Sheppard, David Stuart (1929–2005)

English cricketer and cleric. He first achieved prominence as an outstanding cricketer, winning a blue at Cambridge University and playing for England while still an undergraduate in 1950. He played in 22 Test matches before his retirement in 1963, and captained England in 1954. He played for Sussex 1947–62. He was ordained into the Church of England in 1955 and spent most of his early ministry in inner London, as assistant curate at Islington 1955–57 and as warden of the Mayflower Family Centre in Canning Town 1957–69. He succeeded John Robinson as suffragan (assistant) bishop of Woolwich in 1969, and in 1975 was appointed bishop of Liverpool.

Career highlights

Test cricket (1950–63) appearances: 22; runs: 1,172; average: 37.80; not out: 2; 100s: 3; best: 119 (v. India 1952); catches: 12

All first-class cricket (1947–63) appearances: 230; runs: 15,838; average: 43.51; not out: 31; 100s: 45; best: 239 not out (v. Worcestershire 1952); catches: 194

Awards

Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1953

Sheppard was educated at Sherborne School and Trinity Hall, Cambridge University. His publications include Parson's Pitch (1964) and Built as a City (1974).