Len Hutton might certainly be considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest batsman which England has ever produced. During his career he hit over 100 centuries and represented England proudly at many international matches. He was born at Fulneck near Pudsey and took to cricket early, playing wherever and whenever he got the opportunity. His skill and talent were recognized early by George Hirst who felt he was already the complete player.

During the 1934 Championship he made 5 fifties and a first class century - an innings of 196. Battling illness in 1935 he returned in 1936 with his first 1,000 runs. He continued to impress and astound competitors and spectators for the next 3 years with incredible statistics and performances.   

As with many athletes and others, the second world war interrupted day to day life and he joined the commandos. He was severally injured during training in 1943 and his arm needed to be operated on 3 times with the result that it was 2 inches shorted then his other and considerably weaker. Not one to avoid a challenge he worked on building up his strength again and by 1945 played in the inter-service competition against the Australian forces. He exceeded the 2,000 mark comfortably from 1947 to 1953.

In 1949 he exceeded all expectations with a total of 3,429 runs, which placed him 4th  on the all time aggregate list. In June alone he hit 1,294 runs which broke the single month record and established him as the top player in the game.

His career in international test matches was as spectacular as his performances in the UK. He led the English team repeatedly against the West Indies, India, Australia, South Africa and many others often being the strongest player not only on the English side but on both sides. In his career he reached 100 centuries in just 619 innings. Hutton compiled 40,140 runs over 513 first-class matches which gave him an average of 55.5. He played for the English team from 1937 to the 1954/55 season.

 His record was unequalled during his career and the professionalism and dignity which he brought to the game is still fondly remembered today by any fan of Cricket.