Test Cricket - A World XI from the inception in 1877 upto the First World War

 

(from left), W.G. Grace, Frederick Spofforth, Sydney Barnes and Jack Hobbs.....four of the finest Test cricketers before the First World War.

It is a fascinating exercise picking a World XI from the inception of Test cricket in 1877 till the First World War began in 1914. Wickets in the 1870s and 1880s were very uneven and rough. They improved in the 1890s with the introduction of the heavy roller, and further still in the first 14 years of the 20^th century, but were still not as well prepared as in later decades. By today’s standards, wickets were heavily loaded in favour of bowlers, and they were uncovered. But those were the conditions the players knew then, and coped with them.

Here is a World XI of those times. I am sure readers would make a few changes based on their perception, but some of the players would be common in all lists.

1.   Jack Hobbs - England

Batting Pre-WWI 1908 to 1914 - Tests 28, Runs 2465, Average 57.32, Highest Score 187, Hundreds 5, Fifties 16

Batting Full Career 1908 to 1930 - Tests 61, Runs 5410, Average 56.94, Highest Score 211, Hundreds 15, Fifties 28

What stands out is that Jack Hobbs has been the greatest Test batsman in the pre-First World War period. He was just as great after the War till the end of his career in 1930. In fact the War divided Hobbs’ Test career into almost two equal halves, with no decline whatsoever in performance in the latter part. In 28 Tests from 1908 to 1914, the English right-handed master opening batsman scored 2465 runs at an average of 57.32 with 5 hundreds and 16 fifties, and a highest score of 187. Then in 28 Tests from 1919 to 1930, Hobbs scored 2945 runs at an average of 56.63 with 10 hundreds and 12 fifties, and a highest score of 211. The first batsman to average 50 in Tests, he carried his supreme form forward till his retirement from Tests almost at the age of 48. His final figures in 61 Tests were 5410 runs at an average of 56.94 with 15 hundreds and 28 fifties. He was consistency personified, adept on turf as well as matting wickets, on bouncy, turning and wet tracks, against pace and spin alike. It is well-known that Hobbs scored 100 First-class hundreds after 40 years of age. He played First-class cricket till he was nearly 52 years old, and finished with a record 199 centuries, a true master.

2.   Victor Trumper - Australia

Batting Pre-WWI 1899 to 1912 - Tests 48, Runs 3163, Average 39.04, Highest Score 214 not out, Hundreds 8, Fifties 13

The highest run-getters before the First World War were the top-class Australian opening pair of the left-handed Clem Hill, and the exquisite stroke-maker and highly proficient on wet wickets Victor Trumper. In 49 Tests from 1896 to 1912, Hill scored 3412 runs, the highest hitherto, at an average of 39.21. Trumper was just behind. In 48 Tests from 1899 to 1912, Trumper scored 3163 runs at an average of 39.04 with 8 hundreds and 13 fifties, and a highest score of 214 not out.

3.   W.G. Grace (Captain) - England

Batting Pre-WWI 1880 to 1899 - Tests 22, Runs 1098, Average 32.29, Highest Score 170, Hundreds 2, Fifties 5

The first batsman to score 1000 Test runs was the right-handed Englishman Arthur Shrewsbury. Playing only in the 19^th century, in 23 Tests from 1881 to 1893, Shrewsbury scored 1227 runs at an average of 35.47. There were three other batsmen who scored 1000 Test runs while playing only in the 19^th century, WG Grace, George Giffen and AC Bannerman. As we know, wickets in the 1870s and 1880s were very rough and uneven. They improved in the 1890s but were still far inferior to those later. The batting performances of these players is, therefore, very commendable. In 22 Tests from 1880 to 1899, the inimitable right-handed English opening batsman WG Grace scored 1098 runs at an average of 32.29 with 2 hundreds and 5 fifties, and a highest score of 170.

