capt_Luffy
Hall of Fame Member
This thread belongs to you. You have put wayyyyy too much effort for someone else to just chime in.
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Determining player of the match/series for historic tests
- Thread starter Coronis
- Start date
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
But yeah like I said I’ll probably take it on a case by case basis, it won’t be a hard and fast rule. e.g A test like this wouldn’t have one (though giving it to Sutcliffe would be funny. But say something like someone bowls a team out for a low total or scores a nice ton with nobody else able to make runs, sure I’d give it to them.
Note: Can’t go back and edit that post now but in my head at least, that player of the match has been rescinded for MacLaren and Jackson. (sorry chaps)
In those days the run-ups were uncovered. At the start of play the ground was too wet for a fast bowler to run up.
According to Jessop: "It was in the Selection Room that the Rubber was lost". The team for the first two Tests was later described as England's strongest ever. But before the series was out, Ranji, Fry, Jessop, Hirst and Lockwood had all been dropped at some stage, while Barnes had also come and gone.
Lord Hawke was an odd Chairman of Selectors given that he always considered County cricket more important than Tests. It was hoped that as chairman he might be more willing to release his own Yorkshire players, and that the press would be less likely to accuse the selectors of southern bias. Before 1899 the county hosting the Test match picked the team, and there were suspicions they sometimes picked local favourites with an eye on gate receipts.
But the new system of a central three-man panel plus the captain and co-opted amateurs was beset by clashing egos, inter-county rivalry and general in-fighting. Given the strength of English cricket at the time, the hosts should not have lost a home series during such a wet summer. Having said that, Warwick Armstrong reckoned the Australian team that year was much more formidable than the famous one he led in 1921.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
Yeah some very sad stuff reading about how players were unavailable due to county obligations in the reports. Made sense to some back then but looks awful looking back these days.
Although the County Championship only became official in 1890, the press had been naming champions since 1827. There was a lot of history and massive interest. Trumper was offered a lot of money by a couple of counties after his great year in 1902. To the relief of those promoting the international game, he declined the offers.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
England in South Africa 1905/06
First Test: Dave Nourse 18*, 2/7, 93*
South Africa’s first test win was certainly a tight one. England set South Africa a target of 284 in the final innings, with Crawford having two decent 40’s and Lees a nice 5’fer. With South Africa out for under 100 and the Englishmen previously not cracking 200 in either innings, the odds were heavily against them. They were down to 105/6 when the well set Gordon White found a willing partner in Dave Nourse. When White was out for a great 81 the score only stood at 7/226 and the next two wickets fell cheaply and quickly. Sherwell however stuck around with Nourse, and hit the winning runs as South Africa won by one wicket. The final partnership of 48 taking just half an hour (~63 balls).
Second Test: Jimmy Sinclair 3/35, 66, 2/36
The Englishmen never recovered from a poor first innings, a great team effort from South Africa as they fell for 148. Led by Sinclair’s brilliant 66 the South Africans took a lead of 129 into the 3rd innings, some more quality bowling with only resistance from Fane left them with only 32 to chase, which they did so for the loss of one wicket.
Third Test: Tip Snooke 29, 4/57, 8/70
The first high scoring match of the series as South Africa made 385, with Hathorn leading the way with 102, supported by White and Nourse, with everyone making double figures. Fane was once again the standout for England with 143 but the rest of England didn’t have much else going on as they fell for 295. White with 147 supported by Tancred and Nourse’s 50’s and Sinclair’s 48 made it to 349/5 before declaring. Snooke demolished England’s batting, as they fell 244 runs short of their target.
Fourth Test: Colin Blythe 6/68, 27, 5/50
England finally struck back as after 3 tests at Wanderers they moved over to Cape Town. Despite Blythe’s bowling in the first innings, South Africa took a lead of 20 into the 3rd innings. Lees and Blythe destroyed South Africa then though, with White the only one to offer any resistance with a 73 out of 138. Set a target of 159, England made it with four wickets to spare, with Fane again leading the way with 66.
Fifth Test: Bert Vogler 2/63, 62*, 1/17
South Africa again bowled well, especially Sinclair (4/45) as Crawford put up a 74 run resistance as England made just 187. The game looked even as South Africa were down to 87/5, but South Africa’s lower order dominated, the last 5 wickets putting up almost 250 runs, led by Snooke and Vogler’s 60’s. Nourse and Schwarz then took out England for just 130, as South Africa won by an innings and 16 runs.
Player of the Series: Dave Nourse 289 @ 48.17, 6 @ 12.83
Tough one here. The Englishmen were dominated taking a far from representative side to South Africa, and losing 4-1. Great batting throughout from Nourse and White, and great bowling from Schwarz, Sinclair and Snooke made it a real team effort. Just giving it to Nourse here, but a close one with great teamwork.
First Test: Dave Nourse 18*, 2/7, 93*
South Africa’s first test win was certainly a tight one. England set South Africa a target of 284 in the final innings, with Crawford having two decent 40’s and Lees a nice 5’fer. With South Africa out for under 100 and the Englishmen previously not cracking 200 in either innings, the odds were heavily against them. They were down to 105/6 when the well set Gordon White found a willing partner in Dave Nourse. When White was out for a great 81 the score only stood at 7/226 and the next two wickets fell cheaply and quickly. Sherwell however stuck around with Nourse, and hit the winning runs as South Africa won by one wicket. The final partnership of 48 taking just half an hour (~63 balls).
