CRICKET MAGAZINE

THE 1882 SEASON

Volume I, Number 5: Thursday, June 8, 1882

CORRESPONDENCE

GENTLEMEN v AUSTRALIA

SIR,. As the above will be the Gala Match of the season, and as the Club have let seats for the three days (very properly) at high prices, would it not be well to provide for a single-wicket match, five-a-side, to commence in the event of the match terminating early on Saturday?

Few cricketers have ever seen a match of this kind, as it is old-fashioned. I have seen them in the past, and have played in them; and as all hits, byes, &c., count as at double-wicket, they afford more scope for brilliant fielding and activity than the double-wicket game.

Yours obediently,
AN OLD BUFFER

SURREY COUNTY CRICKET

Why is it that we never see now playing for the county such cricketers as Messrs S H Akroyd, W H Game, S W Cattley and C C Clarke? The answer cannot be 'want of practice' or 'out of form', for I never pick up your paper or the Field without seeing large scores attached to their names. Of course their runs are constantly made against very inferior bowling, but for all that their fielding ought to secure them, one and all, a place in the county eleven, and I sincerely hope that the Match Committee will use their best endeavours to secure the services of some of these gentlemen in the ensuing matches v Gloucester, Kent, Sussex &c.

I think also it would greatly add to the strength of the county if Mr A P Lucas (to my mind the best all-round cricketer in the world) could be persuaded to devote a little more of his time to his county's interests. Why should he prefer to play v Oxford University, when Surrey and Nottingham are opposed to each other, I fail to see. But doubtless he has some good reason for so unpatriotic a performance.

To conclude, let me heartily congratulate the Match Committee on their selecting 'Jones' to play for the county again. If I mistake not he has been on the shelf, and seems, like good wine, to have improved with keeping. In him the county of Surrey has a worthy successor to Southerton, and I think most cricketers will agree with me when I say that I can pay Jones no higher compliment.

I must apologise for the length of my letter; my only excuse for troubling you at all this way is my intense anxiety to see Surrey once more come to the fore in county cricket.

I remain yours truly,
A SURREY VETERAN

THE SCORE BOOK

SURREY v MIDDLESEX

Surrey had an advantage of 79 runs on the first innings, and it was only through their mistakes in the field that Middlesex were able to save a follow-on by one run. For the first time for some years the authorities at The Oval had a Saturday afternoon, but it was evident that the public did not expect such a close finish, and the attendance was only small.

Middlesex had 282 to get to win when they went in on Friday night, and until the last everything went in their favour. Mr A J Webbe, as he always does, played very fine cricket to win the match, and Mr Scott's 126 was an excellent display of patient batting. He never took a liberty until the stroke which got him out; but he was twice missed, once a rather difficult chance to Maurice Read from Barratt, the other an easy catch by Mr Lucas off his own bowling.

Until Mr Scott's dismissal a victory for Middlesex seemed certain, and just before he got out there were only 28 runs to get with six wickets to fall. Then came the collapse, and as Capt Borrowes, Mr Robertson and Henery were all three caught by Abel at short-slip for an addition of two runs, Surrey won a good match by only 25 runs.

Messrs Colman and Powell both made their first appearance in a County match at The Oval, and each made a creditable debut with the bat. The former hit freely and well in the first, and in the second Mr Powell, the Charterhouse captain of 1880, played steady and really good cricket after he was missed at mid-off. The wicket was exceedingly easy from first to last, and three of the four innings exceeded 200 runs.

Jones's bowling was extraordinarily straight throughout, but Burton and Barratt were the most successful, and the latter, who took twelve Middlesex wickets, has not bowled better for a long time.

AUSTRALIANS v LANCASHIRE

Rain came down heavily soon after the last ball, so that the deciding hit was only made just in time, but the victory was a very creditable one, and better all-round cricket in all probability will not be seen at Old Trafford this year.

Spofforth, who had not been at all successful during his previous attempts as a bowler with this team, showed that he will yet be very troublesome if his powers are not overtaxed, and in all he took twelve Lancashire wickets at an average expense of a little over thirteen runs, a good performance; otherwise the Australians' bowling presented no remarkable features, Palmer's four wickets costing 126 runs.