4.   Stanley Jackson - England

Batting Pre-WWI 1893 to 1905 - Tests 20, Runs 1415, Average 48.79, Highest Score 144 not out, Hundreds 5, Fifties 6

Bowling Pre-WWI 1893 to 1905 - Wickets 24, Average 33.29, Best Bowling 5/52, 5WI 1

The next in terms of Test averages after Hobbs, among batsmen who scored more than 251 runs before the First World War, was The Honourable F.S. Jackson or Stanley Jackson, the English right-handed batsman. In 20 Tests from 1893 to 1905, Jackson scored 1415 runs at an average of 48.79, with 5 hundreds and 6 fifties, and a highest score of 144 not out. He was a fine fast-medium bowler too, capturing 24 Tests wickets at an average of 33.29.

5.   K.S. Ranjitsinhji - England

Batting Pre-WWI 1896 to 1902 - Tests 15, Runs 989, Average 44.95, Highest Score 175, Hundreds 2, Fifties 6

The Indian right-handed wizard K.S. Ranjitsinhji just missed scoring 1000 Test runs. In 15 Tests for England from 1896 to 1902, he hit up 989 runs at an average of 44.95 with 2 hundreds and 6 fifties, and a highest score of 175.

6.   Aubrey Faulkner - South Africa

Batting Pre-WWI 1906 to 1914 - Tests 24, Runs 1717, Average 41.87, Highest Score 204, Hundreds 4, Fifties 8

Bowling Pre-WWI 1906 to 1914 - Wickets 82, Average 25.52, Best Bowling 7/84, 5WI 4

Batting Full Career 1906 to 1924 - Tests 25, Runs 1754, Average 40.79, Highest Score 204, Hundreds 4, Fifties 8                 

Bowling Full Career 1906 to 1924 - Wickets 82, Average 26.58, Best Bowling 7/84, 5WI 4

The king of allrounders of the pre-First World War period, the South African Aubrey Faulkner, appeared in 1906. He bowled leg-breaks and googlies. Till the War, he had scored 1,717 runs at an average of 41.87, and taken 82 wickets at an average of 25.52, in 24 Tests. His quotient then was 1.64, at par with the doyens Gary Sobers and Jacques Kallis, though the sample size is obviously much smaller. After the War, he played one Test in 1924, scoring 37 runs and not taking a wicket. His quotient fell to 1.53, still comparable to greats like Imran Khan and Keith Miller.

7.   Monty Noble - Australia

Batting Pre-WWI 1898 to 1909 - Tests 42, Runs 1997, Average 30.25, Highest Score 133, Hundred 1, Fifties 16

Bowling Pre-WWI 1898 to 1909 - Wickets 121, Average 25.00, Best Bowling 7/17, 5WI 9, 10WM 2

Monty Noble entered the scene in 1898, a couple of years after his compatriot Giffen had finished. Noble bowled right-arm medium-pace and off-break. He came close to becoming the first to completing the double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets, finishing just 3 runs short. He hit up 1,997 runs at an average of 30.25, and bagged 121 wickets at an average of 25.00 in 42 Tests, his career lasting till 1909. His quotient is 1.21.

8.   Arthur Lilley (Wicketkeeper) - England

Batting Pre-WWI 1896 to 1909 - Tests 35, Runs 903, Average 20.52, Highest Score 84, Fifties 4

Wicketkeeping Pre-WWI 1896 to 1909 - Catches 70, Stumpings 22

Arthur Frederick Augustus ‘Dick’ Lilley made his Test debut for England in 1896. He played 35 Test matches till 1909, holding 70 catches and bringing off 22 stumpings. A right-handed batsman he scored 903 runs at an average of 20.52, with 4 half-centuries and a top score of 84. Dick Lilley came very close to becoming the first wicketkeeper-batsman to achieve the Test double of 1000 runs and 100 dismissals, finishing with 903 runs and 92 dismissals. Arthur Lilley was arguably the finest wicketkeeper-batsman up to the First World War.

