: Recognised for safe catching, particularly in the slip cordon.
- Career highlights: Achieved the milestone of 2,000 first‑class wickets, a rare feat among spin bowlers; contributed to Worcestershire’s County Championship victories in 1964, 1965, and 1974.
- Legacy: Regarded as one of England’s most effective left‑arm spinners of the post‑war era and a significant figure in Worcestershire cricket history.
Related Topics
- England national cricket team
- Worcestershire County Cricket Club
- Left‑arm orthodox spin bowling
- Test cricket
- Wisden Cricketers of the Year
- Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)