Eric Russell was a tall, classy, elegant opening batsman blessed with a delicate touch which enabled him to excel at the late cut and the leg glance. That correctness also applied to his appearance, and he was always well turned-out with his sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms. In many ways he was the natural successor at the top of the Middlesex order to Jack Robertson. His opportunities were limited by the presence of other openers, most notably Geoff Boycott and John Edrich. In his fourth Test, against Australia at Brisbane, he broke through with a gutsy 70, but immediately suffered a succession of injuries. He made six more appearances in the next two years without establishing himself. After leaving Middlesex he spent two seasons playing for Berkshire. In later years he was instrumental in developing the ground at Shenley into a prestigious cricket venue.
Martin Williamson