Second Test: Jimmy Sinclair 3/35, 66, 2/36
The Englishmen never recovered from a poor first innings, a great team effort from South Africa as they fell for 148. Led by Sinclair’s brilliant 66 the South Africans took a lead of 129 into the 3rd innings, some more quality bowling with only resistance from Fane left them with only 32 to chase, which they did so for the loss of one wicket.
Third Test: Tip Snooke 29, 4/57, 8/70
The first high scoring match of the series as South Africa made 385, with Hathorn leading the way with 102, supported by White and Nourse, with everyone making double figures. Fane was once again the standout for England with 143 but the rest of England didn’t have much else going on as they fell for 295. White with 147 supported by Tancred and Nourse’s 50’s and Sinclair’s 48 made it to 349/5 before declaring. Snooke demolished England’s batting, as they fell 244 runs short of their target.
Fourth Test: Colin Blythe 6/68, 27, 5/50
England finally struck back as after 3 tests at Wanderers they moved over to Cape Town. Despite Blythe’s bowling in the first innings, South Africa took a lead of 20 into the 3rd innings. Lees and Blythe destroyed South Africa then though, with White the only one to offer any resistance with a 73 out of 138. Set a target of 159, England made it with four wickets to spare, with Fane again leading the way with 66.
Fifth Test: Bert Vogler 2/63, 62*, 1/17
South Africa again bowled well, especially Sinclair (4/45) as Crawford put up a 74 run resistance as England made just 187. The game looked even as South Africa were down to 87/5, but South Africa’s lower order dominated, the last 5 wickets putting up almost 250 runs, led by Snooke and Vogler’s 60’s. Nourse and Schwarz then took out England for just 130, as South Africa won by an innings and 16 runs.
Player of the Series: Dave Nourse 289 @ 48.17, 6 @ 12.83
Tough one here. The Englishmen were dominated taking a far from representative side to South Africa, and losing 4-1. Great batting throughout from Nourse and White, and great bowling from Schwarz, Sinclair and Snooke made it a real team effort. Just giving it to Nourse here, but a close one with great teamwork.
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Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
South Africa in England 1907
First Test: Percy Sherwell 6, 115
A return series back in England proved quite a stark contrast. In the first innings, England racked up 428, a fine methodical century from Braund and a classic Jessop innings (93 from 63) being the highlights. Vogler had an excellent bowling effort in a 400+ total though, with 7/128. In response, South Africa almost totally collapsed. The partnership of 98 (of a 140 total) from Faulkner and Nourse saved the innings and perhaps the match, thojgh both were lucky early on. Following on Percy Sherwell played the innings of his life, a beautiful 115 that brought South Africa back into the game slightly. Still trailing by 103 with 3 wickets down at the end of the day, rain scuppered any chance of a result on the final day.
Second Test: Colin Blythe 8/59, 7/40
A soft wicket and rain throughout the match meant it was dominated by spinners. England made a decent start, being at 41/1 before Faulkner ripped the game open, taking 6/17 as they collapsed to 76. In response, South Africa managed 110, some valuable lower order batting pushing them over the edge. The finest innings of the match then came from Fry, with a splendid 54. Well supported by the top order, however on the morrow more rain had fallen and the Englishmen went from 110/4 to 162 all out. Blythe again bowled brilliantly and South Africa only managed 75, chasing 129, Faulkner trying to bat slowly and Sinclair aggressively, but both falling victim to him.
Third Test: C.B Fry 129
Fry absolutely mastered the difficult bowling on yet another difficult pitch throughout the match, finding some very good support from Foster and especially Lilley at the end of the innings to reach 295. Snooke was outstanding in South Africa’s reply, and at the start of Day 3 South Aftica were 149/5. Blythe however, after bowling poorly the previous day, turned it on and South Africa was out in half an hour. With a decent lead England was thought very safe, but the top order was gotten rid of quite quickly and Foster and Braund had to bat carefully. After their partnership was broken the batsmen were encouraged to force the pace, ultimately to no avail, falling for 138. South Africa were set 256 with under 3 hours remaining, and for a time it looked possible, with Faulkner and Sinclair hitting hard. Hirst then took out both of these and White, and a draw was inevitable, the final total being 159/5.
Player of the Series: Colin Blythe 26 wickets @ 10.38
Tempted to give it to Fry here, but Blythe won the only result driven match and was well clear of the other bowlers. A much more even series than the touring team taken to South Africa, but they’d proved they could compete with the English even on home soil.
First Test: Percy Sherwell 6, 115
A return series back in England proved quite a stark contrast. In the first innings, England racked up 428, a fine methodical century from Braund and a classic Jessop innings (93 from 63) being the highlights. Vogler had an excellent bowling effort in a 400+ total though, with 7/128. In response, South Africa almost totally collapsed. The partnership of 98 (of a 140 total) from Faulkner and Nourse saved the innings and perhaps the match, thojgh both were lucky early on. Following on Percy Sherwell played the innings of his life, a beautiful 115 that brought South Africa back into the game slightly. Still trailing by 103 with 3 wickets down at the end of the day, rain scuppered any chance of a result on the final day.