Barlow added another to his many extraordinary displays of patient batting in the second innings, and his feat in going in first and carrying out his bat was a fitting accompaniment to the other remarkable incidents of an eventful week. His 66 not out were got without a fault, and a collection of fifteen pounds was made on his behalf. This is the first occasion on which such a feat has been recorded this year in a good match.

The weather was in no way pleasant throughout, but the spectators mustered in great numbers, as they do now at every match at Manchester, and in the three days it is computed that as many as 35,000 persons were present. Crossland's analysis of seven wickets for 63 runs was the best on the Lancashire side.

YORKSHIRE v DERBYSHIRE

THE OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE MATCH

To a certain extent the preponderance in favour of Oxford during what may be termed the overture to the season proper was fully justified. In the matter of old choices Oxford had decidedly the advantage. It is true that they lost the three most valuable members of the victorious eleven of 1881 in W H Patterson, A H Trevor and A H Evans. It was to this trio that the Oxonians mainly owed their success last season. But these were their only losses, and besides the eight old players left, there was another reserve of undoubted capacity who would have figured in the eleven of 1881 but for illness.

On the other hand, with the exception of the three brothers Studd, there was only one other left of the Cambridge eleven which figured at Lord's last year, and that one a player who could hardly be called first-rate. University cricket has always been such a delicate subject to handle, that one might have expected the analysts whose business it is to test every particle of its composition to have been more than usually cautious in giving a definite opinion at such an early stage of the proceedings. It is needless for us to recall the surprise which marked the contest of 1881, and it is quite within the bounds of probability that another may be in store for those who still adhere to the belief that Oxford will have an easy victory.

It is not our intention to enter here into any comparison of the merits of the twenty-two players who are to form the two elevens. A critical article of this kind from the pen of a gentleman who has had the opportunity of practically testing the bowling, at least, both at Oxford and Cambridge will appear in due course.

As far as can be seen at present, the match presents a much more open appearance than was generally imagined a few weeks ago. The very creditable victory of Cambridge over the Australians, following, as it did, so quickly on another success over the champion county of 1881, will have, no doubt, caused a considerable reaction in public opinion.

Unstinted praise is justly due of the Cantabs for their brilliant performance, but a comparison derived from one match has always been fallacious. At Cambridge there are no three better amateur batsmen than the brothers Studd; but one of them was last year altogether unsuccessful in London, and the last few wickets do not give one the impression of being very difficult to get.

In C F Leslie Oxford has a bat to pit against C T Studd, and, if anything, taking the eleven throughout, in batting Oxford would appear to have a slight advantage. In bowling Cambridge has beyond a doubt two slow bowlers much above the average in Messrs C T Studd and R C Ramsay, and the latter has proved so successful as to warrant a feeling of surprise that he was not tried in previous years.

Home form, though, has often proved most unreliable in connection with these inter-University matches, and it will be well to await the appearance of the two elevens in London before a satisfactory estimate can be given of their respective chances for the meeting at Lord's on the 26th of this month.

PAVILION GOSSIP

***These were all given in the last number of "CRICKET", but the best of them pales before the brilliance of such a performance as that of Barnes and Midwinter at Lord's on Thursday and Friday last. [Note: This refers to the match between Leicestershire (152 and 164) against M.C.C. (546 . Barnes 266, Midwinter 187, in a match not of first-class status as Leicestershire were still a minor county.]

When Messrs B B Cooper and W G Grace, thirteen years ago, made 283 runs while they were together for the Gentlemen against the Players of the South at The Oval, it was a performance without a parallel. Since that time, such a feat has been regarded as almost outside the bounds of probability; but on Friday last, when Barnes was at last dismissed by the Leicestershire bowlers, it was found that Midwinter and he had raised the score of Marylebone Club and Ground from 19 for two to 473 for three wickets. So that the two batsmen had, during their stay, added as many as 454 runs.

Much has been written on this extraordinary achievement, and many conflicting statements have been made with regard to the best performance of the same kind previously. A correspondent in the Echo accredits the late G F Grace and I D Walker with having contributed 368 for the Gentlemen of the South against the Gentlemen of the North at Beeston in 1870. There are many who will still remember that memorable match, when 1114 runs were got for 31 wickets.

