Lowest scoring (completed) Test if you're measuring it by runs per wicket.
Aus v SA at Melbourne 1931-2 has the lowest total runs scored (SA 36 & 45, Aus 153).
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Determining player of the match/series for historic tests
- Thread starter Coronis
- Start date
Aus v SA at Melbourne 1931-2 has the lowest total runs scored (SA 36 & 45, Aus 153).
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
England in Australia 1897/98
First Test: KS Ranjitsinhji 175, 8*
Recovering from illness, in fact needing to see a doctor after the 39 he scored on the first day, Ranji played a marvellous inning. MacLaren also played wonderful innings of 109 and an unbeaten 50 in chasing down the 96 target. Darling and Hill had notable performances in Australia’s second innings, with a ton for Darling and the first of Hill’s 6 90’s.
Second Test: Hugh Trumble 4/54, 4/53, 3 catches
The Australians played a fine innings, and were well assisted by the pitch, which began to uncharacteristically crack and break up in England’s innings. McLeod led with an invaluable if ugly 112. Trumble and Noble dominated, with 8 and 7 wickets respectively as Australia cruised to an innings victory.
Third Test: Joe Darling 178
On a fair wicket, the Australians dominated once more, Darling playing a marvellous 178 ably supported by Hill and Iredale. The English just couldn’t compete despite brave efforts from several of England’s batsmen, especially MacLaren. Australia ended up with consecutive innings victories.
Fourth Test: Clem Hill 188
On a decent wicket, Australia got off to a poor start down at 6/58 thanks to Richardson and Hearne, before Hill found a partner in Trumble to stick around, as he played what was described as the finest innings of the season for his 188. The English did poorly in both their innings, a credit to the all round efforts of the Aussie bowlers. With the wicket still in good shape, Australia cruised to the 115 required with 8 wickets to spare. Australia had won back the Ashes.
Fifth Test: Joe Darling 14, 160
England started off the match very well, with solid efforts from all the batsmen to bring a respectable total and Richardson’s 8/94 giving them a 100+ lead after the first innings. However they fell apart in their second innings, Trumble dismantling the middle order and being well supported again. Joe Darling then came out and hit a run a ball 160 to ensure Australia reached their target with 6 wickets remaining.
Player of The Series: Joe Darling 537 @ 67.13
Australia combined well with their bowling unit, but this was a batting dominated series. Darling led the way with two big daddy hundreds, and a third for good measure, becoming the first player to score 3 tons in a series. Hill, MacLaren and Ranji also had great series with 450+ runs each. Australia had proven superiority over England for now, and in such a fashion that had not been seen against the Englishmen up until that point. A dominating victory.
First Test: KS Ranjitsinhji 175, 8*
Recovering from illness, in fact needing to see a doctor after the 39 he scored on the first day, Ranji played a marvellous inning. MacLaren also played wonderful innings of 109 and an unbeaten 50 in chasing down the 96 target. Darling and Hill had notable performances in Australia’s second innings, with a ton for Darling and the first of Hill’s 6 90’s.
Second Test: Hugh Trumble 4/54, 4/53, 3 catches
The Australians played a fine innings, and were well assisted by the pitch, which began to uncharacteristically crack and break up in England’s innings. McLeod led with an invaluable if ugly 112. Trumble and Noble dominated, with 8 and 7 wickets respectively as Australia cruised to an innings victory.
Third Test: Joe Darling 178
On a fair wicket, the Australians dominated once more, Darling playing a marvellous 178 ably supported by Hill and Iredale. The English just couldn’t compete despite brave efforts from several of England’s batsmen, especially MacLaren. Australia ended up with consecutive innings victories.
Fourth Test: Clem Hill 188
On a decent wicket, Australia got off to a poor start down at 6/58 thanks to Richardson and Hearne, before Hill found a partner in Trumble to stick around, as he played what was described as the finest innings of the season for his 188. The English did poorly in both their innings, a credit to the all round efforts of the Aussie bowlers. With the wicket still in good shape, Australia cruised to the 115 required with 8 wickets to spare. Australia had won back the Ashes.
Fifth Test: Joe Darling 14, 160
England started off the match very well, with solid efforts from all the batsmen to bring a respectable total and Richardson’s 8/94 giving them a 100+ lead after the first innings. However they fell apart in their second innings, Trumble dismantling the middle order and being well supported again. Joe Darling then came out and hit a run a ball 160 to ensure Australia reached their target with 6 wickets remaining.
Player of The Series: Joe Darling 537 @ 67.13
Australia combined well with their bowling unit, but this was a batting dominated series. Darling led the way with two big daddy hundreds, and a third for good measure, becoming the first player to score 3 tons in a series. Hill, MacLaren and Ranji also had great series with 450+ runs each. Australia had proven superiority over England for now, and in such a fashion that had not been seen against the Englishmen up until that point. A dominating victory.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
England in South Africa 1898/99
First Test: Pelham Warner 21, 132
After a poor opening salvo from England with great work from South Africa, particularly Sinclair with 86 (run out of all things). Plum turned around the match with his ton. Special mention should also be given to Trott with his defection to England, taking 9 wickets as England won by just 32 runs.
Second Test: Jimmy Sinclair 6/26, 106, 3/63, 4
In what was described as a “deplorable collapse” England was all out for 92 after winning the toss. With a brilliant 6/26 from Sinclair. A brilliant ton from Sinclair had SA with a decent lead. However once again the English turned the tide in the third innings, this time Tydlesley stepping up. England were already favoured to win, but nobody quite expected the South Africans to collapse for 35.
Player of the Series: Jimmy Sinclair 200 @ 50 9 @ 9.89
The shining light of the series for South Africa, with a great ton and almost ton, as well as a dominating bowling performance in the second test. The Englishmen raved about his play. He gave South Africa a fighting chance in both matches, which was not expected. Unfortunately out cheaply to a great dismissal almost clearing the fielder at the boundary in SA’s collapse.
Australia in England 1899
First Test: Clem Hill 52, 80 KS Ranjitsinhji 42, 93* (shared)
A match where Australia largely had the upper hand ended up being saved by time. Australia’s first innings was very solid, but noted to be quite slow (which would come back to haunt them) In response England raised 75 without the loss of a wicket but collapsed thereafter, aside from Ranji’s effort. The Australian’s were decent again and declared (for I believe the first time in test cricket?) Leaving England to chase 296. Once again Ranji was the star, though he was criticised for risky singles with not much to gain as England could not reach the total in time. This match is also notable for the debuts of Trumper and Rhodes, and being WG Grace’s final test.
Second Test: Clem Hill 135 Victor Trumper 135* (shared)
Both Hill and Trumper’s innings were key to Australia’s 10 wicket victory, the only result of the series. Key also was Jones’ 10 wicket haul. Hill’s innings was made while the game was still in the balance, whilst Trumper’s was considered more spectacular.
Third Test: Hugh Trumble 20*, 5/16, 56
On a rain damaged wicket that improved as the game went on, a very thrilling and even contest played out. Worrall/Hill, Hayward/Lilley and Trumble with multiple partners performing admirably. Unfortunately more rain on the final day robbed the match of a result.