Second Test: Colin Blythe 8/59, 7/40
A soft wicket and rain throughout the match meant it was dominated by spinners. England made a decent start, being at 41/1 before Faulkner ripped the game open, taking 6/17 as they collapsed to 76. In response, South Africa managed 110, some valuable lower order batting pushing them over the edge. The finest innings of the match then came from Fry, with a splendid 54. Well supported by the top order, however on the morrow more rain had fallen and the Englishmen went from 110/4 to 162 all out. Blythe again bowled brilliantly and South Africa only managed 75, chasing 129, Faulkner trying to bat slowly and Sinclair aggressively, but both falling victim to him.
Third Test: C.B Fry 129
Fry absolutely mastered the difficult bowling on yet another difficult pitch throughout the match, finding some very good support from Foster and especially Lilley at the end of the innings to reach 295. Snooke was outstanding in South Africa’s reply, and at the start of Day 3 South Aftica were 149/5. Blythe however, after bowling poorly the previous day, turned it on and South Africa was out in half an hour. With a decent lead England was thought very safe, but the top order was gotten rid of quite quickly and Foster and Braund had to bat carefully. After their partnership was broken the batsmen were encouraged to force the pace, ultimately to no avail, falling for 138. South Africa were set 256 with under 3 hours remaining, and for a time it looked possible, with Faulkner and Sinclair hitting hard. Hirst then took out both of these and White, and a draw was inevitable, the final total being 159/5.
Player of the Series: Colin Blythe 26 wickets @ 10.38
Tempted to give it to Fry here, but Blythe won the only result driven match and was well clear of the other bowlers. A much more even series than the touring team taken to South Africa, but they’d proved they could compete with the English even on home soil.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
England in Australia 1907/08
First Test: Tibby Cotter 6/101, 2/101, 33*
Gunn played a brilliant innings for his 119, but many of the English struggled against the pace of Cotter as they made 273. In return, Australia spearheaded by Hill’s 87 were able to take a 27 run lead despite Fielder’s excellent bowling (6/82). Gunn again top scored, supported by Hardstaff as England made 300, setting Australia 274. Trumper, Macartney and Hill all fell early the Australians recovering to 63/3 before rain ended play prematurely. The wicket recovered well overnight, though it was felt the Englishmen should’ve bowled better. Despite slipping to 124/6, the Australians recovered thanks to some great lower order batting from Carter, Cotter and Hazlitt to take a 2 wicket victory.
Second Test: Sydney Barnes 5/72, 38*
Noble and Trumper led the Australians here, but on a good wicket Crawford especially bowled well and they were kept to just 266. Great batting from a debuting Hobbs (83) and a nice century from Braund (126) had Australia trailing by 116 runs. They fought back well though, with Trumper, Noble, Armstrong, Macartney and Carter all making 50’s as they set England a target of 282, Barnes taking out 3 of the half centurions himself. The English were at 196/5 with a nice 50 from Fane leading the way, before collapsing to 209/8. 73 runs to go and 2 wickets to fall, not much was given for their chances, but Barnes stuck it out with his highest test score, despite a very close run out on the winning run, which would have brought the first tied test forward half a century!
Third Test: Clem Hill 5, 160
The real flu game! Macartney with support from Ransford and Hartigan put out a modest total of 285, the Englishmen bowling quite well. England returned serve with 363, led by 60’s from Gunn, Hardstaff and Crawford. In the second innings, only Noble (65) offered any resistance as Australia fell to 180/7, before Hartigan and Hill came together with a partnership of 243. Hartigan on debut put together a nice century as did Hill, who had been suffering from influenza throughout the match, unable to field, a heroic effort. (it is worth noting both batsmen were dropped early on in their innings, Hill’s miss being noted as particularly bad). England were set 429 to win and never looked like getting it, England going down to 15/3, before a valiant stand by Braund and Hardstaff.
Interesting to note, Hobbs retired hurt (ball to the groin, don’t think they had cups then… oof) and came back in after the 6th wicket fell. He ended up 23*, would that count as carrying his bat?
Fourth Test: Jack Saunders 5/28, 4/76
On a perfect pitch, excellent bowling from Crawford and Fielder did extremely well to bowl out Australia for 214 on the first day. Unfortunately for England, it rained and they were smashed for 105, Hobbs showing his pedigree with a marvellous 57. Australia were down 49/3 at the close of the day, but unfortunately the next day was a rest day, and the wicket completely dried out, paving the way for Armstrong to hammer out a nice 133 with decent support from Carter. Chasing 495 was an unlikely task, but on a good wicket England should’ve done much better, Saunders noted to have bowled extremely well.
Fifth Test: Victor Trumper 10, 166
A hugely weather affected match. Rain had fallen leading up to the game, and Jones put the Australians in, Barnes ripping through them as they fell for 137. On an improving wicket, Hobbs and Gunn both scored fifties before the end of play. The next two days were frought with rain and England ended up with 281, Gunn’s beautiful 122* being the highlight of the innings. Trumper after a quiet series was at his brilliant best the next day, scoring a marvellous 166 as they turned the game around, setting England 280. More rain had fallen towards the end of the Aussie innings and England’s task looked impossible, especially after falling to 57/5. Some brilliant batting by Rhodes for his 69 gave them a half chance but there was also excellent bowling and they fell short by 50 runs.
