Born at Wakefield, Yorkshire on 18th December 1933, Donald Bennett had lived in Middlesex since 1940 and attended Ashford County Grammar School, so as to retain his residential qualification for the county.
A right-handed middle-order batsman and right-arm fast medium bowler he represented the county on 392 occasions between 1950 and 1968. He accumulated 10,274 runs (av. 21.85) with four centuries and a top score of 117 n.o. versus Yorkshire at Headingley in 1964 when he added 220 for the seventh wicket with J.T. Murray. He scored 1,000 runs in a season twice with a best of 1,144. As a strike bowler, he bagged 748 wickets (av. 26.45) with a best performance of 7 for 47 and he held 156 catches.
A noted soccer player he represented Arsenal and Coventry City. After retiring in 1968, he became an invaluable member of the Middlesex staff as county coach and was responsible for the 1st XI for 29 seasons until his retirement in 1997.
In retirement, he became Chairman of the Cricket Committee, a member of the General Committee and a founder member of the Executive Board. He served as President (2005-2007) and is also a life Vice President of the Club .
