A profile of Brian Bolus

A profile of Brian Bolus by Dave Liverman

Player:

Brian Bolus was unfortunate not to play more than his seven Tests. His average of over 40 reflects consistent run-scoring and he rarely failed. However, possibly his inability to turn good starts into centuries told against him, with none of his four Test fifties taking him any higher than 88. He had a good tour of India in 1963/64, yet oddly was not considered to play against Australia in 1964, despite England initially struggling to find an opening pair. By the end of that series, however, Boycott and Edrich were firmly established in that position and Bolus did not get another opportunity.

He was a good stroke player, particularly strong off his legs, and with a good cut, and cover drive. In defence he favoured the use of his rather large pads, and showed in his few Test appearances that he was not over-awed by the occasion, hitting Hall back over his head at the Oval. He was a useful left-handed medium pace bowler.

A Yorkshireman by birth, he made his debut for his native county in 1956, and played there for eight years before moving to Nottinghamshire, who he eventually captained in 1972. He became the third player to be capped by three counties when he moved again to captain Derbyshire in 1973, before concluding a nineteen-year career in 1975.
(Article: Copyright © 2003 Dave Liverman)