Player of the Series: Jack Saunders 31 @ 23.10
Although a series with some strong individual batting performances, Saunders was a consistent factor in every match, and a driving force behind each of Australia’s wins.
First Test: Tibby Cotter 6/101, 2/101, 33*
Gunn played a brilliant innings for his 119, but many of the English struggled against the pace of Cotter as they made 273. In return, Australia spearheaded by Hill’s 87 were able to take a 27 run lead despite Fielder’s excellent bowling (6/82). Gunn again top scored, supported by Hardstaff as England made 300, setting Australia 274. Trumper, Macartney and Hill all fell early the Australians recovering to 63/3 before rain ended play prematurely. The wicket recovered well overnight, though it was felt the Englishmen should’ve bowled better. Despite slipping to 124/6, the Australians recovered thanks to some great lower order batting from Carter, Cotter and Hazlitt to take a 2 wicket victory.
Second Test: Sydney Barnes 5/72, 38*
Noble and Trumper led the Australians here, but on a good wicket Crawford especially bowled well and they were kept to just 266. Great batting from a debuting Hobbs (83) and a nice century from Braund (126) had Australia trailing by 116 runs. They fought back well though, with Trumper, Noble, Armstrong, Macartney and Carter all making 50’s as they set England a target of 282, Barnes taking out 3 of the half centurions himself. The English were at 196/5 with a nice 50 from Fane leading the way, before collapsing to 209/8. 73 runs to go and 2 wickets to fall, not much was given for their chances, but Barnes stuck it out with his highest test score, despite a very close run out on the winning run, which would have brought the first tied test forward half a century!
Third Test: Clem Hill 5, 160
The real flu game! Macartney with support from Ransford and Hartigan put out a modest total of 285, the Englishmen bowling quite well. England returned serve with 363, led by 60’s from Gunn, Hardstaff and Crawford. In the second innings, only Noble (65) offered any resistance as Australia fell to 180/7, before Hartigan and Hill came together with a partnership of 243. Hartigan on debut put together a nice century as did Hill, who had been suffering from influenza throughout the match, unable to field, a heroic effort. (it is worth noting both batsmen were dropped early on in their innings, Hill’s miss being noted as particularly bad). England were set 429 to win and never looked like getting it, England going down to 15/3, before a valiant stand by Braund and Hardstaff.
Interesting to note, Hobbs retired hurt (ball to the groin, don’t think they had cups then… oof) and came back in after the 6th wicket fell. He ended up 23*, would that count as carrying his bat?
Fourth Test: Jack Saunders 5/28, 4/76
On a perfect pitch, excellent bowling from Crawford and Fielder did extremely well to bowl out Australia for 214 on the first day. Unfortunately for England, it rained and they were smashed for 105, Hobbs showing his pedigree with a marvellous 57. Australia were down 49/3 at the close of the day, but unfortunately the next day was a rest day, and the wicket completely dried out, paving the way for Armstrong to hammer out a nice 133 with decent support from Carter. Chasing 495 was an unlikely task, but on a good wicket England should’ve done much better, Saunders noted to have bowled extremely well.
Fifth Test: Victor Trumper 10, 166
A hugely weather affected match. Rain had fallen leading up to the game, and Jones put the Australians in, Barnes ripping through them as they fell for 137. On an improving wicket, Hobbs and Gunn both scored fifties before the end of play. The next two days were frought with rain and England ended up with 281, Gunn’s beautiful 122* being the highlight of the innings. Trumper after a quiet series was at his brilliant best the next day, scoring a marvellous 166 as they turned the game around, setting England 280. More rain had fallen towards the end of the Aussie innings and England’s task looked impossible, especially after falling to 57/5. Some brilliant batting by Rhodes for his 69 gave them a half chance but there was also excellent bowling and they fell short by 50 runs.
Player of the Series: Jack Saunders 31 @ 23.10
Although a series with some strong individual batting performances, Saunders was a consistent factor in every match, and a driving force behind each of Australia’s wins.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
1909 Australia in England
First Test: George Hirst 4/28, 5/58 Colin Blythe 6/44, 5/58 (shared)
Just over 10 overs were possible on the first day due to rain and the Australians were down to 22/2. On the second day, nobody had an answer on the rain affected wicket for Hirst and Blythe. With the Australians all out for 74, England reached 61/3 before Armstrong broke through, taking 5/27 as England fell to 151. On an improving wicket, the Aussies lost their openers quickly, but Ransford and Gregory played exceedingly well, and continued to do so the next morning, despite rain falling overnight the sicket had turned out quite decently. However once that partnership was broken at 97, Australia could only muster up 151. Hobbs and Fry steered England to the 105 total with 0 wickets lost, Hobbs looking imperious whilst Fry didn’t get his eye in til right near the end.
