Lives in Cricket No 21 - Walter Read

5 Foreword I have always had a fascination with a framed certificate that has hung in my parents’ living room since my childhood: it was presented by the Surrey County Cricket Club to Walter William Read and records his successes in a cricket tour of Australia in 1882-83, commemorating his part in the England team’s defeat of the Australians in what has now become the two countries’ most famous sporting battle, ‘The Ashes’.  For a little short of 130 years teams from our respective countries have played cricket for the ultimate honour of winning the Ashes, a game that stirs huge pride and passion and is now at the heart of a global sport. For me the fact that my great-grandfather is mentioned by name on the iconic urn and was a part of that original series and the legacy that it has created is one of great pride.  As you will read, WW’s achievements were immense; he played a major part in the Surrey team’s achievements over a twenty-five year period, playing in 366 first-class matches for the county, and furthermore, his prestige at the crease earned him eighteen caps for England, two tours of Australia and one of South Africa, including the captaincy of his country on two occasions, both of them resulting in convincing victories.   His record as described in this book is a testament to the dedication, commitment andpassionthat separates theoutstandingsportsman from the merely good. His achievements were spectacular and remarkable given the time spent in the sport and reflect his ability to maintain a high level of consistency over such a long period.  Keith’s input and resolve in bringing such a well crafted book together with such detail is one I very much hope will be enjoyed.  Neil Read (great-grandson of Walter William Read)