Arnold Dyson still holds the record for 305 consecutive appearances in Championship cricket between 1930 and 1947.
During this remarkable period of unbroken appearances, the steady opening batsman formed productive partnerships with initially Eddie Bates, and subsequently with Emrys Davies. Indeed, the Dyson-Davies combination is still amongst the most successful in the Welsh county`s history with the pair sharing 32 century partnerships.
The right-handed batsman and occasional wicket-keeper had moved from his native Yorkshire to South Wales during the mid-1920`s after having failed to secure a place on the county`s staff. Arnold subsequently qualified for the Welsh county by playing in the South Wales and Monmouthshire League for Neath CC before making his Championship debut during 1927.
His neat batting style and agile fielding soon won Arnold a regular place in the Glamorgan side, and he quickly developed into one of the most reliable opening batsmen on the county circuit, hitting a career best double century against Surrey in 1932. Whilst Arnold could always be relied upon to play the sheet anchor role in Glamorgan’s batting, he could also be a fast scorer, as indicated by a century before lunch against Kent in 1937.
He took a well-earned Benefit in 1939, followed by a Testimonial during the Championship winning season of 1948, during which he made his final appearance for his adopted county. After retiring, Arnold coached for many years at Oundle School.
DYSON, Arnold Herbert
Born – Halifax, 10th July 1905.
Died – Goldsborough, 7th June 1978.
Best performances for Glamorgan:
In first-class cricket – 208 v Surrey at The Oval, 1932; 1/9 v Lancashire at Old Trafford, 1938.
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| First-class | 412 | 696 | 37 | 17920 | 27.19 | 24 | 92 | 243 | 1 |
| Balls | M | R | W | AV | 5wI | 10wM | |
| First-class | 195 | 2 | 160 | 1 | 160.00 | – | – |