Graham Atkinson: Teenage prodigy who became the youngest Somerset cricketer to score 2,000 runs in a season

He was also a talented but under-used spin bowler, and in addition had 188 catches to his name

Atkinson: when only a one-year contract was offered, he moved on to join Lancashire

Graham Atkinson was that rare jewel: a teenage cricketing prodigy who matured into one of the foremost batsmen of his generation. Breaking countless records while serving Somerset cricket with unswerving devotion for 13 seasons, he later moved north to Lancashire. For many learned observers, he would be the finest captain that Taunton never had.

Atkinson's talents – he was born in Wakefield – were first spotted by Somerset's Yorkshire leg spinner, Johnny Lawrence. Persuaded to try his luck in Taunton aged 16, he made his first class debut for Somerset against the Pakistani tourists in June, 1954. Two years of heavy scoring for both the RAF and Combined Services merely served to underline his prodigious talents.

In terms of technique and temperament, Atkinson proved the perfect opening batsman. Right-handed, well-organised, stylish, consistent and often under-praised, he shaped every innings with meticulous care and patience. Very much an on-side player, he was perhaps at his best on hard wickets against opening bowlers in full flight, when he could hit the ball on the rise.

In 1958, when he was on leave from the RAF, the first of his 21 centuries – 164 against Warwickshire at Taunton – brought him his county cap. In 1961, aged 23, now playing full-time, he became the youngest Somerset cricketer to score 2,000 runs in a season, a feat he repeated the following year.

Initially part of the Somerset middle order, Atkinson later formed a prolific opening partnership with Roy Virgin. In 1960, against Glamorgan at Bath, together with Peter Wight he put on 300 for the third wicket, Atkinson scoring 190 in a new Somerset record. The following year, against Sussex at Eastbourne, they added 144 in 66 minutes, their last 50 coming up in 15 minutes.

Perhaps never quite fashionable enough for loftier recognition, in 1966 Atkinson was disappointed to be offered only a one-year contract by Somerset, on terms that were perhaps less than generous. Passed over also for the captaincy, he felt that he deserved better. So in 1967 he moved to Old Trafford, where for a further three seasons he remained an assiduous accumulator of runs.

In 347 appearances Atkinson made 17,654 runs at an average of 31.13; his highest score was 190 against Glamorgan at Bath in 1960. He was a talented but under-used spin bowler, his best return being 4 for 63 against Hampshire at Taunton in that same season. A whole-hearted and committed team player, he also had 188 catches to his name. Stepping down to support the Lancashire Second XI in 1970, Atkinson then moved into local league cricket with Crompton and Lowerhouse. He later served as secretary/coach at Salford rugby league club. A return to the West Country brought his rich life full circle.

Graham Atkinson, cricketer: born Lofthouse, Wakefield 29 March 1933; died Bath 12 November 2015.