Fourth Test: Monty Noble 3/85, 60, 89
With Clem Hill having had surgery, the Aussies went into the fourth test short of their best bat. The English, after a shaky start (47/4) managed to put up a quality total thanks chiefly to Hayward’s 130, his partnership with Lilley being invaluable. Australia already at 1/1 upon opening the second day’s play fell to 57/7 before Noble found Trumble to stick with him and grind out a valuable partnership to save the innings and the match. Noble again top scored as Australia despite being forced to follow on, were able to put up a comparable total to England’s first innings. Unfortunately England shot themselves in the foot several times with Worrall (53) dropped on 1 and both Trumper (63) and Darling (39) dropped on 3, both Worrall and Trumper being dropped by the keeper. This enabled the Aussies to declare and give England the task of 171 in just over an hour. They weren’t at Bazball level yet. Notably this was a case when the enforced follow on likely hurt the team.
Fifth Test: Bill Lockwood 24, 7/71
On a perfect batting pitch the English were aggressive, starting the innings with their two bats who had performed the best in the summer, out of position, but both went on to achieve superb 100’s in what was described as the best batting of the season. England went on to pile up a huge total of 576, with the first wicket partnership almost cracking 200. Of special note was Gregory’s ton for Australia, but the clear story was Bill Lockwood finally being able to play, his 7/71 in 40 overs as Australia piled up 352, clearly showing how the series may have differed if he had been able to play earlier. Solid batting was had by the Aussies in their last wicket as only 5 fell in their second innings before the end of play. An enjoyable draw, it was said.
Player of the Series: Hugh Trumble 232 @ 38.67, 15 @ 25.0, 7 catches
Very key lower order knocks by Trumble as well as his consistently good bowling in a batting friendly series. I also want to give a big mention here to Hayward, who was by far England’s best bat in the series but did not win a motm here. Maybe he should’ve.
And so the 19th century comes to an end with an Australian Ashes win and the first 5 test series played in England.
I may do a tally for the 19th century players totals next before I move on to the 20th.
First Test: Pelham Warner 21, 132
After a poor opening salvo from England with great work from South Africa, particularly Sinclair with 86 (run out of all things). Plum turned around the match with his ton. Special mention should also be given to Trott with his defection to England, taking 9 wickets as England won by just 32 runs.
Second Test: Jimmy Sinclair 6/26, 106, 3/63, 4
In what was described as a “deplorable collapse” England was all out for 92 after winning the toss. With a brilliant 6/26 from Sinclair. A brilliant ton from Sinclair had SA with a decent lead. However once again the English turned the tide in the third innings, this time Tydlesley stepping up. England were already favoured to win, but nobody quite expected the South Africans to collapse for 35.
Player of the Series: Jimmy Sinclair 200 @ 50 9 @ 9.89
The shining light of the series for South Africa, with a great ton and almost ton, as well as a dominating bowling performance in the second test. The Englishmen raved about his play. He gave South Africa a fighting chance in both matches, which was not expected. Unfortunately out cheaply to a great dismissal almost clearing the fielder at the boundary in SA’s collapse.
Australia in England 1899
First Test: Clem Hill 52, 80 KS Ranjitsinhji 42, 93* (shared)
A match where Australia largely had the upper hand ended up being saved by time. Australia’s first innings was very solid, but noted to be quite slow (which would come back to haunt them) In response England raised 75 without the loss of a wicket but collapsed thereafter, aside from Ranji’s effort. The Australian’s were decent again and declared (for I believe the first time in test cricket?) Leaving England to chase 296. Once again Ranji was the star, though he was criticised for risky singles with not much to gain as England could not reach the total in time. This match is also notable for the debuts of Trumper and Rhodes, and being WG Grace’s final test.
Second Test: Clem Hill 135 Victor Trumper 135* (shared)
Both Hill and Trumper’s innings were key to Australia’s 10 wicket victory, the only result of the series. Key also was Jones’ 10 wicket haul. Hill’s innings was made while the game was still in the balance, whilst Trumper’s was considered more spectacular.
Third Test: Hugh Trumble 20*, 5/16, 56
On a rain damaged wicket that improved as the game went on, a very thrilling and even contest played out. Worrall/Hill, Hayward/Lilley and Trumble with multiple partners performing admirably. Unfortunately more rain on the final day robbed the match of a result.
Fourth Test: Monty Noble 3/85, 60, 89
With Clem Hill having had surgery, the Aussies went into the fourth test short of their best bat. The English, after a shaky start (47/4) managed to put up a quality total thanks chiefly to Hayward’s 130, his partnership with Lilley being invaluable. Australia already at 1/1 upon opening the second day’s play fell to 57/7 before Noble found Trumble to stick with him and grind out a valuable partnership to save the innings and the match. Noble again top scored as Australia despite being forced to follow on, were able to put up a comparable total to England’s first innings. Unfortunately England shot themselves in the foot several times with Worrall (53) dropped on 1 and both Trumper (63) and Darling (39) dropped on 3, both Worrall and Trumper being dropped by the keeper. This enabled the Aussies to declare and give England the task of 171 in just over an hour. They weren’t at Bazball level yet. Notably this was a case when the enforced follow on likely hurt the team.
Fifth Test: Bill Lockwood 24, 7/71
On a perfect batting pitch the English were aggressive, starting the innings with their two bats who had performed the best in the summer, out of position, but both went on to achieve superb 100’s in what was described as the best batting of the season. England went on to pile up a huge total of 576, with the first wicket partnership almost cracking 200. Of special note was Gregory’s ton for Australia, but the clear story was Bill Lockwood finally being able to play, his 7/71 in 40 overs as Australia piled up 352, clearly showing how the series may have differed if he had been able to play earlier. Solid batting was had by the Aussies in their last wicket as only 5 fell in their second innings before the end of play. An enjoyable draw, it was said.
Player of the Series: Hugh Trumble 232 @ 38.67, 15 @ 25.0, 7 catches
Very key lower order knocks by Trumble as well as his consistently good bowling in a batting friendly series. I also want to give a big mention here to Hayward, who was by far England’s best bat in the series but did not win a motm here. Maybe he should’ve.
And so the 19th century comes to an end with an Australian Ashes win and the first 5 test series played in England.
I may do a tally for the 19th century players totals next before I move on to the 20th.
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capt_Luffy
Hall of Fame Member
Sinclair didn't bowl much that Series?
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
My bad, missed it. Didn’t notice his bowling and his 9’fer was not mentioned at all in the match report. Fixed.
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Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
For the 19th century
Player of the Match Awards:
4 Billy Barnes, Arthur Shrewsbury
3 Fred Spofforth, WG Grace, George Giffen, Tom Richardson, Clem Hill
2 George Ulyett, Joey Palmer, Allan Steel, Dick Barlow, George Lohmann, Johnny Briggs, Charlie Turner, Andrew Stoddart, Joe Darling, K.S Ranjitsinhji, Hugh Trumble
1 Charles Bannerman, William Cooper, Billy Bates, Billy Murdoch, George Bonnor, JJ Ferris, Bobby Peel, Bobby Abel, JJ Lyons, Frederick Martin, Henry Wood, Stanley Jackson, Albert Trott, Harry Graham, Jack Brown, Tom Hayward, Ledger Hill, J.T Hearne, Peham Warner, Jimmy Sinclair, William Lockwood
Player of the Series Awards:
2 Johnny Briggs
1 Charles Bannerman, Joey Palmer, Billy Bates, Allan Steel, Billy Barnes, George Lohmann, Bobby Peel, Bobby Abel, JJ Lyons, Alec Bannerman, Arthur Shrewsbury, George Giffen, George Lohmann, Joe Darling, Jimmy Sinclair, Hugh Trumble
Some notable things here, so not just in first class stuff but you’ll notice how guys like Spofforth and Richardson have more MOTM than say, guys like Ferris, Turner and Lohmann who have better stats, and they are also more highly rated.
The big surprise is of course Billy Barnes.
