Peter May: England's Best Post-War Batter Before Gower and Gooch
Peter May averaged 46.77 in 66 Tests for England and captained England in 41 Tests, winning 20 — a record England win rate that lasted for decades — and is remembered as England's finest batter of the 1950s.
Peter May is considered the finest England batter of the post-war era before the arrival of David Gower and Graham Gooch in the 1970s and 1980s. The Surrey right-hander played 66 Tests for England between 1951 and 1961, scoring 4,537 runs at an average of 46.77 with 13 centuries. He captained England in 41 Tests, winning 20 (a win rate of 48.8%) — a record England Test captain win rate when he retired. May was a classical batter of extraordinary quality — elegant through the off side, powerful on the leg side and blessed with exceptional concentration for lengthy Test innings.
Batting Quality
May's batting was characterised by a strong defence, excellent footwork and powerful driving through the off side. He was particularly effective against the West Indian pace bowling of the 1950s and against Australia's attack in the 1954-55 and 1956 Ashes series. His finest partnership was with Colin Cowdrey against West Indies at Edgbaston in 1957, when the two added 411 for the fourth wicket — a then-England record. May's 285* in that partnership remains the highest score by an England captain in Tests.
Early Retirement
May retired from Test cricket at only 31 due to illness. His relatively short career — 66 Tests across a decade — means his statistics underrepresent what he might have achieved over a longer period. He was England's chairman of selectors in the 1980s, a role in which he had a significant influence on English cricket's direction. He died in 1994.
Frequently asked questions
What is Peter May's Test batting average?
May averaged 46.77 in 66 Tests, scoring 4,537 runs with 13 centuries. Many cricket historians believe his early retirement from illness meant his career statistics significantly underrepresent his quality.
What is Peter May's highest Test score?
May scored 285* against West Indies at Edgbaston in 1957 — the highest score ever made by an England Test captain and one of England's finest individual innings.
How successful was Peter May as England captain?
May won 20 of 41 Tests as England captain, a win rate of 48.8% — a record for England Test captains at the time of his retirement. He is considered one of England's most successful captains of the 20th century.