Denzil Batchelor

Denzil Batchelor

Denzil Stanley Batchelor (22 February 1906 – 6 September 1969) was a British journalist, writer, playwright and broadcaster. He reported on cricket and rugby union for several newspapers, including The Times, and at one time was the sports editor of the magazine Picture Post. He wrote books on a wide range of subjects, both sporting and non-sporting, but is chiefly remembered for those on cricket and boxing. He is also remembered for his work as a broadcaster, wine connoisseur and novelist.

He was born in Bombay, India, and was the son of Sir Stanley Batchelor, a High Court judge.

He was the secretary of the former cricketer C. B. Fry for several years, wrote a biography of him, helped Fry with his "autobiography" and was one of the few who could hold his own in conversation with him. At one time he held the position of Registrar of the Authors' Association. He was described as "the wittiest man in London".

He died from a heart attack in the autumn of 1969 while the Great Cricketers anthology, which he edited, was still in the press. Batchelor is buried in Gunnersbury Cemetery, London.