Player of the Match Awards:
4 Billy Barnes, Arthur Shrewsbury
3 Fred Spofforth, WG Grace, George Giffen, Tom Richardson, Clem Hill
2 George Ulyett, Joey Palmer, Allan Steel, Dick Barlow, George Lohmann, Johnny Briggs, Charlie Turner, Andrew Stoddart, Joe Darling, K.S Ranjitsinhji, Hugh Trumble
1 Charles Bannerman, William Cooper, Billy Bates, Billy Murdoch, George Bonnor, JJ Ferris, Bobby Peel, Bobby Abel, JJ Lyons, Frederick Martin, Henry Wood, Stanley Jackson, Albert Trott, Harry Graham, Jack Brown, Tom Hayward, Ledger Hill, J.T Hearne, Peham Warner, Jimmy Sinclair, William Lockwood
Player of the Series Awards:
2 Johnny Briggs
1 Charles Bannerman, Joey Palmer, Billy Bates, Allan Steel, Billy Barnes, George Lohmann, Bobby Peel, Bobby Abel, JJ Lyons, Alec Bannerman, Arthur Shrewsbury, George Giffen, George Lohmann, Joe Darling, Jimmy Sinclair, Hugh Trumble
Some notable things here, so not just in first class stuff but you’ll notice how guys like Spofforth and Richardson have more MOTM than say, guys like Ferris, Turner and Lohmann who have better stats, and they are also more highly rated.
The big surprise is of course Billy Barnes.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
England in Australia 1901/02
First Test: Dick Lilley 84, 3 catches, 2 stumpings Len Braund 58, 2/40, 5/61 (shared)
The 20th century started off with a rather surprising result, England having an innings victory. On a good pitch MacLaren and Hayward batted well, if “unwontedly” slowly. With England at 272/6 at the close of the first day’s play, this was considered an under par score. Lilley and Braund set about rectifying that the next morning, putting on 124 in under 2 hours. The Australians were 103/3 at the close of the play, with solid work from Gregory and Hill and the match was not expected to end anytime soon. However the third day 4 wickets fell with the score at 112 and Australia never seemed to recover. Quality bowling all around from Braund, Blythe and Barnes, though the latter did get smashed a bit in the second innings, despite a 5’fer in the first on debut. Of particular note was England’s fielding and keeping, said to be of the highest standard.
Second Test: Monty Noble 7/17, 16, 6/60 Reggie Duff 32, 104
Rain before the match gave the Aussies a horrible pitch to start with, but the Englishmen didn’t bowl as well as one might’ve hoped as Australia made it to 112. Australia did much better and England in reply only managed 61 before Australia took to the field for the second time that day, reversing the batting order and holding out to 48/5 at the end of the day. On the second day, the sun had dried out and the pitch was much easier to play on. Hill played a marvellous innings of 99, and Duff followed it up with a century on debut ably supported by the other debutant, Armstrong. He was also the top scorer of either team in the difficult first innings. The Englishmen then failed in response as Australia won by 230 runs. Hate to give it shared twice in a row but here I am.
Third Test: Hugh Trumble 3/124, 16, 6/74, 62*
A good start from England with a ton to Braund and great support from MacLaren, Hayward and Quaife. Barnes however, broke down early in Australia’s first innings which many felt was a turning point. Hill would reach 98 this time before being caught in an odd manner* and was well supported by Trumper, Duff and Gregory. England had a 60 run lead and then Trumble went to work in the second innings. Runs were Harder to come by but England put up a respectable total, leaving Australia 315 to chase as the pitch really began to wear on the 5th day. However the Aussies proved up to the task as the English bowlers seemed relatively toothless, Hill with a third consecutive 90 (97) as Darling and Trumper stayed in until victory was almost assured for the Aussies, the margin 4 wickets in the end.
*Johnny Tyldesley caught Hill on 98 on the bike track at the SCG, which was outside the boundary. It should’ve been 4/5 runs and a century for Hill, but under a “temporary local rule” Hill was out. Due to scoring in the 4th test (also at Sydney) I believe the bike track rule meant a player could be out if caught there, and if a boundary hit landed there instead of futther out, it was scored as 4 rather than 5.
Fourth Test: Monty Noble 3/78, 56, 5/54
The Englishmen started well, with MacLaren’s 92 being a great highlight of the innings supported by Tyldesley. The Australians were in trouble at 4/48 but Noble and Duff steadied the innings, and everyone else bar the 11 contributed solidly, leaving the two teams almost equal. On a wicket which was still good, the Englishmen’s collapse for 99 was extremely poor. Australia with just 121 to chase made it easily, winning the Ashes with 7 wickets to spare.
Fifth Test: Clem Hill 28, 87, 3 catches, 1 runout
On a difficult pitch, the Englishmen batting second had the best of it, taking a 45 run lead into the second innings. Hill with a splendid 87 ably supported by his team set the English a target of 211 and after rain interrupted play the Englishmen were 87/3, with MacLaren already out for a quality 49. The pitch did not recover for the last day and neither could England, narrowly losing a hard fought contest by 32 runs.
Player of the Series: Clem Hill 521 @ 52.10
A very consistent if slightly personally disappointing series for Hill, as he became the first (out of 4 total) batsman to score 500 runs in a series without scoring a century.
First Test: Dick Lilley 84, 3 catches, 2 stumpings Len Braund 58, 2/40, 5/61 (shared)
The 20th century started off with a rather surprising result, England having an innings victory. On a good pitch MacLaren and Hayward batted well, if “unwontedly” slowly. With England at 272/6 at the close of the first day’s play, this was considered an under par score. Lilley and Braund set about rectifying that the next morning, putting on 124 in under 2 hours. The Australians were 103/3 at the close of the play, with solid work from Gregory and Hill and the match was not expected to end anytime soon. However the third day 4 wickets fell with the score at 112 and Australia never seemed to recover. Quality bowling all around from Braund, Blythe and Barnes, though the latter did get smashed a bit in the second innings, despite a 5’fer in the first on debut. Of particular note was England’s fielding and keeping, said to be of the highest standard.
Second Test: Monty Noble 7/17, 16, 6/60 Reggie Duff 32, 104
Rain before the match gave the Aussies a horrible pitch to start with, but the Englishmen didn’t bowl as well as one might’ve hoped as Australia made it to 112. Australia did much better and England in reply only managed 61 before Australia took to the field for the second time that day, reversing the batting order and holding out to 48/5 at the end of the day. On the second day, the sun had dried out and the pitch was much easier to play on. Hill played a marvellous innings of 99, and Duff followed it up with a century on debut ably supported by the other debutant, Armstrong. He was also the top scorer of either team in the difficult first innings. The Englishmen then failed in response as Australia won by 230 runs. Hate to give it shared twice in a row but here I am.
Third Test: Hugh Trumble 3/124, 16, 6/74, 62*
A good start from England with a ton to Braund and great support from MacLaren, Hayward and Quaife. Barnes however, broke down early in Australia’s first innings which many felt was a turning point. Hill would reach 98 this time before being caught in an odd manner* and was well supported by Trumper, Duff and Gregory. England had a 60 run lead and then Trumble went to work in the second innings. Runs were Harder to come by but England put up a respectable total, leaving Australia 315 to chase as the pitch really began to wear on the 5th day. However the Aussies proved up to the task as the English bowlers seemed relatively toothless, Hill with a third consecutive 90 (97) as Darling and Trumper stayed in until victory was almost assured for the Aussies, the margin 4 wickets in the end.
