Edward Paynter (5 November 1901 – 5 February 1979) was an English cricketer: an attacking batsman and excellent fielder. Among batsmen with at least ten Test dismissals, his batting average of 59.23 is the eighth highest ever; among batsmen with at least 25 Test dismissals, his average is the fifth highest ever, second only to Herbert Sutcliffe amongst Englishmen. Against Australia alone Paynter averaged an extraordinary 84.42.
Born in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, Paynter did not make his first-class debut for Lancashire County Cricket Club until the relatively advanced age of 24 in July 1926.