David Acfield

Who is David Acfield?

David Laurence Acfield was a First Class and List A cricketer and champion fencer from England. He was part of the successful Essex team of the late 1970s and early 1980s and formed a famous county spin partnership with Ray East. He was a right arm off break bowler and right hand tail end batsman. He played for Cambridge University from 1966 to 1968 and Essex from 1966 to 1986. He also appeared for MCC in 1973/74 and 1974. He was awarded his Essex cap in 1970 and had his Essex benefit season in 1981.

He took 10 wickets in a match 4 times and 5 wickets in an innings 34 times. His best first class figures, 8 for 55, came against Kent. Acfield was no batsman, failing to score a first class fifty in 417 innings. His best score, 42, came against Leicestershire. His lack of batting ability, and strong competition from the likes of Fred Titmus and John Emburey, told against his chances of Test selection.

After retiring he remained in the game and served on the ECB's management committee. Acfield was also an Olympic fencer, taking part in the 1968 and 1972 Games, and also won a gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games.

Acfield attended Brentwood School, and graduated in history from Christ's College, Cambridge.