Freddie Trueman

Fiery Fred — the first bowler in Test cricket history to take 300 wickets, reaching the landmark in 1964 and making the announcement with characteristic bravado. Fred Trueman's express pace, swinging the ball away from right-handed batsmen at speeds few Englishmen had previously achieved, made him the most feared English fast bowler of the 1950s and early 1960s. 307 Test wickets at 21.57 across 67 Tests, combined with a personality as large as his ability, made him a beloved figure in Yorkshire and England cricket. His subsequent radio broadcasting career on Test Match Special brought his wit and occasional controversy to an entirely new audience.

Frederick Sewards Trueman was born in Stainton, Yorkshire in 1931 and became the first bowler in Test cricket history to take 300 wickets — reaching the milestone at The Oval against Australia in August 1964. He played 67 Tests for England between 1952 and 1965, taking 307 wickets at 21.57 with a strike rate of a wicket every 49.4 balls — among the finest ever recorded by a fast bowler in the history of the game. He took five wickets in an innings 17 times in Test matches. He was genuinely quick, with a natural outswinger and a bouncer that troubled the best batsmen of his era. He took 1,745 first-class wickets for Yorkshire across his county career. His blunt Yorkshire character, outspoken views and combative manner made him a larger-than-life figure. He became one of the most beloved cricket broadcasters, working on BBC Radio's Test Match Special alongside Brian Johnston for over 30 years, where his trademark phrase "I just don't know what's going off out there" became famous. He was awarded a CBE in 1989. He died in July 2006 aged 75. His 307 Test wickets and his historic status as the first man to 300 mark a permanent place in cricket's record books.

• 300 Test wickets (first in history)
• 67 Tests, 307 wickets