It is correct that 368 runs were made by Messrs G F Grace (189) and I D Walker (179), but, as a matter of fact, they were only together while 288 runs were got. "Mr I D Walker (I quote from Wisden's Almanack) went in two wickets down with the score at 14 . he was fourth out, with the score at 424. Mr G F Grace went in when his brother went out, i.e. at three wickets down for 136." Ergo Messrs Grace and Walker raised the score from 136 to 424, or 268 while together.

In 1869 Messrs W G Grace and B B Cooper put on 288 runs for the first wicket of the Gentlemen of the South. In February last, for New South Wales against Victoria, Murdoch and Jones, two members of the Australian team now starring here, put on 245 runs during their partnership. Are these the best previous performances? Perhaps somebody will oblige.

***The highest individual score of the year . Mr F M Lucas's 302 for Horsham v Storrington on Saturday last.

***I learn on the very best authority that, by the end of this month, Mr A F J Ford, the well-known Middlesex cricketer, will be installed as one of the masters at Merchant Taylors' School. Cricket has of late years languished on the old green whereon Carthusians used to disport themselves, but, with the example of such a good all-round player as Mr Ford, it is to be hoped that the Merchant Taylors' Eleven will soon show a marked improvement. By the way, talking of Mr Ford, that was an extraordinary piece of bowling of his at Devonshire Park on Saturday last. Five wickets all clean bowled in an over! How's that for high?

***"Quem Deus vult perdere priu dementat." The quotation occurs to me as I think of the peculiar vagaries of the Surrey Eleven. What is the spirit of madness that invariably seizes them systematically to throw away every chance when victory seems certain? But for mistakes in the field, the Australians must have followed on a fortnight ago at The Oval and Surrey might have won. But for mistakes, and so many of them on Saturday!

I forget, Surrey did pull through after all. It was a narrow squeak, though, and there was still the reflection of how much easier the victory would have been had even the easy catches been all taken.

***What is the longest odds against Jones . the boy Jones, I mean . being chosen to help the Players against the Gentlemen? I can picture the serene smile of complete satisfaction that will light up F G's good-humoured face if such a consummation take place. It will be a great day for the 'county of Mitcham'. But perhaps I am premature . "We must dissemble."

***The very creditable victory of Cambridge over the Australians last week has materially interfered with the books of the knowing persons who were rash enough to predict that the Cantabs would be very much weaker than they had been for many years. The three Studds may possibly alter the course of the game, but still Oxford seem to be the more even eleven in batting, if the bowling on the whole is not exceptionally good.

Cambridge has certainly one very dangerous bowler in Mr R C Ramsay, who will be remembered as one of the Harrow Eleven of 1879. He was then a fast round-arm bowler, but now affects slow round twisters, and has a tremendous break across from leg. I am told that his bowling does quite as much as Mr A H Stratford's crawling delivery, but he keeps the ball much lower, and, as the Australians found, he is generally not easy to score from.

***I am glad to learn from no less an authority than the 'only sporting daily' that the captains of the Middlesex and Surrey teams determined on a new departure last Friday in county cricket at The Oval. There have been so many complaints about the late hour at which the game is commenced on most county grounds that it is refreshing to learn from this always reliable journal that 'Captain Borrowes and Mr Scott resumed batting in the first innings of Middlesex on Friday morning at ten minutes past nine o'clock." I was not there at the hour myself, but this is as it should be.

Talking of early commencements, I believe it is Pooley's intention on the occasion of his benefit next year to confine the fixture to two days (Friday and Saturday) instead of three, and begin at eleven o'clock each day. By that means he will at least be sure of one great supporter . a Saturday afternoon.

***It was, unless my memory deceives me, a maxim of the great Tallyrand that language was given to conceal thoughts. There are writers who carry out the policy of that astute master of diplomacy to the letter. What on earth does the following paragraph, which appeared in Tuesday's sporting daily anent the 'Cricket Scandal', mean?

"A Sheffield correspondent has authority for making a statement which destroys the last vestige of suspicion relative to the action of certain of the English cricketers in Australia. There was a fight between two members of the team, but it had its origin solely in a private family quarrel, and Ulyett took the honourable part of peace-maker. This explanation would have been frankly made before but for the delicate issues involved."