Second Test: Vernon Ransford 143*, Warwick Armstrong 6/35
Blunders from the selection committee dogged England this match, but they put in a solid effort on wicket that was to improve as the game went on, making 269 with Tyldesley, King and Lilley being the major contributors, with unspectacular bowling from Australia. Coming in at 90/3 after Bardsley had already gotten out with the second highest score, Ransford carried the team to their 350 total, with a splendid innings, despite giving a few chances. Though the wicket was in such good nick that England was considered to easily be able to save the game, Armstrong was in even finer nick, taking his best test figures and taking any chance of a draw out of England’s hands. At one point he’d taken 5/8 and England were 41/6 but a recovery to 121 was achieved and the innings loss was avoided. Australia reached the target of 41 with just the loss of one wicket.
Third Test: Charles Macartney 7/58, 4/27
Unfortunately Jessop strained his back in Australia’s first innings, causing England to be down a bat and making him miss the rest of the season. Ransford and Gregory again were solid pillars as the English bowlers did fine work, dismissing Australia for just 188. England in response were lead to 137/2 by Tyldesley and Sharpe, both very defensive and never comfortable, as there was an epic struggle between bat and ball. Captain Noble switched it up by bringing Macartney into the frame and the results were spectacular, England collapsing to 182. It was much the same in Australia’s second innings, first with Ransford and Armstrong, then Armstrong and Noble. After the tea break, Barnes suddenly seemed unplayable, but after a mini collapse Macartney (18 off 114) managed to hold up an end and help 3 sizeable partnerships for the last 3 wickets as they set England a target of 214. They made it to 60/2 with Hobbs scoring but not looking comfortable, before after lunch falling prey to a big collapse thanks to great bowling from Cotter and Macartney, falling for just 87.
Fourth Test: Frank Laver 8/31, 1/25
The wicket was difficult to start the first day, both teams finishing their innings. Barnes and Blythe split the wickets, as Armstrong led the Aussies to 147. The English got off to a decent start, reaching 39 with the loss of one wicket, before Laver came into the attack and dominated them, leaving them all out for 119. Little play was possible on the second day, but the Australians made 77/2 thanks to Bardsley and Macartney. Continued by Trumper and Ransford the next day, Noble - more thinking about avoiding loss since they were already up 2-1, delayed his declaration leaving England with 308 to chase in 2 and a half hours. Steady play from England ensured a draw with the loss of 3 wickets.
Fifth Test: Warren Bardsley 136, 130
Ah the first match with twin centuries! Unlike the others perfectly unaffected by weather and on a very good pitch. Noble won his 5th toss, equalling Jackson’s feat, and rightly batted first. A poor overall performance on such a wicket, the Aussies slipping to 58/4 before Bardsley found Trumper, and then Macartney, to partner with and push the total to 325. Carr’s figures of 5/146 may have been better if he’d been given any decent rest. In response England slipped to 36/2, before a nice partnership between Rhodes and Fry. A mini collapse followed before Sharp set about his work, scoring the only century for England in the series with support from Hutchings. However they went from 348/6 to all out for 352. Cotter bowled exceptionally well for his 6/95, with Laver being injured early on. Gregory in fine form supported Bardsley, though after reaching his second ton he slowed down very much, seeming fatigued. Noble made his own decent contribution, and once again delayed a declaration until 2.5 hours before the end of play, once again setting England a 300+ target, ensuring a draw. (once again they scored around 100 for the loss of 3 wickets)
Player of the Series: Charles Macartney 16 @ 16.13, 148 @ 18.5
A tough one considering many of the Aussies weren’t consistent - but someone was always stepping up. Real team effort. Given it to Macartney for his splendid work in the third test, along with a couple of valuable 50’s in other matches.
First Test: George Hirst 4/28, 5/58 Colin Blythe 6/44, 5/58 (shared)
Just over 10 overs were possible on the first day due to rain and the Australians were down to 22/2. On the second day, nobody had an answer on the rain affected wicket for Hirst and Blythe. With the Australians all out for 74, England reached 61/3 before Armstrong broke through, taking 5/27 as England fell to 151. On an improving wicket, the Aussies lost their openers quickly, but Ransford and Gregory played exceedingly well, and continued to do so the next morning, despite rain falling overnight the sicket had turned out quite decently. However once that partnership was broken at 97, Australia could only muster up 151. Hobbs and Fry steered England to the 105 total with 0 wickets lost, Hobbs looking imperious whilst Fry didn’t get his eye in til right near the end.
Second Test: Vernon Ransford 143*, Warwick Armstrong 6/35
Blunders from the selection committee dogged England this match, but they put in a solid effort on wicket that was to improve as the game went on, making 269 with Tyldesley, King and Lilley being the major contributors, with unspectacular bowling from Australia. Coming in at 90/3 after Bardsley had already gotten out with the second highest score, Ransford carried the team to their 350 total, with a splendid innings, despite giving a few chances. Though the wicket was in such good nick that England was considered to easily be able to save the game, Armstrong was in even finer nick, taking his best test figures and taking any chance of a draw out of England’s hands. At one point he’d taken 5/8 and England were 41/6 but a recovery to 121 was achieved and the innings loss was avoided. Australia reached the target of 41 with just the loss of one wicket.