*Johnny Tyldesley caught Hill on 98 on the bike track at the SCG, which was outside the boundary. It should’ve been 4/5 runs and a century for Hill, but under a “temporary local rule” Hill was out. Due to scoring in the 4th test (also at Sydney) I believe the bike track rule meant a player could be out if caught there, and if a boundary hit landed there instead of futther out, it was scored as 4 rather than 5.
Fourth Test: Monty Noble 3/78, 56, 5/54
The Englishmen started well, with MacLaren’s 92 being a great highlight of the innings supported by Tyldesley. The Australians were in trouble at 4/48 but Noble and Duff steadied the innings, and everyone else bar the 11 contributed solidly, leaving the two teams almost equal. On a wicket which was still good, the Englishmen’s collapse for 99 was extremely poor. Australia with just 121 to chase made it easily, winning the Ashes with 7 wickets to spare.
Fifth Test: Clem Hill 28, 87, 3 catches, 1 runout
On a difficult pitch, the Englishmen batting second had the best of it, taking a 45 run lead into the second innings. Hill with a splendid 87 ably supported by his team set the English a target of 211 and after rain interrupted play the Englishmen were 87/3, with MacLaren already out for a quality 49. The pitch did not recover for the last day and neither could England, narrowly losing a hard fought contest by 32 runs.
Player of the Series: Clem Hill 521 @ 52.10
A very consistent if slightly personally disappointing series for Hill, as he became the first (out of 4 total) batsman to score 500 runs in a series without scoring a century.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
Australia in England 1902
First Test: Wilfred Rhodes 38*, 7/17, 1/9
An annoying test to pick a player of the match for, for me. England started off poorly on a good wicket, losing their top 3 for just 35, before Stanley and Tyldesley steadied things. Not to take away anything from the rest of Tyldesley’s innings, the rest of which was described as great, but he was dropped no less than 3 times at 43, at least one of these being an easy chance. England ended up 351/9 at the end of the day. Then the rains came. Play wasn’t possible until 3pm on Day 2, but Lockwood and Rhodes ground out another 25 runs without dismissal before MacLaren declared, having not declared immediately on the advice of Lilley, who did not want the bowlers having to bowl on a surface that was too slippery. The Australians then collapsed for 36, in an hour and a half, with Trumper playing for 70 minutes for his 18, showing off his tricky conditions mastery early in this wet summer. By some, the wicket was not so poor as to have necessitated such a collapse and the bowling of Rhodes and Hirst was lauded. The rain came again that night, for a solid 12 hours. Apparently the match might have been abandoned after that, had they not let in a bunch of paying spectators. As it was played resumed at 5:15 and 25 more overs were bowled, the Aussies hanging on for a draw.
Second Test: Archie MacLaren 47, Stanley Jackson 55 (shared)
I mean, these two batted on the first day, first in the morning and then the afternoon. No play was possible on Day 2 and the ground was almost flooded on Day 3. I can’t remember if we’ve had any games having to be abandoned after such short periods of play in the modern day, and whether or not Player of the Match Awards were given for those.
Third Test: Monty Noble 47, 5/51, 6/52, 8
The only test ever played at Sheffield, came with disappointment for England. The Australians playing only an ok innings of 194 on the first day, with last minute selection Barnes taking 6/49, whilst poor light (often the case at this ground) did not help the English, losing 102/5 before they successfully appealed against the light. Rain fell overnight and they struggled on to make only 145. The Australians then made 282 in response, Trumper’s 62 off 65 and Hill’s 119 off 130 being excellent innings, Trumper’s being described by af least someone as his best of the summer, high praise indeed. England came out to chase 339 and Jessop put on a marvellous display scoring 55 from 49 balls. Going in at 73/1 on the final day, England seemed to have a decent chance, but Jessop and others were dismissed cheaply and on a wearing pitch MacLaren found little to no support as he tried to save the match.
Fourth Test: Bill Lockwood 6/48, 5/28
With rain prior to the match and the wicket being slightly soft and slow, the Australians played a great innings, with Trumper’s famous 104 off 105 balls, the first test century before lunch the absolute highlight, well supported by Duff, Hill and Darling. Lockwood wasn’t brought on until the 20th over, but thereafter wreaked havoc. The Englishmen started off very poorly, collapsing to 44/5 before Jackson found a willing partner in Brauns, scoring an excellent century of his own. Lockwood destroyed the Australians with some spectacular bowling on the Friday afternoon, at his absolute best. England were confident at the end of days play with Ausyralia reduced to 85/8, but rain fell overnight and suddenly the task of 124 runs seemed a whole lot more difficult. The English set about it well, despite their obvious difficulty coping with the bowling, with a first wicket partnership of 44 and at 4/92 required just 32 for victory, but the expected collapse did come, courtesy of Trumble, and England finished just 3 runs short.
Fifth Test: Gilbert Jessop 13, 104 George Hirst 5/77, 43, 1/7, 58* (shared)
Australia made out a decent total initially, thanks to some great lower order batting, particularly by Trumble, and as it had so often this summer the rain intervened. England did quite well considering, and managed to avoid the follow on, despite excellent bowling from Trumble. Lockwood’s bowling was just as excellent and Australia made 121, setting England 263 to win. At one point odds increased to 50-1 Australia as the English collapsed to 48/5 on a difficult pitch, the batting on it while soft the previous day having marred it. Then came Jessop. A wonderful innings of 104 off 80 balls brought England right back into the game, with support from Jackson. With Jessop out at 187 the innings of Hirst’s (58*) cannot be understated, despite the obvious overshadowing. England made it with 1 wicket to spare, in a thrilling finish.
Player of the Series: Hugh Trumble 26 @ 14.27, 107 @ 26.8
Despite only playing 3 matches due to a broken thumb, he was crucial in the matches he did play, being the leading wicket taker of both teams and again providing great value with his bat. Willing to be persuaded on this, as he only played 3 of the tests, but I believe his performance in these justifies it. Perhaps Jackson or Lockwood, though I think you really need to stand out in a series loss to receive it, which I’m not sure they did to such an extent.
First Test: Wilfred Rhodes 38*, 7/17, 1/9
An annoying test to pick a player of the match for, for me. England started off poorly on a good wicket, losing their top 3 for just 35, before Stanley and Tyldesley steadied things. Not to take away anything from the rest of Tyldesley’s innings, the rest of which was described as great, but he was dropped no less than 3 times at 43, at least one of these being an easy chance. England ended up 351/9 at the end of the day. Then the rains came. Play wasn’t possible until 3pm on Day 2, but Lockwood and Rhodes ground out another 25 runs without dismissal before MacLaren declared, having not declared immediately on the advice of Lilley, who did not want the bowlers having to bowl on a surface that was too slippery. The Australians then collapsed for 36, in an hour and a half, with Trumper playing for 70 minutes for his 18, showing off his tricky conditions mastery early in this wet summer. By some, the wicket was not so poor as to have necessitated such a collapse and the bowling of Rhodes and Hirst was lauded. The rain came again that night, for a solid 12 hours. Apparently the match might have been abandoned after that, had they not let in a bunch of paying spectators. As it was played resumed at 5:15 and 25 more overs were bowled, the Aussies hanging on for a draw.
Second Test: Archie MacLaren 47, Stanley Jackson 55 (shared)
I mean, these two batted on the first day, first in the morning and then the afternoon. No play was possible on Day 2 and the ground was almost flooded on Day 3. I can’t remember if we’ve had any games having to be abandoned after such short periods of play in the modern day, and whether or not Player of the Match Awards were given for those.
