Alan Oakman

Alan Stanley Myles Oakman (20 April 1930 – 6 September 2018) was an English first-class cricketer. He had a long career for Sussex, playing 538 first-class matches over a 21-year period, and played two Test matches for England. He also umpired one One Day International after his retirement as a player.

Life and career A former Welsh Guardsman, and totalled 594 catches in his career. Although both his Test appearances in the home Ashes series of 1956 ended in victories, he was called upon for just eight overs at Old Trafford, whilst Tony Lock and Laker bowled over 130 between them. England's wealth of off-spinners during this period which included Laker, Illingworth and Titmus, meant his international career was brief. He scored 22 centuries, with a highest score of 229 not out against Nottinghamshire in 1961 (off 105 overs), a season in which he made his highest tally of 2307 runs.

Oakman became coach of Warwickshire in 1970 and led them to the County Championship title in 1972. After this he moved away from the pitch, becoming the club's Assistant Secretary for Cricket Administration.