Third Test: Charles Macartney 7/58, 4/27
Unfortunately Jessop strained his back in Australia’s first innings, causing England to be down a bat and making him miss the rest of the season. Ransford and Gregory again were solid pillars as the English bowlers did fine work, dismissing Australia for just 188. England in response were lead to 137/2 by Tyldesley and Sharpe, both very defensive and never comfortable, as there was an epic struggle between bat and ball. Captain Noble switched it up by bringing Macartney into the frame and the results were spectacular, England collapsing to 182. It was much the same in Australia’s second innings, first with Ransford and Armstrong, then Armstrong and Noble. After the tea break, Barnes suddenly seemed unplayable, but after a mini collapse Macartney (18 off 114) managed to hold up an end and help 3 sizeable partnerships for the last 3 wickets as they set England a target of 214. They made it to 60/2 with Hobbs scoring but not looking comfortable, before after lunch falling prey to a big collapse thanks to great bowling from Cotter and Macartney, falling for just 87.
Fourth Test: Frank Laver 8/31, 1/25
The wicket was difficult to start the first day, both teams finishing their innings. Barnes and Blythe split the wickets, as Armstrong led the Aussies to 147. The English got off to a decent start, reaching 39 with the loss of one wicket, before Laver came into the attack and dominated them, leaving them all out for 119. Little play was possible on the second day, but the Australians made 77/2 thanks to Bardsley and Macartney. Continued by Trumper and Ransford the next day, Noble - more thinking about avoiding loss since they were already up 2-1, delayed his declaration leaving England with 308 to chase in 2 and a half hours. Steady play from England ensured a draw with the loss of 3 wickets.
Fifth Test: Warren Bardsley 136, 130
Ah the first match with twin centuries! Unlike the others perfectly unaffected by weather and on a very good pitch. Noble won his 5th toss, equalling Jackson’s feat, and rightly batted first. A poor overall performance on such a wicket, the Aussies slipping to 58/4 before Bardsley found Trumper, and then Macartney, to partner with and push the total to 325. Carr’s figures of 5/146 may have been better if he’d been given any decent rest. In response England slipped to 36/2, before a nice partnership between Rhodes and Fry. A mini collapse followed before Sharp set about his work, scoring the only century for England in the series with support from Hutchings. However they went from 348/6 to all out for 352. Cotter bowled exceptionally well for his 6/95, with Laver being injured early on. Gregory in fine form supported Bardsley, though after reaching his second ton he slowed down very much, seeming fatigued. Noble made his own decent contribution, and once again delayed a declaration until 2.5 hours before the end of play, once again setting England a 300+ target, ensuring a draw. (once again they scored around 100 for the loss of 3 wickets)
Player of the Series: Charles Macartney 16 @ 16.13, 148 @ 18.5
A tough one considering many of the Aussies weren’t consistent - but someone was always stepping up. Real team effort. Given it to Macartney for his splendid work in the third test, along with a couple of valuable 50’s in other matches.
capt_Luffy
Hall of Fame Member
I don't know what's more shocking, Charlie winning a MoTS for mostly bowling or him scoring 18 off 114 balls
Another home series England were expected to win, with the selectors taking most of the blame. 25 different players were chosen, with only the captain (age 37) and wicket-keeper (42) appearing in all five Tests. Barnes (age 36) was still not a regular pick.
After Lord's Sir Home Gordon wrote in the Daily Express that Neither luck nor the Australians won the Test match, but the English selection committee who picked out absolutely the most irrepresentative side that has ever taken the field in this country.
The normally restrained Wisden commented: To this day the extraordinary blundering in connection with the team for the Test match at Lord's has never been satisfactorily explained. It then went further with a now famous quote: The idea of letting England go into the field in fine weather on a typical Oval wicket with no fast bowler except Sharp touched on the confines of lunacy.
This was the age of all-rounders and selectors were often tempted to choose them when weather was uncertain and conditions likely to change. The idea was that they were likely to contribute something at some stage. With googly bowling at the height of popularity, 37 year-old club bowler Douglas Carr was picked for the last Test at The Oval. After initial success he was soon mastered by the quick-footed Trumper and Macartney, and left-hander Bardsley.
At the end of the day the series was probably decided by Australia's superior fielding.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
Yeah selection was consistently mentioned in all match reports (stated to be further covered in other parts of the Almanack). Blythe and Barnes respectively were England’s highest wicket takers despite only playing 2 and 3 matches.
Having taken eleven wickets in the First Test, Blythe missed the next two on medical grounds. His doctor strongly advised him to rest due to nervous exhaustion. He returned at Old Trafford with another seven wickets but was then dropped for The Oval, which looks like a mistake. But it was the lack of a fast bowler at the two London venues which drew most criticism. Fry was also unavailable at Lord's due to appearing as a witness in a court case. At this stage Barnes was still rated higher by the Australians than by the English press and selectors.
Captain MacLaren no doubt had a say in selection but the press were reluctant to criticise him due to his popularity with the public. He was past his best and shouldn't have played in the series.
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Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
iirc it was mentioned Fry had a hand in selecting as well and the blame was on them specifically. iirc it wasn’t the first time one of them was blamed for poor selection either
That's right. The official selectors for this series were chairman Lord Hawke, Fry and 'Shrimp' Leveson Gower. Fry had been co-opted onto previous selection committees. MacLaren and Hawke had a long-running feud. Leveson Gower tended to support MacLaren. Fry, a divisive figure, looked after his own interests and was quick to blame others.