Third Test: Monty Noble 47, 5/51, 6/52, 8
The only test ever played at Sheffield, came with disappointment for England. The Australians playing only an ok innings of 194 on the first day, with last minute selection Barnes taking 6/49, whilst poor light (often the case at this ground) did not help the English, losing 102/5 before they successfully appealed against the light. Rain fell overnight and they struggled on to make only 145. The Australians then made 282 in response, Trumper’s 62 off 65 and Hill’s 119 off 130 being excellent innings, Trumper’s being described by af least someone as his best of the summer, high praise indeed. England came out to chase 339 and Jessop put on a marvellous display scoring 55 from 49 balls. Going in at 73/1 on the final day, England seemed to have a decent chance, but Jessop and others were dismissed cheaply and on a wearing pitch MacLaren found little to no support as he tried to save the match.
Fourth Test: Bill Lockwood 6/48, 5/28
With rain prior to the match and the wicket being slightly soft and slow, the Australians played a great innings, with Trumper’s famous 104 off 105 balls, the first test century before lunch the absolute highlight, well supported by Duff, Hill and Darling. Lockwood wasn’t brought on until the 20th over, but thereafter wreaked havoc. The Englishmen started off very poorly, collapsing to 44/5 before Jackson found a willing partner in Brauns, scoring an excellent century of his own. Lockwood destroyed the Australians with some spectacular bowling on the Friday afternoon, at his absolute best. England were confident at the end of days play with Ausyralia reduced to 85/8, but rain fell overnight and suddenly the task of 124 runs seemed a whole lot more difficult. The English set about it well, despite their obvious difficulty coping with the bowling, with a first wicket partnership of 44 and at 4/92 required just 32 for victory, but the expected collapse did come, courtesy of Trumble, and England finished just 3 runs short.
Fifth Test: Gilbert Jessop 13, 104 George Hirst 5/77, 43, 1/7, 58* (shared)
Australia made out a decent total initially, thanks to some great lower order batting, particularly by Trumble, and as it had so often this summer the rain intervened. England did quite well considering, and managed to avoid the follow on, despite excellent bowling from Trumble. Lockwood’s bowling was just as excellent and Australia made 121, setting England 263 to win. At one point odds increased to 50-1 Australia as the English collapsed to 48/5 on a difficult pitch, the batting on it while soft the previous day having marred it. Then came Jessop. A wonderful innings of 104 off 80 balls brought England right back into the game, with support from Jackson. With Jessop out at 187 the innings of Hirst’s (58*) cannot be understated, despite the obvious overshadowing. England made it with 1 wicket to spare, in a thrilling finish.
Player of the Series: Hugh Trumble 26 @ 14.27, 107 @ 26.8
Despite only playing 3 matches due to a broken thumb, he was crucial in the matches he did play, being the leading wicket taker of both teams and again providing great value with his bat. Willing to be persuaded on this, as he only played 3 of the tests, but I believe his performance in these justifies it. Perhaps Jackson or Lockwood, though I think you really need to stand out in a series loss to receive it, which I’m not sure they did to such an extent.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
Australia in South Africa 1902/3
First Test: Charlie Llewellyn 90, 6/92, 3/124, 4*
Australia went straight into the first test with no tour matches and little to no opportunity to practice beforehand. Their bowling definitely suffered, hell Trumble had over 100 scored on him and Trumper of all people took 2 wickets. The South Africans batted well no doubt, with Tancred and and Llewellyn’s 90’s at the top and Nourse and Halliwell both scoring 50’s lower down as they reached a total of 454. Trumper, Hill and Duff all batted well in response, but Llewellyn and Sinclair took good care of the Australians, leaving them 159 behind and forced to follow on (f/o available at 150). Hill played beautifully for his 124 with good support from Armstrong and the Australians declared setting South Africa a target of 215. The South Africans batted much slower than either side had so far in the match, and had only made it to 104/4 by the end of the third days play, if the game had gone longer, who knows who might’ve won.
Second Test: Wawrick Armstrong 49, 159*
The Australians again started poorly, this time with their batting as they fell for only 175, Armstrong top scoring as Llewellyn took a 5’fer. Trumper actually opened the bowling this time, taking 3 wickets as South Africa made 240, an excellent 101 (off ~110) by Jimmy Sinclair being the highlight. Then came the Big Ship to steady things. Carrying his bat for 159, with Duff providing some decent support, Lewellyn taking another 5’fer. South Africa never came close to the target, with Jack Saunders taking 7 wickets in just 11 overs, Australia winning by the exact margin of Armstrong’s second innings.
Third Test: Bill Howell 4/18, 5/71
Trumper and Hill carried the first innings for Australia, as they stumbled from 223/5 to all out for 252, leaving Hill stranded on 91. Llewellyn once again being the pick of the bowlers, with 6/97. Howell and Saunders made sure it wasn’t an issue as the destroyed South Africa for 85, splitting the wickets. Following on, Sinclair was the star again with another spectacular hundred (104 off ~79) with some decent support from his top order, as South Africa reached 225. However this left Australia just 59 to win, which they reached without loss of wicket.
Player of the Series: Charlie Llewellyn 113 @ 22.6, 25 @ 17.92
Despite only scoring 23 runs in 5 innings after his 90 in the first, Llewellyn was absolutely brilliant in a losing course, taking wicket after wicket and keeping South Africa in the game against the Australians. An expected end to the first test series not involving England, though the way it came about, with Australia struggling so much was not expected.
First Test: Charlie Llewellyn 90, 6/92, 3/124, 4*
Australia went straight into the first test with no tour matches and little to no opportunity to practice beforehand. Their bowling definitely suffered, hell Trumble had over 100 scored on him and Trumper of all people took 2 wickets. The South Africans batted well no doubt, with Tancred and and Llewellyn’s 90’s at the top and Nourse and Halliwell both scoring 50’s lower down as they reached a total of 454. Trumper, Hill and Duff all batted well in response, but Llewellyn and Sinclair took good care of the Australians, leaving them 159 behind and forced to follow on (f/o available at 150). Hill played beautifully for his 124 with good support from Armstrong and the Australians declared setting South Africa a target of 215. The South Africans batted much slower than either side had so far in the match, and had only made it to 104/4 by the end of the third days play, if the game had gone longer, who knows who might’ve won.
Second Test: Wawrick Armstrong 49, 159*
The Australians again started poorly, this time with their batting as they fell for only 175, Armstrong top scoring as Llewellyn took a 5’fer. Trumper actually opened the bowling this time, taking 3 wickets as South Africa made 240, an excellent 101 (off ~110) by Jimmy Sinclair being the highlight. Then came the Big Ship to steady things. Carrying his bat for 159, with Duff providing some decent support, Lewellyn taking another 5’fer. South Africa never came close to the target, with Jack Saunders taking 7 wickets in just 11 overs, Australia winning by the exact margin of Armstrong’s second innings.
Third Test: Bill Howell 4/18, 5/71
Trumper and Hill carried the first innings for Australia, as they stumbled from 223/5 to all out for 252, leaving Hill stranded on 91. Llewellyn once again being the pick of the bowlers, with 6/97. Howell and Saunders made sure it wasn’t an issue as the destroyed South Africa for 85, splitting the wickets. Following on, Sinclair was the star again with another spectacular hundred (104 off ~79) with some decent support from his top order, as South Africa reached 225. However this left Australia just 59 to win, which they reached without loss of wicket.
