Compton, Denis (1918-1997), played cricket for Middlesex beginning in 1936 and also for England. While playing on the national team, he appeared in 78 Test matches from 1937 to 1947. Famous for his leg sweeps and unorthodox batting, Compton was one of the most entertaining players in cricket. In 1947, he broke the record for the highest number of runs (3,816) and the most centuries (18) in a season. Compton also played soccer, winning a League Championship medal with Arsenal in the 1947-1948 season and an FA Cup winner’s medal in 1950. He played soccer for England in wartime internationals.
Denis Charles Scott Compton was born on May 23, 1918, in London. He retired from cricket in 1957 after a 21-year career. Compton was a cricket correspondent for the Daily Express newspaper beginning in 1950. He was also a cricket commentator on British television starting in 1958. He died on April 23, 1997.