The reason why Hawke chose MacLaren as captain for so long, ahead of the more senior Jackson, was apparently because he was worried that if Jackson were a successful England captain, there would be calls for him to captain Yorkshire - and replace Hawke himself. The whole system was set up to fail.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
God the poms have always been such a mess. (not that others haven’t been, though to a lesser degree)
Speaking of, Hill missed the 1909 tour.
Hill, along with other senior players, was fighting against a proposal to move the management of international tours away from the players to the new Australian Board of Control for International Cricket Matches. Hill by now was a team selector and strongly opposed the selection in the team of 40-year-old Peter McAlister, who Hill claimed "was past his best" and "not suited to English conditions". McAlister was also a member of the selection panel and was able to secure a majority for his selection. Hill accused his fellow selectors of conspiracy and said he had "decided to wash his hands of the affair" and that "he did not consider that the best men had been chosen".
tbf to McAlister he did make a few runs (22 and 19) in one of the Aussies victories (ironically he only played in the two wins), but I’m sure they’d have much rather had Hill around.
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Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
England in South Africa 1909/10
First Test: Aubrey Faulkner 78, 5/120, 123, 3/40
South Africa began strongly with 133/2 thanks to a strong partnership from Faulkner and Nourse, before falling to be all out for 208. Largely due to the efforts of Simpson-Hayward, the last of the underarm bowlers playing his only series for England (was actually their best bowler in the series). Hobbs and Rhodes made a strong start with a 159 opening stand, but afterwards Faulkner and Vogler (who combined to take all 20 wickets) bowled so well that they ended up all out for 310. At 129/5 , Faulkner came in again for South Africa, playing a flawless 123 with good support from Snooke and Commaille holding up an end. England were favoured to make the 244 target, but Vogler demolished them early and they collapsed to 108/7. Thompson and Leveson-Gower put in great efforts to recover but in the end Faulkner took both those key wickets and England fell short by 20 runs.
Second Test: Gordon White 118
The South Africans batted first again, but the results were less than impressive, a few decent middle order stands featuring Faulkner and Campbell only able to push the total to 199. Some good allround bowling from the Englishmen. In response Hobbs and Rhodes made an opening stand of 94, before collapsing to end up also with 199 (recurring theme here?). South Africa looked in trouble with 23/3 before Nourse (69) and White came together, turning the game around with their partnership of 143. Snooke also made a 50 after their departure, finding some willing partners and pushing the total to 347. Again a decent opening stand (48) from England, but at 111/5 and Hobbs with his 3rd fifty in the four innings out, defeat semmed inevitable. Once again Thompson made a huge effort to save the game, this time alongside Bird, but they all ended up leaving him with Faulkner taking a 6’fer as they fell 96 runs short.
Third Test: Jack Hobbs 93*
The test began well for South Africa after a shaky start of 30/3, White, Faulkner and Vogler all making 50’s as they pushed their way to 305. Hobbs being unwell had to stop fielding and didn’t open. Denton hit a brilliant 104, but after his dismissal England collapsed, losing 5 wickets for 60 runs, being 253/9. Strudwick held down an end however, whilst Woolley hit out, scoring a brisk 58 to give England a 17 run lead. Rain cut short the day with South Africa on 35/1. The next day Simpson-Hayward went to work, and they fell to 123/7 with resistance only from Faulkner. However Snooke’s 52 with some good support from Vogler and Pegler made sure England was set a meaningful target of 221. Things looked good for South Africa as Faulkner and especially Vogler looked ominous, but Hobbs coming in at 42/3 batted brilliantly, scoring 93 of the remaining 179 runs (off 115 balls), finding a good partner in Bird who was runout in sight of the target, as England scraped home by 3 wickets.
Fourth Test: Bert Vogler 2/28, 23, 5/72
Hobbs and Rhodes for the first time failed entirely in this match, and England’s fortunes looked poor, before Woolley and Bird came together to save the first innings, putting up 50’s and bringing England to 203. South Africa in response looked comfortable at 93/1 before ending up with a similar result at 207. Vogler was again deadly as England struggled to 178, despite a century partnership from Woolley and Fane. Chasing 175 was far from guaranteed with South Africa falling to 91/5, but Faulkner’s 49* managed to help Sourh Africa get there with the loss of two more wickets, despite being dropped twice.
Fifth Test: Jack Hobbs 187
The Englishmen totally dominated the final match, despite the series being lost. Hobbs and Rhodes (79) setting out on an opening partnership of 221, with a nice 50 from Thompson adding to the score as they piled on 417, less than what may have been expected after such a start. Blythe, having been selected for the first time in the fourth test, and having little impact, finally made a mark on the series with the South Africans falling for 103 on a wicket that remained good, Zulch carrying his bat for 43 as Blythe ripped through them with 7/46. Following on, the South Africans played much better, but not enough to save the game as Faulkner played a brilliant 99 with support from Snooke, as Schwarz pushed them to 327. England made the target of 14 with the loss of a single wicket.
Player of the Series: Aubrey Faulkner 545 @ 60.56, 29 @ 21.90, 7 catches
An absolutely dominant series from Faulkner, being the leading runscorer and second leading wicket taker from both sides. Was definitely in contention for most of the POTM’s but only winning one. Shoutout to Vogler too, with 36 wickets and some decent efforts with the bat too, the two combining to take 60/77 wickets in the first 4 tests. Shoutout also to Hobbs, who almost matched Faulkner’s run total and finally hit his first century.