Player of the Series: Charlie Llewellyn 113 @ 22.6, 25 @ 17.92
Despite only scoring 23 runs in 5 innings after his 90 in the first, Llewellyn was absolutely brilliant in a losing course, taking wicket after wicket and keeping South Africa in the game against the Australians. An expected end to the first test series not involving England, though the way it came about, with Australia struggling so much was not expected.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
England in Australia 1903/04
First Test: Tip Foster 287, 19
Australia did not begin well, with Duff, Trumper and Hill all out very quickly. Noble and Armstrong shored up the innings and Australia ended up with a respectable 285. After some rain fell the Englishmen held steady until 4pm when the wicket had almost recovered, Foster being 73* and Braund 67*. Braund would make his century but this match is rightfully remembered for Foster’s work on the third day as he played spectacularly. Perhaps most remarkable was that, as the score hit 332/8, he was only at 118. Reif and Rhodes both stuck around for decent scores and plenty of balls and England ended up piling on 577, with century stands for both the 9th and 10th wicket (unsure if that’s ever been repeated). Australia did very well in their responding 485, Trumper starring with 185*, the crowd almost rioting when Hill was given run out during a partnership with Trumper. Rhodes’ steady bowling brought a 5’fer his way. England wanted 194 and the Aussies didn’t make it easy, as they found themselves 82/4 before Hayward found Hirst to stick with him, and eventually won by 5 wickets. 120 years later and Tip’s record still stands for the highest score by a test debutant. Conditions would have to align just right for it to be beaten.
Second Test: Johnny Tyldesley 97, 62, Victor Trumper 74*, 35 Wilfred Rhodes 7/56, 8/68
The match started out fine, all of England’s top 4, particularly Tyldesley performing finely with 97. Unfortunately, rain fell and scuppered Australia’s chances, England losing their last 4 wickets for 9 runs. Trumper proved marvellous in the conditions however, carrying his bat for 74, just avoiding the follow on. A far from chanceless innings, but one that “no other batsman could have played”. Rhodes cleaned up with 7 wickets. Tyldesley was once again brilliant, scoring a Trumperesque 62 out of 103. Despite Rhodes taking 8 wickets in the final innings, giving England a victory of 185, he had 8 (yes 8!) catches missed off his bowling. Australia would not have gotten close to the 111 they managed had England’s fielding not been so terrible.
Controversially I’ve given this one to 3 players (not without precedent) Tyldesley and Trumper excelled in both innings, top scoring and mastering the wet. Rhodes took the first 15 wicket haul in Ashes tests whilst having 8 catches dropped off his bowling!
Third Test: Victor Trumper 113, 59
Australia started out on top, and held the advantage throughout the match as Trumper made a tom, with ample support from Duff, Hill and Noble as Australia made 388 on a fine wicket. England never truly got on top of the allround Australian bowling despite decent efforts from Warner and Hirst, giving up a lead of over 140. Trumper and Noble gave great support to Syd Gregory, playing one of his best innings for 112 off 150, and England were left to chase 495. Despite an excellent 148 run opening stand from Hayward and Warner, the rest of the English batting had no answer, apart from a valiant effort from Hirst, as Australia won by 216 runs.
Fourth Test: Monty Noble 7/100, 6*, 1/40, 53* Bernard Bosanquet 6/51
A curious one. “The curious variations in the condition of the wicket during this match have been fully explained by Mr Bosanquet in his article in another part of the Almanack.” If anyone has more info on this, would be much appreciated.
England made 249 in the first innings, the 70* from Knight being the standout, Noble taking 7/100. Australia struggled against Rhodes and Arnold in response, only making 131, with Duff and Hill being the only fighters. Hayward made a great half century when the wicket was at its harshest as England made 210. Apparently it was so far from being a poor wicket in the final innings, despite the rain that had fallen, that Australia felt confident of making the 329 required. When Bosanquet entered the attack however, he took 5 wickets for 12 runs and the Australian hopes were all but lost. Noble with a 53* and Cotter with 34 put up a resistance for the 10th wicket, making it to 174, only delaying the inevitable after Bosanquet’s initial devestation. Giving it to Bosie and Noble but we’re apparently taking it on his word here. Noble could be more deserving and taking it alone.
Fifth Test: Victor Trumper 88 Len Braund 8/81, 1/6
Like the other Melbourne test, the match was decided by rain falling after the first innings, though this time in Australia’s favour. Trumper made a great 88 as Australia hit 247 whilst the wicket was still good, and Braund took a fabulous 8/81. Heavy rain fell before the England innings, and they were destroyed by Noble and Cotter for 61. Australia only managed 133 in their second innings, utilising a somewhat reversed order as Hirst took a 5’fer, setting England the impossible task of 320, of which they fell short by 219 runs as Trumble ran amok. A really difficult match to judge, as Trumper failed in his other innings (golden duck) and all the other bowlers only performed in a single innings.
Player of the Series: Victor Trumper 574 @ 63.78, 6 catches
A very frustrating series to pick players of the match for, with 3 tests having shared winners. Trumper was by far the most consistent batsman, only having one poor match, and the top performers for England had half their aggregates in a single match.
Very frustrating, and not just because England won back the Ashes after 4 consecutive losses!
First Test: Tip Foster 287, 19
Australia did not begin well, with Duff, Trumper and Hill all out very quickly. Noble and Armstrong shored up the innings and Australia ended up with a respectable 285. After some rain fell the Englishmen held steady until 4pm when the wicket had almost recovered, Foster being 73* and Braund 67*. Braund would make his century but this match is rightfully remembered for Foster’s work on the third day as he played spectacularly. Perhaps most remarkable was that, as the score hit 332/8, he was only at 118. Reif and Rhodes both stuck around for decent scores and plenty of balls and England ended up piling on 577, with century stands for both the 9th and 10th wicket (unsure if that’s ever been repeated). Australia did very well in their responding 485, Trumper starring with 185*, the crowd almost rioting when Hill was given run out during a partnership with Trumper. Rhodes’ steady bowling brought a 5’fer his way. England wanted 194 and the Aussies didn’t make it easy, as they found themselves 82/4 before Hayward found Hirst to stick with him, and eventually won by 5 wickets. 120 years later and Tip’s record still stands for the highest score by a test debutant. Conditions would have to align just right for it to be beaten.
Second Test: Johnny Tyldesley 97, 62, Victor Trumper 74*, 35 Wilfred Rhodes 7/56, 8/68
The match started out fine, all of England’s top 4, particularly Tyldesley performing finely with 97. Unfortunately, rain fell and scuppered Australia’s chances, England losing their last 4 wickets for 9 runs. Trumper proved marvellous in the conditions however, carrying his bat for 74, just avoiding the follow on. A far from chanceless innings, but one that “no other batsman could have played”. Rhodes cleaned up with 7 wickets. Tyldesley was once again brilliant, scoring a Trumperesque 62 out of 103. Despite Rhodes taking 8 wickets in the final innings, giving England a victory of 185, he had 8 (yes 8!) catches missed off his bowling. Australia would not have gotten close to the 111 they managed had England’s fielding not been so terrible.
Controversially I’ve given this one to 3 players (not without precedent) Tyldesley and Trumper excelled in both innings, top scoring and mastering the wet. Rhodes took the first 15 wicket haul in Ashes tests whilst having 8 catches dropped off his bowling!
Third Test: Victor Trumper 113, 59
Australia started out on top, and held the advantage throughout the match as Trumper made a tom, with ample support from Duff, Hill and Noble as Australia made 388 on a fine wicket. England never truly got on top of the allround Australian bowling despite decent efforts from Warner and Hirst, giving up a lead of over 140. Trumper and Noble gave great support to Syd Gregory, playing one of his best innings for 112 off 150, and England were left to chase 495. Despite an excellent 148 run opening stand from Hayward and Warner, the rest of the English batting had no answer, apart from a valiant effort from Hirst, as Australia won by 216 runs.
