Sons Of Former Cricketers Who Could Not Fill Their Fathers' Shoes

It is indeed iconic and rare to hail from a family of cricketers. It is a proud moment for one’s family when one of their own goes on to play international cricket and over time becomes one of the greatest of their nation. Due to the same, it also inspires their children to follow the same path and carry on the legacy.

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But not necessarily all the sons of former elite cricketers tend to replicate the prolific wicket-taking or run-scoring ability of their fathers. They often end up performing ordinarily and expectedly fade over time. Later, such cricketers end up taking other professions as cricket may not have been their area of interest. Also, the pressure of carrying forward their fathers’ legacy gets to them.

We take a look at eight sons of former cricketers who could not fill their father’s shoes:

Roger and Stuart Binny:

While Roger Binny did not have quite a fulfilling career, his greatest moment came in 1983 as he was part of the World Cup-winning squad. Binny bowled an economical ten-over spell, giving away only 23 runs for a maiden and plucking the crucial wicket of captain Clive Llyod. The 65-year old ended up playing 27 Tests and 72 ODIs. He was also a handy batsman.

In contrast, his son Stuart Binny’s career only lasted 23 games across all three formats. While he did show some glimpses with the bat and ball, Stuart Binny could not remain consistent in either of the departments. While the 36-year old continues to play IPL and domestic cricket, Stuart last donned the national colours back in 2016.

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Rohan and Sunil Gavaskar:

Sunil Gavaskar is arguably one of the founding father of Indian cricket. Known for bravely facing the pace battery of the West Indies of the 70s and 80s, Gavaskar amassed over 10000 runs in 125 Tests at 51.12. The opener was perhaps the first batsman to cross the landmark of 10000 runs in the longest format of the game.

On the other hand, Rohan Gavaskar could not even come close to his father’s achievements on the 22-yard pitch. He featured in only 11 ODIs in 2004 and faded away, averaging only 18.87 that year. Rohan later played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and worked as a commentator and analyst.

Leonard, John, Richard Hutton:

Sir Leonard Hutton was undeniably one of the greatest English batsmen to have ever played. When taken English cricket into account, he stands at par with the likes of Denis Compton, Wally Hammond, and Sir Jack Hobbs. In 79 Tests, he hammered 6971 runs at 56.67 with 19 centuries. In 513 first-class games, the Yorkshire batsman scored 40140 runs at 55.51.

But his two sons namely John and Richard Hutton, could not touch the same heights as their dad. John featured in only one first-class game while Richard played only five Tests. In five Tests in 1971, he managed only 219 runs and picked up nine scalps. But Richard’s domestic career spanned from 1962-1975/76.

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David and Graham Lloyd:

David Lloyd played only 17 games for England between 1974 and 1975, nine of which were Tests. However, in those nine games, he scored 552 runs, including a double-hundred only in his second Test. In eight ODIs, Lloyd amassed 285 runs at 40.71. After retirement, the Lancashire-born became the face of English cricket, working as a commentator for a variety of channels.

When speaking of his son, Graham Lloyd played only six ODIs during which his average was only 9.75 with a high score of 22. While he has ample experience in first-class and List A cricket, Graham did not play after 1998. He retired in 2002 to take up umpiring and coaching at Accrington, which is his hometown.

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Vinoo, Atul, and Ashok Mankad:

Vinoo Mankad was one of the greatest all-rounders that India ever produced and played in 44 Tests between 1946-1959. In 44 fixtures, Mankad managed 2109 runs with five centuries and went on to pick up 162 scalps at 32.32. The late cricketer is best remembered for scoring 231 during which, he put on 413 for the opening wicket with P Roy.

Vinoo Mankad’s sons Ashok and Atul could not play as much as their father did. While Ashok Mankad did play 23 international games, scoring 997 runs in 22 Tests at 25.41. On the other hand. Atul featured in three first-class matches only and no top-level cricket.

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John and Richard Reid:

John Reid was one of the pioneers of New Zealand cricket, representing the nation in 58 Tests and making a monumental mark. Across 58 Tests and 108 innings, Reid amassed 3428 runs alongside six centuries with a high score of 142 at 33.58. He also took 85 wickets and joined as the selector of the national team after retirement and serving as the coach of South Africa too.

On the contrary, his son Richard Reid could manage only nine international caps between 1988 and 1991. The Wellington-born domestic career also circled around only 90 games but continued to play for 13 years from 1979/80-1991/92.

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Majid and Bazid Khan:

Former Pakistan captain Majid Khan was often referred to as “Majestic Khan” by the British press due to his fluent strokeplay and the ability to score effortlessly at speed. During his 19-year Test career from 1964-1983, the all-rounder could play only 63 Tests as Pakistan had limited international schedule. He went on to score 3931 runs at 38.92 alongside 27 wickets.

On the contrary, his son Bazid Khan could win only five international caps for Pakistan. Bazid Khan’s last of five ODIs came against Bangladesh in Multan in 2008. The Lahore-born cricketer’s domestic career was impressive though, scoring a triple hundred in first-class cricket with an average of 36.41. In 117 List A fixtures, he boasts of an average of 44.25.

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George and Ron Headley:

George Headley was one of the first potent black batsmen to emerge from the West Indies. Due to his prolific penchant for run-scoring, George Headley was labelled as “Black Bradman”. The Jamaica batsman featured in only 22 Tests between 1930 and 1954, clubbing 2190 runs at 60.83 with five centuries.

His average of 60.83 is the sixth-highest in Test cricket history. George Headley passed away in November 1983. What could have been a fabulous career was cut short due to the lingering wars.

In contrast, Ron Headley’s career was vastly underwhelming. Ron Headley’s first-class career was worth 423 games and List A career spanned across 162. However, he could win only three international caps and Ron never played another game for the West Indies after 1973.

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