Geoff Pullar

Infobox Historic Cricketer


nationality = English
country = England
country abbrev = ENG
name = Geoff Pullar
picture = Cricket_no_pic.pngbatting style = Left-hand bat
bowling style = Legbreak
tests = 28
test runs = 1974
test bat avg = 43.86
test 100s/50s = 4/12
test top score = 175
test balls = 66
test wickets = 1
test bowl avg = 37.00
test 5s = -
test 10s = -
test best bowling = 1/1
test catches/stumpings = 2/-
FCs = 400
FC runs = 21528
FC bat avg = 35.34
FC 100s/50s = 41/111
FC top score = 175
FC balls = 659
FC wickets = 10
FC bowl avg = 38.70
FC 5s = -
FC 10s = -
FC best bowling = 3/91
FC catches/stumpings = 124/-
debut date = 2 July
debut year = 1959
last date = 25 January
last year = 1963
source = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/18640.html

Geoffrey Pullar, born at Swinton, Salford, August 1, 1935, was a cricketer who played for Lancashire, Gloucestershire and England.

Originally a middle order batsman, the left-handed Pullar was tried as an opener in Test matches against India in 1959 and was an instant success, scoring 75 at Headingley and 131 at Old Trafford, the first ever Test century by a Lancastrian at the ground. He then became a fixture in the England side for four years, making four centuries in all and averaging more than 43 runs per innings. His highest was 175 against the South Africans at The Oval in 1960 when he put on 290 for the first wicket with Colin Cowdrey. But he had less success against the Australians in 1961 and after the tour to Australia in 1962-63 he lost his England place, and never regained it.

After some years of declining success for Lancashire, he joined Gloucestershire in 1969, and topped the county's batting averages in his first season. But arthritis in his knees forced his retirement after just six matches the following year.

Pullar was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1960.