Fourth Test: Monty Noble 7/100, 6*, 1/40, 53* Bernard Bosanquet 6/51
A curious one. “The curious variations in the condition of the wicket during this match have been fully explained by Mr Bosanquet in his article in another part of the Almanack.” If anyone has more info on this, would be much appreciated.
England made 249 in the first innings, the 70* from Knight being the standout, Noble taking 7/100. Australia struggled against Rhodes and Arnold in response, only making 131, with Duff and Hill being the only fighters. Hayward made a great half century when the wicket was at its harshest as England made 210. Apparently it was so far from being a poor wicket in the final innings, despite the rain that had fallen, that Australia felt confident of making the 329 required. When Bosanquet entered the attack however, he took 5 wickets for 12 runs and the Australian hopes were all but lost. Noble with a 53* and Cotter with 34 put up a resistance for the 10th wicket, making it to 174, only delaying the inevitable after Bosanquet’s initial devestation. Giving it to Bosie and Noble but we’re apparently taking it on his word here. Noble could be more deserving and taking it alone.
Fifth Test: Victor Trumper 88 Len Braund 8/81, 1/6
Like the other Melbourne test, the match was decided by rain falling after the first innings, though this time in Australia’s favour. Trumper made a great 88 as Australia hit 247 whilst the wicket was still good, and Braund took a fabulous 8/81. Heavy rain fell before the England innings, and they were destroyed by Noble and Cotter for 61. Australia only managed 133 in their second innings, utilising a somewhat reversed order as Hirst took a 5’fer, setting England the impossible task of 320, of which they fell short by 219 runs as Trumble ran amok. A really difficult match to judge, as Trumper failed in his other innings (golden duck) and all the other bowlers only performed in a single innings.
Player of the Series: Victor Trumper 574 @ 63.78, 6 catches
A very frustrating series to pick players of the match for, with 3 tests having shared winners. Trumper was by far the most consistent batsman, only having one poor match, and the top performers for England had half their aggregates in a single match.
Very frustrating, and not just because England won back the Ashes after 4 consecutive losses!
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
Australia in England 1905
First Test: Bernard Bosanquet 8/107
England won the toss, and crossing 300 was considered a certainty but they collapsed to 47/4, Lilley and Rhodes helping them eventually recover to 196. Tibby Cotter’s aggressive short pitched bowling rattled the Australians, and Laver was the beneficiary with a 7’fer. After Trumper strained his back early in his innings (he would end up sitting out for a fortnight), Hill and Noble stabilised things and Australia were looking in a favourable position at 129/1 before Jackson came in with his famous over. Noble out first ball, Hill out 4th ball and Darling out to close the over. Still, the Australians made it to 200 without the loss of further wicket thanks to Rhodes and Cotter, before collapsing, holding a slim 25 run lead, though down Trumper. England piled on the runs in the second innings, Hayward and Tydesley providing ample support to MacLaren’s 140. On the 3rd morning an aggressive Jackson and Rhodes added another 108 to the total, leaving Australia 402 to chase. With 2 sessions remaining they played for a draw, Bosanquet ripped through Australia after an opening stand of 62. Despite encroaching darkness and the threat of rain he bowled brilliantly, on a wicket that stayed true to the end, as England won by 213 runs.
Second Test: Warwick Armstrong 2/41, 33, 3/30
Rain had been falling in the leadup to this match, and there was a measure of uncertainty as to how the pitch might play. For some this excused the slow play of the Englishmen, for others it did not. MacLaren, Fry and Jackson all batted much more cautiously than usual and England made just 258 from 128 overs on the first day. Overnight rain fell, and the English innings was soon over. They were confident of getting Australia out for around 100, but some great work from Duff, Trumper, Armstrong and Darling put them only 100 runs behind at 181. Jackson as he had last test put in some valuable work with the ball. England, started off well, particularly MacLaren with 79 as they made it to 136/2, before some brilliant bowling by Armstrong resulted in MacLaren, Jackson and Jones being sent back to the pavillion in the last half hour. Unfortunately, the match was to be a draw as rain made no play possible on the last day.
Third Test: Stanley Jackson 144*, 1/10 Warwick Armstrong 2/44, 66, 5/122, 32
England started off shaky, dropping to 57/3, but again Jackson stepped up for his team with a brilliant 144* as they built to 301. Recovering from their own shaky start, Australia had 161 up with 5 wickets down but fell for 191, Armstrong’s play the standout of the innings. Armstrong’s bowling was good enough to restrict the English to only 162 runs for the rest of the day, slow scoring but setting up a big lead. Tyldesley was able to attack the next morning, reaching 100 and England declared with 5 wickets down leaving the Aussies to chase 402. Some great efforts, particularly from Noble (62) and Gregory (32) were enough to barely hold off an England victory as the match drew to a close.
Fourth Test: Stanley Jackson 113, 2/26
England again won the toss and batted first with Hayward providing a great start to the innings with before giving 3 chances almost in succession, the third being his downfall. Jackson yet again stood up with a century, finding a willing partner in Spooner as they steered England to 446, with the entire lower order contributing useful runs with the bat. The wicket had become treacherous due to earlier rain, and Australia were in dire straits at 47/4, before Darling came along. Brilliant under pressure with a 73. The Australians overachieved a bit, with some poor fielding and questionable captaincy from Jackson, bowling Rhodes for only 6 total overs, though he took a wicket in his first over in both spells. The wicket recovered better than expected and Australia were 118/1 at the close of the day thanks to Duff, with Trumper and Hill’s support. Unfortunately the rain came again, heavily in the morning. Eschewing all hopes of a draw the Australians attempted to play aggresively, but it was all in vain as they collapsed for 169 in the final over before lunch, Rhodes taking 3 wickets and 4 catches. Ironically if the last two batsmen had held out til lunch the weather would have caused another draw as it rained the rest of the day.
Fifth Test: Charles Fry 144, 16 Tibby Cotter 7/148, 2/73
On a good wicket that lasted through the match, Fry was finally able to show his ability in a test match setting. The Australians were unable to curb him as before, and he made a marvellous display with supporting acts from Hayward and Jackson. Arnold and Rhodes had some good hitting down the order and in the circumstances, Cotter’s bowling was of a different class. A slips error may have cost England the victory here, with Duff on 78, he skyed the ball into the slips and MacLaren, thinking Hirst had lost sight of the ball, ran into him and the easy chance was lost. Duff went on to make 144, with a run a ball 50 in support from Darling as Australia made it to 363. On the final day the Englishmen collapsed early in the second innings, at 13/3 in just over 20 mins. Tyldesley and Jackson settled the innings, batting slowly and surely until they were not in any danger. After Jackson had gotten out, Tyldesley and Spooner went on a tear, the final partnership worth 158 off 181 balls. They declared as tea and Spooner fell, and the Australians were left with 329 in a session to chase. As you can imagine, it ended in a draw.
Player of the Series: Stanley Jackson 492 @ 70.29, 13 @ 15.46
Consistently performing with the bat in every test, and putting in some key bowling performances, it was a spectacular series for Jackson to captain and end his career on.
