Giles Cheatle obituary

Giles Cheatle, who played for Surrey from 1980-83, has died after a long illness, aged 71. Richard Spiller reflects on his career.

Giles Cheatle's cool head had already earned him plaudits when he joined Surrey in 1980.

Two years earlier, at Lord's, Cheatle was part of an unfancied Sussex side who were expected to be beaten by Somerset in the Gillette Cup final at Lord's.

Cannily led by former Surrey wicketkeeper Arnold Long, they sprang a surprise and Cheatle's 12-over spell early on, which yielded 2-50, was one of the main reasons as he frustrated both Viv Richards and Ian Botham. Sussex won by five wickets and Somerset, having reached September full of expectation, finished empty-handed.

Having to compete at Hove with Chris Waller, another former Surrey player, prompted Cheatle – at his best in limited overs matches – to take up the offer of a move to The Oval in 1980.

Competition, in his first two seasons, was even tougher as Surrey already had international spinners Pat Pocock and Intikhab Alam on the staff. But Cheatle made a good early impression, claiming 5-78 in his second game – against Cambridge University at Fenner's – and followed it up by taking 5-28 against Sussex at The Oval, finishing that season with 23 first-class wickets, plus 22 at 20 in List A matches.

Thereafter, appearances became fewer and farther between, leaving the Surrey staff following the 1983 season. In all, he took 104 first-class wickets at 31 apiece, plus 66 at 23 in List A matches, his fielding often standing out.

Cheatle moved down under after his career concluded. His daughter Lauren, who also bowls left-arm, has made 12 appearances for Australia and appears for Southern Brave in the Hundred.