9.   George Lohmann - England

Bowling Pre-WWI 1886 to 1896 - Tests 18, Wickets 112, Average 10.75, Best Bowling 9/28, 5WI 9, 10WM 5

The English right-arm medium-pacer George Lohmann, who played 18 Tests from 1886 to 1896, took 112 wickets at an incredible average of 10.75. It is the best average among bowlers who took more than 7 Test wickets before the First World War. He bagged 9 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 5 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 9 for 28 in an innings, and 15 for 45 in a Test.

10. Sydney Barnes - England

Bowling Pre-WWI 1901 to 1914 - Tests 27, Wickets 189, Average 16.43, Best Bowling 9/103, 5WI 24, 10WM 7

There is little doubt that Sydney Barnes was the best bowler in the pre-First World War period. The English right-arm fast-medium to medium pacer played only in the 20^th century when wickets were far better for batsmen than in the 1870s, 1880s, and even 1890s. Appearing between 1901 and 1914, Barnes captured 189 wickets in just 27 Tests at an average of 16.43. That is a brilliant 7 wickets per Test. He bagged 24 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 7 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 9 for 103 in an innings, and 17 for 159 in a Test. The other four bowlers who bagged 50 or more wickets with better averages than Barnes played only in the 19^th century when wickets were coarse and hazardous for batsmen.

11. Frederick Spofforth - Australia

Bowling Pre-WWI 1877 to 1887 - Tests 18, Wickets 94, Average 18.41, Best Bowling 7/44, 5WI 7, 10WM 4

The right-arm fast-medium Frederick ‘Demon’ Spofforth played 18 Tests for Australia from 1877 to 1887. He took 94 wickets at an average of 18.41. He bagged 7 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 4 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 44 in an innings, and 14 for 90 in a Test.

12^th Man Wilfred Rhodes - England

Batting Pre-WWI 1899 to 1914 - Tests 47, Runs 1965, Average 32.21, Highest Score 179, Hundreds 2, Fifties 10

Bowling Pre-WWI 1899 to 1914 - Wickets 105, Average 24.90, Best Bowling 8/68, 5WI 6, 10WM 1

Batting Full Career 1899 to 1930 - Tests 58, Runs 2325, Average 30.19, Highest Score 179, Hundreds 2, Fifties 10               

Bowling Full Career 1899 to 1930 - Wickets 127, Average 26.96, Best Bowling 8/68, 5WI 6, 10WM 1

The Test career of the remarkable Englishman Wilfred Rhodes lasted for 31 years till 1930. He was a right-arm fast medium, and leg-break bowler. His career spanned the generations of W.G. Grace and Don Bradman, and became the first to achieve the feat of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets. He scored 2,325 runs at an average of 30.19, and took 127 wickets at an average of 26.96 in 58 Tests. His quotient is 1.11. Till the First World War, he had scored 1,965 runs at an average of 32.21, and took 105 wickets at an average of 24.90 in 47 Tests. His quotient at that time was 1.29.

There is little doubt that this team would pose a stiff challenge to a World XI from any era, even though technique has evolved considerably, many more skills added, and fielding, fitness levels and coaching methods skyrocketed in the last century and more. In fact, given the conditions in that era the modern day batsmen would find it very challenging if they were to play then, unpredictable and uncovered wickets, thin willows and rudimentary gloves and pads, no helmets or other protective gear like thigh pads and chest guards. Today’s bowlers though would revel in such a situation. But for natural ability and courage, the gladiators of the pre-First World War era would match players of any epoch.

Top Wicketkeepers from inception of Test Cricket in 1877 up to the First World War and beyond

 

Arthur Lilley came closest to the Test double of 1000 runs and 100 dismissals before the First World War.

John McCarthy ‘Jack’ Blackham kept wickets for Australia in the inaugural Test in 1877 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He went on to play 35 Test matches till 1894, pouching 37 catches and effecting 24 stumpings. A right-handed batsman he scored exactly 800 runs at an average of 15.68, with 4 half-centuries and a top score of 74. Blackham played 275 First-class matches, bringing off 274 catches and 181 stumpings. He scored 6395 runs at an average of 16.78, with a hundred and 26 fifties and a highest score of 109. Jack Blackham was doubtlessly the pioneer among top-class wicketkeepers.