I will defy anyone to explain the final sentence of this mysterious 'par'. Sir Charles Dilke himself could hardly have puzzled one of the numerous gentlemen in the House, who always 'want to know, you know,' more completely than I have been worried over this riddles. The fact still remains, whatever may be said to the contrary, that the official explanation, which Lord Harris asked for to clear the team of an unpleasant charge, has not yet been forthcoming. Why it is still absent is best known to the members of the party. It certainly is difficult to explain why when a denial of the rumour, such as has been asked, could be so readily given, no on is sufficiently jealous of the reputation of the team to see to its publication.

***The victory of the Australians over Lancashire was a creditable one, though it may be said that the game throughout reflected credit on both sides. The County eleven made a plucky fight after following on, but the Australians had to win in the worst of lights, and they are to be thoroughly congratulated on their success. Spofforth, for the first time since his arrival, bowled in his old form, and we shall be curious to see how the Australian bowling comes off against the strong batting side which will represent the Gentlemen on the 22nd inst.

I learn that the following ten will all play. Messrs W G Grace, Hornby, A G Steel, A P Lucas, W W Read, C T Studd, G B Studd, C F Leslie, E F S Tylecote and A H Evans. If so, the Colonials will have a hard nut to crack.

***As I foretold, it is now almost settled that the match at Lord's, on July 10, will be altered from M.C.C. and Ground to England v the Australians. The only fixture that would interfere with the selection of a representative eleven of England was that between Surrey and Yorkshire, at Sheffield. It was hardly likely, as I said, that these counties would be indisposed to alter their fixture, and I believe that the change now only wants the consent of the Yorkshire Committee.

THE SCORE BOOK (continued)

MIDDLESEX v GLOUCESTERSHIRE

A high wind prevailed on the first day, making the Gloucestershire bowling, particularly Mr W G Grace's high delivery, rather difficult, and it was only the fine hitting of the Cambridge Captain that enabled Middlesex to make the creditable total of 213. But for the bad fielding of some of the Gloucestershire team, this sum might have been reduced. Mr G B Studd was missed not long before the close of his innings, and Messrs Robson and Borrowes both gave easy chances before they were out.

The western team only made a poor show on Monday against the bowling of Mr Ford and Burton. Mr Vizard batted freely for his 33, but of the rest Messrs Greene and Pullen alone got double figures, and the two Middlesex bowlers were unchanged, Burton taking six wickets for 29 runs.

Heavy rain prevented a resumption on Tuesday until four o'clock, but the three hours left were more than sufficient to admit of the completion of the game. Mr Gilbert scored 31 out of 37 while in by seven fours, a two and a single, but the unfortunate run-out of Mr W G Grace, who was unable to regain his wicket after calling Midwinter for a short run, settled the last chance of Gloucestershire.

Messrs I D Walker and Webbe went in to get 10 runs, and the former got them all from ten balls. Middlesex won by ten wickets. Mr Ford, in the two innings, caught seven batsmen at short-slip.

AUSTRALIANS v YORKSHIRE

At one time it looked as if the Colonial team were only to make a very small score against the bowling of Peate and Bates. Five wickets were down for only 30 runs, but Murdoch as usual took a lot of getting out on the slow wicket; and some useful cricket was shown towards the close of the innings by Bonnor and Boyle, so that the last five wickets added 98 runs.

Yorkshire made a bad start with Ulyett bowled off his pads from Spofforth's first ball; but Lockwood, despite his recent indisposition, effectively changed the aspect of the game, and on Tuesday night, chiefly owing to his excellent score of 44 not out, Yorkshire was only 28 behind with six wickets to fall.

The match yesterday ended in a draw, Yorkshire losing three wickets in the second innings for 30 runs.

SUSSEX v DERBYSHIRE

Lillywhite took seven Derbyshire wickets for 102 runs, and Juniper nine for 150. Mr C A Smith, of last year's Charterhouse eleven, who has been tried more than once for the Cambridge team, was very expensive, his 33 overs costing 78 runs for a wicket. The fielding, too, was unreliable, and Messrs Shuker and Docker were both missed, the latter twice.

Mr Greenfield, who played such good cricket against the Australians, failed to score in either innings, and the only good cricket shown for Sussex was by Mr Trevor, who got 61 and 63 each time without a mistake. After following on in a minority of 101, Sussex were nineteen runs to the good with five wickets to fall when play ceased on Tuesday night. Yesterday the play was very exciting, and after a fine finish, Sussex won by only three runs.