First Test: Bernard Bosanquet 8/107
England won the toss, and crossing 300 was considered a certainty but they collapsed to 47/4, Lilley and Rhodes helping them eventually recover to 196. Tibby Cotter’s aggressive short pitched bowling rattled the Australians, and Laver was the beneficiary with a 7’fer. After Trumper strained his back early in his innings (he would end up sitting out for a fortnight), Hill and Noble stabilised things and Australia were looking in a favourable position at 129/1 before Jackson came in with his famous over. Noble out first ball, Hill out 4th ball and Darling out to close the over. Still, the Australians made it to 200 without the loss of further wicket thanks to Rhodes and Cotter, before collapsing, holding a slim 25 run lead, though down Trumper. England piled on the runs in the second innings, Hayward and Tydesley providing ample support to MacLaren’s 140. On the 3rd morning an aggressive Jackson and Rhodes added another 108 to the total, leaving Australia 402 to chase. With 2 sessions remaining they played for a draw, Bosanquet ripped through Australia after an opening stand of 62. Despite encroaching darkness and the threat of rain he bowled brilliantly, on a wicket that stayed true to the end, as England won by 213 runs.
Second Test: Warwick Armstrong 2/41, 33, 3/30
Rain had been falling in the leadup to this match, and there was a measure of uncertainty as to how the pitch might play. For some this excused the slow play of the Englishmen, for others it did not. MacLaren, Fry and Jackson all batted much more cautiously than usual and England made just 258 from 128 overs on the first day. Overnight rain fell, and the English innings was soon over. They were confident of getting Australia out for around 100, but some great work from Duff, Trumper, Armstrong and Darling put them only 100 runs behind at 181. Jackson as he had last test put in some valuable work with the ball. England, started off well, particularly MacLaren with 79 as they made it to 136/2, before some brilliant bowling by Armstrong resulted in MacLaren, Jackson and Jones being sent back to the pavillion in the last half hour. Unfortunately, the match was to be a draw as rain made no play possible on the last day.
Third Test: Stanley Jackson 144*, 1/10 Warwick Armstrong 2/44, 66, 5/122, 32
England started off shaky, dropping to 57/3, but again Jackson stepped up for his team with a brilliant 144* as they built to 301. Recovering from their own shaky start, Australia had 161 up with 5 wickets down but fell for 191, Armstrong’s play the standout of the innings. Armstrong’s bowling was good enough to restrict the English to only 162 runs for the rest of the day, slow scoring but setting up a big lead. Tyldesley was able to attack the next morning, reaching 100 and England declared with 5 wickets down leaving the Aussies to chase 402. Some great efforts, particularly from Noble (62) and Gregory (32) were enough to barely hold off an England victory as the match drew to a close.
Fourth Test: Stanley Jackson 113, 2/26
England again won the toss and batted first with Hayward providing a great start to the innings with before giving 3 chances almost in succession, the third being his downfall. Jackson yet again stood up with a century, finding a willing partner in Spooner as they steered England to 446, with the entire lower order contributing useful runs with the bat. The wicket had become treacherous due to earlier rain, and Australia were in dire straits at 47/4, before Darling came along. Brilliant under pressure with a 73. The Australians overachieved a bit, with some poor fielding and questionable captaincy from Jackson, bowling Rhodes for only 6 total overs, though he took a wicket in his first over in both spells. The wicket recovered better than expected and Australia were 118/1 at the close of the day thanks to Duff, with Trumper and Hill’s support. Unfortunately the rain came again, heavily in the morning. Eschewing all hopes of a draw the Australians attempted to play aggresively, but it was all in vain as they collapsed for 169 in the final over before lunch, Rhodes taking 3 wickets and 4 catches. Ironically if the last two batsmen had held out til lunch the weather would have caused another draw as it rained the rest of the day.
Fifth Test: Charles Fry 144, 16 Tibby Cotter 7/148, 2/73
On a good wicket that lasted through the match, Fry was finally able to show his ability in a test match setting. The Australians were unable to curb him as before, and he made a marvellous display with supporting acts from Hayward and Jackson. Arnold and Rhodes had some good hitting down the order and in the circumstances, Cotter’s bowling was of a different class. A slips error may have cost England the victory here, with Duff on 78, he skyed the ball into the slips and MacLaren, thinking Hirst had lost sight of the ball, ran into him and the easy chance was lost. Duff went on to make 144, with a run a ball 50 in support from Darling as Australia made it to 363. On the final day the Englishmen collapsed early in the second innings, at 13/3 in just over 20 mins. Tyldesley and Jackson settled the innings, batting slowly and surely until they were not in any danger. After Jackson had gotten out, Tyldesley and Spooner went on a tear, the final partnership worth 158 off 181 balls. They declared as tea and Spooner fell, and the Australians were left with 329 in a session to chase. As you can imagine, it ended in a draw.
Player of the Series: Stanley Jackson 492 @ 70.29, 13 @ 15.46
Consistently performing with the bat in every test, and putting in some key bowling performances, it was a spectacular series for Jackson to captain and end his career on.
From the Bosanquet article:
"In the other match at Sydney a great deal of rain fell at various times, and it is somewhat difficult to convey a true notion of how it affected the play.
There had been a good deal before the match started, and the wicket was a bit soft on the first day, though never exactly difficult. Our score of 207 for seven, therefore, was not a bad one, though nothing out of the way. The wicket was much better next day, our three wickets added forty-two runs, and they had thirty-five for one wicket, when a slight drizzle came on, which stopped play for about an hour and a half. After this they had two hours on a fast true wicket , in a slight drizzle, and we got five of them for 114, a good performance on this wicket.
There was no more play till the Tuesday at 4 o'clock. [Monday washed out] The wicket was then quite hard underneath, with water standing on the top. (Remember the 'Bulli' soil). Rhodes and Arnold, for some unaccountable reason, got the rest of them out for an addition of 17 runs. Not a ball turned an inch, and why they got out is one of those mysteries that make cricket the game it is. We had an hour on the drying wicket, though it never got difficult, and Hayward and Foster made about 50 without being parted. Next day more rain, and a wicket getting worse right up to the end, which found us with nine men out for 155. Next day a plumb, fast wicket, as was shown by the ease with which Warner and Rhodes added 55 runs. Our opponents thus had to get 329, a task which they were confident of accomplishing in the condition of the wicket."
Bosanquet modestly fails to add that he then took six wickets to give England victory by 157 runs.
Another source (Barker/Rosenwater) says the pitch started damp and looked likely to improve, but England batted first because the weather was unsettled. It reports the final innings thus: "The wicket was now in good order, and it was Bosanquet, coming on at 74 for 3, who finished off the match. Bosanquet's figures were rarely a reflection of his value, but in this innings he took 6 for 51. His presence in the side was to many Australians the decisive factor in England's successful campaign."
This was the first time googly bowling had appeared in international cricket. It caused panic because nobody could work out which way the deliveries from Bosanquet were turning. The report also highlights how different the game was on uncovered pitches, with the potential for several varieties of surfaces within a single match. Selection had to reflect this, with a balanced attack and a batting line-up adept in different conditions. Wicket-keeping was also very important. Reports of the 1896 series in England suggest that wicket-keeping errors may have affected the result in two of the three matches.
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Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
Great as always mate.
Picking a match at random: the 2015 Bengaluru Test between India and SA (SA 214, India 80-0, last 4 days rained off) appears not to have had a Player of the Match.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
Thanks very much. Thiink I’ll only do matches with a completed innings for both sides in that case.
capt_Luffy
Hall of Fame Member
Why? I feel giving one to matches abandoned mid way is kinda cool. Stewart deserves it for his 9* in Sabina Park.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
I mean maybe I’ll make exceptions but eh. Do you deserve a player of the match if less than half the match is even playable?
capt_Luffy
Hall of Fame Member
Yes.
Coronis
Hall of Fame Member
Haha if this occurs you can be the one to chime in and pick someone!