First Test: Aubrey Faulkner 78, 5/120, 123, 3/40
South Africa began strongly with 133/2 thanks to a strong partnership from Faulkner and Nourse, before falling to be all out for 208. Largely due to the efforts of Simpson-Hayward, the last of the underarm bowlers playing his only series for England (was actually their best bowler in the series). Hobbs and Rhodes made a strong start with a 159 opening stand, but afterwards Faulkner and Vogler (who combined to take all 20 wickets) bowled so well that they ended up all out for 310. At 129/5 , Faulkner came in again for South Africa, playing a flawless 123 with good support from Snooke and Commaille holding up an end. England were favoured to make the 244 target, but Vogler demolished them early and they collapsed to 108/7. Thompson and Leveson-Gower put in great efforts to recover but in the end Faulkner took both those key wickets and England fell short by 20 runs.
Second Test: Gordon White 118
The South Africans batted first again, but the results were less than impressive, a few decent middle order stands featuring Faulkner and Campbell only able to push the total to 199. Some good allround bowling from the Englishmen. In response Hobbs and Rhodes made an opening stand of 94, before collapsing to end up also with 199 (recurring theme here?). South Africa looked in trouble with 23/3 before Nourse (69) and White came together, turning the game around with their partnership of 143. Snooke also made a 50 after their departure, finding some willing partners and pushing the total to 347. Again a decent opening stand (48) from England, but at 111/5 and Hobbs with his 3rd fifty in the four innings out, defeat semmed inevitable. Once again Thompson made a huge effort to save the game, this time alongside Bird, but they all ended up leaving him with Faulkner taking a 6’fer as they fell 96 runs short.
Third Test: Jack Hobbs 93*
The test began well for South Africa after a shaky start of 30/3, White, Faulkner and Vogler all making 50’s as they pushed their way to 305. Hobbs being unwell had to stop fielding and didn’t open. Denton hit a brilliant 104, but after his dismissal England collapsed, losing 5 wickets for 60 runs, being 253/9. Strudwick held down an end however, whilst Woolley hit out, scoring a brisk 58 to give England a 17 run lead. Rain cut short the day with South Africa on 35/1. The next day Simpson-Hayward went to work, and they fell to 123/7 with resistance only from Faulkner. However Snooke’s 52 with some good support from Vogler and Pegler made sure England was set a meaningful target of 221. Things looked good for South Africa as Faulkner and especially Vogler looked ominous, but Hobbs coming in at 42/3 batted brilliantly, scoring 93 of the remaining 179 runs (off 115 balls), finding a good partner in Bird who was runout in sight of the target, as England scraped home by 3 wickets.
Fourth Test: Bert Vogler 2/28, 23, 5/72
Hobbs and Rhodes for the first time failed entirely in this match, and England’s fortunes looked poor, before Woolley and Bird came together to save the first innings, putting up 50’s and bringing England to 203. South Africa in response looked comfortable at 93/1 before ending up with a similar result at 207. Vogler was again deadly as England struggled to 178, despite a century partnership from Woolley and Fane. Chasing 175 was far from guaranteed with South Africa falling to 91/5, but Faulkner’s 49* managed to help Sourh Africa get there with the loss of two more wickets, despite being dropped twice.
Fifth Test: Jack Hobbs 187
The Englishmen totally dominated the final match, despite the series being lost. Hobbs and Rhodes (79) setting out on an opening partnership of 221, with a nice 50 from Thompson adding to the score as they piled on 417, less than what may have been expected after such a start. Blythe, having been selected for the first time in the fourth test, and having little impact, finally made a mark on the series with the South Africans falling for 103 on a wicket that remained good, Zulch carrying his bat for 43 as Blythe ripped through them with 7/46. Following on, the South Africans played much better, but not enough to save the game as Faulkner played a brilliant 99 with support from Snooke, as Schwarz pushed them to 327. England made the target of 14 with the loss of a single wicket.
Player of the Series: Aubrey Faulkner 545 @ 60.56, 29 @ 21.90, 7 catches
An absolutely dominant series from Faulkner, being the leading runscorer and second leading wicket taker from both sides. Was definitely in contention for most of the POTM’s but only winning one. Shoutout to Vogler too, with 36 wickets and some decent efforts with the bat too, the two combining to take 60/77 wickets in the first 4 tests. Shoutout also to Hobbs, who almost matched Faulkner’s run total and finally hit his first century.
To clarify - they didn't just pull Carr out of club cricket into the England side; he was in his first season playing for Kent (and eventually took over 300 FC wickets at an average of 16.72).
Carr had played four first-class matches for Kent when he made his England debut, age 37, one of which was against Oxford University. His only other first-class matches to that point were a couple for Gentlemen v Players.
He had spent all his adult life playing club cricket, mostly for wandering clubs such as Free Foresters and Kent-based Band of Brothers. He also turned out regularly for Maidstone's main club The Mote.
Carr was never considered for England again but made another 51 first-class appearances up to 1914. Googly bowling was still something of a rarity in county cricket and Carr continued to take wickets for Kent, operating alongside fellow spinners Blythe and Woolley.