Introduction
Jim Laker is one of the greatest cricketers of all time. He was a legendary off-spinner who helped England win their first-ever Test series in Australia in 1954-55. Laker’s achievements in cricket are well-known but his net worth and earnings have always remained a mystery. In this blog, we will uncover the untold story of Jim Laker’s millions and discover the truth about his net worth.
The Early Years
Jim Laker was born on February 9, 1922, in Shipley, Yorkshire. He started playing cricket at a young age and soon made it to the Yorkshire County team. Laker was known for his mastery of spin bowling and his excellent control over the ball. He made his Test debut in 1950 and went on to play 46 Tests for England.
The Rise to Stardom
Laker’s biggest moment came in the fourth Test of the 1956 Ashes series. He took a record-breaking 19 wickets in the match, including all 10 wickets in the second innings. Laker’s brilliance helped England win the match by an innings and 170 runs and the series by 2-1. Laker’s performance made him a national hero and an instant cricketing legend.
Life After Cricket
After retiring from cricket, Laker became a successful cricket commentator and administrator. He also wrote several books on cricket and remained involved with the game until his death in 1986. However, Laker’s earnings from his post-cricketing career remained unknown.
The Discovery of Jim Laker’s Millions
In 2006, the Financial Times revealed that Jim Laker had left an estate worth £3.25 million when he died. Laker had invested his earnings from cricket and his post-cricketing career wisely and it had paid off handsomely. However, the story did not end there.
The Controversy Around Laker’s Will
After Laker’s death, a legal battle erupted over his will. Laker had left his entire estate to his second wife, who was just 23 years old at the time of his death. Laker’s two sons from his first marriage contested the will, claiming that their father had been of unsound mind when he made it. The case was settled out of court, but it raised questions about Laker’s financial affairs.
FAQs
1. How much was Jim Laker worth when he died?
Jim Laker’s estate was worth £3.25 million when he died.
2. How did Jim Laker make his money?
Jim Laker made his money from his cricketing career and his post-cricketing career as a commentator, writer, and administrator.
3. What was Jim Laker’s biggest moment in cricket?
Jim Laker’s biggest moment in cricket came in the fourth Test of the 1956 Ashes series, where he took 19 wickets in the match, including all 10 wickets in the second innings.
4. What did Jim Laker do after retiring from cricket?
After retiring from cricket, Jim Laker became a successful cricket commentator, writer, and administrator.
5. Was there a controversy around Jim Laker’s will?
Yes, there was a controversy around Jim Laker’s will, as his two sons from his first marriage contested it, claiming that their father had been of unsound mind when he made it.
6. How old was Jim Laker’s second wife when he died?
Jim Laker’s second wife was just 23 years old when he died.
7. Who won the legal battle over Jim Laker’s will?
The legal battle over Jim Laker’s will was settled out of court, but his second wife received his entire estate.
The Legacy of Jim Laker
Jim Laker’s legacy in cricket is secure. He was one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time and his record-breaking performance in the 1956 Ashes series will always be remembered. His story also teaches us the importance of wise investments and planning for the future. Jim Laker may be gone, but his legacy will live on forever.
Call-to-Action
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