Arthur Frederick Augustus ‘Dick’ Lilley made his Test debut for England in 1896. He also played 35 Test matches till 1909, holding 70 catches and bringing off 22 stumpings. A right-handed batsman he scored 903 runs at an average of 20.52, with 4 half-centuries and a top score of 84. Dick Lilley came very close to becoming the first wicketkeeper-batsman to achieve the Test double of 1000 runs and 100 dismissals, finishing with 903 runs and 92 dismissals. Lilley played 416 First-class matches, taking 714 catches and effecting 197 stumpings. He scored 15,597 runs at an average of 26.30, with 16 hundreds and 77 fifties and a highest score of 171. Dick Lilley was arguably the finest wicketkeeper-batsman up to the First World War.

James Joseph Kelly made his Test debut for Australia also in 1896. He played the most Test matches by a wicketkeeper before the First World War, 36 till 1905, taking 43 catches and effecting 20 stumpings. A right-handed batsman he scored 664 runs at an average of 17.02, with a highest score of 46 not out. James Kelly played 185 First-class matches, taking 245 catches and effecting 112 stumpings. He scored 4108 runs at an average of 19.94, with 3 hundreds and 16 fifties and a highest score of 108.

Hanson ‘Sammy’ Carter made his Test debut for Australia in 1907. He played 20 Test matches before the First World War, taking 28 catches and effecting 10 stumpings. A right-handed batsman he scored 655 runs at an average of 21.83, with a highest score of 72 and 4 fifties. After the War, Sammy Carter played another 8 Test matches till 1921, finishing with 44 catches and 21 stumpings. He aggregated 873 runs at an average of 22.97, not scoring any more fifty. Sammy Carter played 128 First-class matches, taking 181 catches and effecting 89 stumpings. He scored 2897 runs at an average of 20.11, with 2 hundreds and 13 fifties and a highest score of 149.

Herbert ‘Bert’ Strudwick’s career too straddled the First World War, making his Test debut for England in 1910. He played 11 Test matches before the War, taking 23 catches and effecting 8 stumpings. A right-hander, Strudwick did not have much pretentions as a batsman. He scored 91 runs at an average of 7.58, with a highest score of 18 till the War. Bert Strudwick played a total of 28 Test matches till 1926, finishing with 61 catches and 12 stumpings. He aggregated 230 runs at an average of 7.93, and a highest score of 24. Strudwick played 674 First-class matches, taking 1237 catches and effecting 258 stumpings. He scored 6445 runs at an average of 10.88, with 9 fifties and a highest score of 93.

Top bowlers from inception of Test cricket in 1877 up to beginning of First World War and beyond

 

Sydney Barnes

There is little doubt that Sydney Barnes was the best bowler in the pre-First World War period. The English right-arm fast-medium to medium pacer played only in the 20^th century when wickets were far better for batsmen than in the 1870s, 1880s, and even 1890s. Appearing between 1901 and 1914, Barnes captured 189 wickets in just 27 Tests at an average of 16.43. That is a brilliant 7 wickets per Test. He bagged 24 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 7 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 9 for 103 in an innings, and 17 for 159 in a Test.

The other four bowlers who had better averages than Barnes played only in the 19^th century when wickets were uneven and rough, making them hazardous for batsmen. The English right-arm medium-pacer George Lohmann, who played 18 Tests from 1886 to 1896, is the only one among them to bag 100 wickets, 112 at an incredible average of 10.75. He bagged 9 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 5 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 9 for 28 in an innings, and 15 for 45 in a Test.

The left-arm fast-medium John (JJ) Ferris, who played 9 Tests from 1887 to 1892, first appeared for Australia, then for England. He took 61 wickets at an average of 12.70. He bagged 6 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 1 haul of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 37 in an innings, and 13 for 91 in a Test.

