On the12 July, 1932 the Yorkshire slow left-armer, Hedley Verity, took 10 wickets for 10 runs against Nottinghamshire at Headingley, Leeds. Yorkshire skittled the visitors or a meagre 67 in their second innings, to win by 10 wickets.

The first-class cricket record for the fewest runs conceded while taking all 10 wickets still stands to this day.

Verity had warmed up for the record the year before, taking 10 for 38 in an innings against Warwickshire at Headingley.

Born in Headingly, Leeds, Hedley Verity (1905-1943), was a professional cricketer who always wanted to play for Yorkshire, who played for the White Rose county and England between 1930 and 1939.

In his nine full seasons in English first-class cricket, Verity took 1,956 wickets at an average of 14.90, and a further 144 wickets in 40 Tests at an average of 24.37.

After establishing a reputation in local cricket, he signed a professional contract playing in the Lancashire League. His first season was not a success.. Initially a medium paced bowler, he switched to spin and began to make a name for himself.  Verity had a successful trial for Yorkshire in 1930, and led the national bowling averages.

In 1931, he was selected to play for England and rose to prominence during a tour to Australia in 1932–33. He achieved the best performance of his Test career when he took 15 wickets against Australia in a Test match at Lord’s in 1934.

Verity continued to play for Yorkshire and England until 1939, when the outbreak of the Second World War ended his career.

Named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1932.

 Verity joined the Green Howards in 1939, and was posted overseas to India, Persia and Egypt, achieving the rank of Captain. During the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943, Verity was severely wounded and captured by the Germans. He was taken to the Italian mainland, he died in Caserta from his injuries in 1943 aged 38 and was buried there.

12 July, 2019