Peter Laker

Who was Peter Laker?

Peter Guy Laker was an English cricketer and journalist. He played two first-class matches for Sussex in the 1940s. He was a right-handed batsman who bowled leg break. He was cricket correspondent for The Daily Mirror from 1952 to 1978.

Laker was born at Hurstpierpoint, Sussex. His parents moved to Lewes in the 1930s, where they ran the Pelham Arms public house. Laker and his younger brother were educated at Lewes County Grammar School.

He made his first-class debut for Sussex against Middlesex at the County Ground, Hove in the 1948 County Championship. He wasn't required to bat in this match, while with the ball he bowled nine wicketless overs. He made a second first-class appearance the following season against Hampshire at the County Ground, Southampton, He ended not out on 8 in Sussex's first-innings, while in their second-innings he was run out for 6. He also bowled five overs, though didn't take a wicket.

He also played for the Sussex Second XI in the Minor Counties Championship from 1948 to 1950, played club cricket for Lewes Priory cricket club, and played football for Lewes F.C..

After his retirement from being a cricket correspondent for The Daily Mirror, he moved to Somerset. He died near Yeovil, survived by his wife and three children.