Ken Shuttleworth, former England and Lancashire fast bowler, has passed away at 80 on Tuesday (August 26) as per reports. Renowned for his towering frame, powerful build, and brisk pace, Shuttleworth was a right-arm quick who charged in with a long run-up and a classic side-on action that made him a formidable presence on the field. He represented England in five Test matches between 1970 and 1971, making a strong impression on debut during the Ashes tour of Australia by taking five wickets in Brisbane’s second innings.
He also made history by taking England’s first-ever wicket in One-Day Internationals, during the inaugural ODI held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in January 1971. Recalling the iconic Ashes victory, Shuttleworth once said, “We got stick, which you expect when you’re out there, but we were the first team since Douglas Jardine’s in 1932 to win the Ashes in Australia.”
Ashes Glory and Brief International Stint
Shuttleworth’s international career was brief but impactful. He toured Pakistan with the Commonwealth XI under Richie Benaud in 1967–68 and featured in England’s match against the Rest of the World at Lord’s in 1970. Although injuries limited his appearances, his contributions left a lasting mark on English cricket.
Lancashire Legend and Domestic Dominance
Born in St Helens, Shuttleworth joined Lancashire in 1964 and became a vital part of their bowling lineup. Partnering with greats like Brian Statham and Ken Higgs, he took 484 wickets for the county at an average of 22.92. His standout first-class performance came in 1968, with figures of 7 for 41 against Essex. He surpassed that form in 1970, claiming 74 wickets at just over 21 apiece.
A pillar of Lancashire’s one-day success, he played key roles in three consecutive Gillette Cup wins (1970–72) and two Sunday League titles. His best List A figures, 5 for 13, including Sir Garry Sobers’ wicket—came at Trent Bridge in 1972.
Life Beyond the Pitch
Shuttleworth later moved to Leicestershire, where he added 99 more wickets before retiring. After cricket, he worked in business and later served as a first-class umpire. In 2021, he was honoured with induction into Lancashire’s Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the county. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their two daughters, Sara and Hannah.
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Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
