Percy Fender (1892–1985) was an English cricketer who played 13 Tests and captained Surrey between 1921 and 1931. An all-rounder, he was a belligerent middle-order batsman who bowled mainly leg spin and completed the cricketer's double seven times. In 1914, he was named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year, and in 1920 hit the fastest recorded first-class century, reaching three figures in 35 minutes (which remains a record in 2013). In county cricket, he was an effective performer with bat and ball, and a forceful though occasionally controversial leader; contemporaries judged him the best captain in England. From 1921, he played occasionally in Tests for England but was never particularly successful. Despite press promptings, he was never appointed Test captain, and his England career was effectively ended by a clash with the influential Lord Harris in 1924. Further disagreements with the Surrey committee over his approach and tactics led to his replacement as county captain in 1932 and the end of his career in 1935. Cartoonists enjoyed caricaturing his distinctive appearance, but he was also well known outside cricket for his presence in society. (Full article...)
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