The right-arm fast-medium William Barnes played 21 Tests for England from 1880 to 1890. He took 51 wickets at an average of 15.54. He bagged 3 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings. His best analyses were 6 for 28 in an innings, and 9 for 81 in a Test.

The slow left-arm orthodox William Bates played 15 Tests for England from 1881 to 1887. He took 50 wickets at an average of 16.42. He bagged 4 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 1 haul of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 28 in an innings, and 14 for 102 in a Test.

In terms of averages, Barnes was followed by five top-class bowlers of the era. The right-arm medium pacer Charlie (CTB) Turner played 17 Tests for Australia from 1887 to 1895. He took 101 wickets at an average of 16.53. He bagged 11 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 2 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 43 in an innings, and 12 for 87 in a Test.

The slow left-arm orthodox spinner Robert (Bobby) Peel played 20 Tests for England from 1884 to 1896. He took 101 wickets at an average of 16.98. He bagged 5 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 1 haul of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 31 in an innings, and 11 for 68 in a Test.

The slow left-arm orthodox spinner Johnny Briggs played 33 Tests for England from 1884 to 1899. He took 118 wickets at an average of 17.75. He bagged 9 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 4 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 8 for 11 in an innings, and 15 for 28 in a Test.

The right-arm fast-medium Frederick ‘Demon’ Spofforth played 18 Tests for Australia from 1877 to 1887. He took 94 wickets at an average of 18.41. He bagged 7 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 4 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 44 in an innings, and 14 for 90 in a Test.

The slow left-arm orthodox spinner Colin Blythe played 19 Tests for England from 1901 to 1910. He took 100 wickets at an average of 18.63. He bagged 9 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 4 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 8 for 59 in an innings, and 15 for 99 in a Test.

These were the top 10 averages for bowlers with 50 wickets or more in Test cricket from its inception in 1877 up to the First World War, all below 20 runs per wicket.

The right-arm fast bowler George Ulyett played 25 Tests for England from 1877 to 1890. He took 50 wickets at an average of 20.40. He bagged 1 haul of five wickets or more in an innings. His best analyses were 7 for 36 in an innings, and 7 for 57 in a Test. He was the first of the top allrounders, having finished just short of the 1000 runs mark, finishing with 949 runs at an average of 24.33, and an allrounder’s quotient of 1.19.

The left-arm fast-medium bowler William (Bill) Whitty played 14 Tests for Australia from 1909 to 1912. He took 65 wickets at an average of 21.12. He bagged 3 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings. His best analyses were 6 for 17 in an innings, and 9 for 98 in a Test.

The right-arm off-break bowler George (Joey) Palmer played 17 Tests for Australia from 1880 to 1886. He took 78 wickets at an average of 21.51. He bagged 6 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 2 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 65 in an innings, and 11 for 165 in a Test.

The right-arm off-break bowler Hugh Trumble played 32 Tests for Australia from 1890 to 1904. He took 141 wickets at an average of 21.78. He bagged 9 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 3 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 8 for 65 in an innings, and 12 for 89 in a Test. He was the second-highest wicket-taker in the pre-First World War period after Sydney Barnes.

The left-armer Jack Saunders, who bowled medium-pace as well as slow orthodox, played 14 Tests for Australia from 1902 to 1908. He took 79 wickets at an average of 22.73. He bagged 6 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings. His best analyses were 7 for 34 in an innings, and 9 for 66 in a Test.

The versatile right-armer Albert (Bert) Vogler, who bowled fast-medium, medium as well as leg-break and googly, played 15 Tests for South Africa from 1906 to 1911. He took 64 wickets at an average of 22.73. He bagged 5 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 1 haul of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 94 in an innings, and 12 for 181 in a Test.

