Despite taking nine wickets on debut in 1948 it took him some time to claim a regular Test berth, particularly after being severely punished by the Australians that summer.

Laker's annus mirabilis came in 1956 when he claimed 46 Australian Test scalps in superb style, averaging 9.60.

That haul - an Ashes series record - included another milestone that will probably never be broken when he took 19 wickets for 90 at Old Trafford, including all 10 in the second innings.