7 England players who were called up as replacements during an Ashes series

Brian Statham got his chance in 1950-51 and impressed one and all

Brian Statham (1950-51)

Freddie Brown was named the captain for England's tour of Australia in 1950-51 as both Norman Yardley and George Mann were unavailable. It was a bizarre squad that was selected to head Down Under. Six of the seven specialist batsmen were openers and half a dozen were under the age of 25 as well.

In January, two extras flew out, Roy Tattersall and Brian Statham. When Trevor Bailey fractured a thumb, a replacement was required. Fellow Lancastrian Cyril Washbrook recommended Statham who then had to fly from chilly Lancashire to the sweltering heat in Adelaide.

Bailey missed the Adelaide Test but Statham was not asked to play. He played a few FC matches before making his debut in New Zealand. He impressed one and all with his never-ending stamina and discipline, going on to become one of England's best fast bowlers.

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Roy Tattersall (1950-51)

Tattersall was flown out to Australia when Doug Wright pulled a groin muscle. The injury though wasn't that serious and both Wright and Tattersall played in the last two Test matches. Tattersall picked up four wickets in Adelaide but couldn't stop Australia from taking a 4-0 lead in the series.

Then, in the final match of the series in Melbourne, Tattersall played a role in England's famous win. He didn't pick any wickets but scored some very vital runs, batting at number eleven in the first innings. Reg Simpson was batting on 92 when Tattersall joined him in the middle. He somehow survived the over so that his partner could hit a four, two and three to complete a remarkable century. They went on to add 74 for the last wicket with Tattersall scoring 10 of them.