Derek Shackleton (12 August 1924 – 28 September 2007) was a Hampshire and England bowler. He took over 100 wickets in 20 consecutive seasons of first-class cricket, but only played in seven Tests for England. As of 2007, he has the seventh-highest tally of first-class wickets, and the most first-class wickets of any player who began his career after World War II. He holds the record for the most first-class wickets taken by any Hampshire player. After his cricket playing career ended, Shackleton became a coach and umpire for several seasons. The cricket writer, Colin Bateman, noted of Shackleton, "his bowling, like his hair, always seemed immaculate". Early life Shackleton was born in Todmorden, on the border between Lancashire and Yorkshire in England. Both of his parents were weavers. He was educated at Roomfield School, where he played cricket and football. Cricket career Shackleton began his career in the Yorkshire and Lancashire leagues as an all-rounder bowling some medium pace, but decided to concentrate on leg spin. He was also signed by Burnley F.C. as a goalkeeper. He joined the Army in 1942, entering the Pioneer Corps, and played Services cricket and football. He was signed by Hampshire in 1948, after being spotted by the Hampshire coach, Sam Staples. Originally destined to be a batsman, he was encouraged to return to pace bowling. In his first season, he did little of note, but in 1949, despite unfavourable pitches, Shackleton became the mainstay of Hampshire's attack. He took 100 wickets in 20 consecutive seasons, from 1949 until his retirement at the end of 1968. Only Wilfred Rhodes has taken 100 wickets in more seasons (23) but these were not consecutive. Shackleton almost reached a thousand runs as a batsman in his first season, but his batting subsequently declined until he was firmly entrenched in the lower order by the mid-1950s. He was awarded his county cap in 1949. Shackleton's talent was soon recognised, and he played his first Test against the West Indies in 1950. With the pitches plumb and batsmen willing to hit him, Shackleton enjoyed little success. Frank Worrell scored a double century, and Everton Weekes a century, in his debut match. He also failed on his only chance of an Ashes tour. After another successful season in 1951, Shackleton was chosen to tour India in 1951/1952, but though accurate he lacked penetration on the slow Indian turf. With