The allrounder known for his longevity, Wilfred Rhodes, who bowled slow left-arm orthodox, played 47 Tests for England before the First World War from 1899 to 1914. He took 105 wickets at an average of 24.90 during this period. He bagged 6 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 1 haul of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 8 for 68 in an innings, and 15 for 124 in a Test. After the War, he played Test cricket till 1930, appearing in a total of 58 Tests. He finished with 127 wickets at an average of 26.96, not improving on his analyses nor adding to his five-wicket and ten-wicket hauls. Before the War, Rhodes had scored 1965 runs at an average of 32.21, with a highest score of 179, and 2 hundreds and 10 fifties. He had an allrounder’s quotient of 1.29. He finished with 2325 runs at an average of 30.19, not improving on his top score, nor adding to his tally of hundreds and fifties, the quotient being 1.11.

The Australian Monty Noble was another allrounder from the top drawer. He bowled right-arm medium pace as well as off-break, and played 42 Tests from 1898 to 1909. He took 121 wickets at an average of 25.00. He bagged 9 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 2 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 17 in an innings, and 13 for 77 in a Test. He narrowly missed the double of 2000 runs and 100 wickets in Tests, scoring 1997 runs at an average of 30.25, with a highest score of 133, and 1 hundred and 16 fifties. He had an allrounder’s quotient of 1.21.

The right-arm fast bowler Tom Richardson played 14 Tests for England from 1893 to 1898. He took 88 wickets at an average of 25.22. He bagged 11 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 4 hauls of 10 wickets or more in a Test. His best analyses were 8 for 94 in an innings, and 13 for 244 in a Test.

Arguably, the finest allrounder of the pre-First World War era was the South African Aubrey Faulkner. He bowled right-arm leg-break and googly, playing 24 Tests before the First World War from 1906 to 1912. He took 82 wickets at an average of 25.52 during this period. He bagged 4 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings. His best analyses were 7 for 84 in an innings, and 9 for 75 in a Test. After the War, he played one Test in 1930 without taking a wicket. He finished with an average of 26.58. Before the War, Faulkner had scored 1717 runs at an average of 41.87, with a highest score of 204, and 4 hundreds and 8 fifties. He had an allrounder’s quotient of 1.64. He scored 37 runs in the two innings in 1924, finishing with 1754 runs at an average of 40.79 the quotient being 1.53.

Faulkner’s compatriot Reginald (Reggie) Schwarz bowled right-arm medium-pace and off-break, playing 20 Tests from 1906 to 1912. He took 55 wickets at an average of 25.76. He bagged 2 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings. His best analyses were 6 for 47 in an innings, and 7 for 89 in a Test.

The Australian allrounder George Giffen was the first to achieve the Test double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets. He bowled right-arm medium pace, and played 31 Tests from 1881 to 1896. He took 103 wickets at an average of 27.09. He bagged 7 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 1 haul of 10 wickets in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 117 in an innings, and 10 for 160 in a Test. He scored 1238 runs at an average of 23.35, with a highest score of 161, and 1 hundred and 6 fifties. He had an allrounder’s quotient of 0.86.

The right-arm fast bowler Albert (Tibby) Cotter played 21 Tests for Australia from 1904 to 1912. He took 89 wickets at an average of 28.64. He bagged 7 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings. His best analyses were 7 for 148 in an innings, and 9 for 221 in a Test.

The right-arm fast bowler Ernest (Ernie) Jones played 19 Tests for Australia from 1894 to 1902. He took 64 wickets at an average of 29.01. He bagged 3 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings, and 1 haul of 10 wickets in a Test. His best analyses were 7 for 88 in an innings, and 10 for 164 in a Test.

These were 24 bowlers who averaged less than 30 while capturing 50 Test wickets. Of these, 10 bowlers took 100 wickets or more.

The left-arm medium-pacer George Hirst played 24 Tests for England from 1897 to 1909. He took 59 wickets at an average of 30.00. He bagged 3 hauls of five wickets in an innings. His best analyses were 5 for 48 in an innings, and 9 for 86 in a Test. A superb allrounder at the First-class level, Hirst was deemed to be the inventor of swing and seam bowling.

The right-arm fast-medium James (Jimmy) Sinclair played 25 Tests for South Africa from 1896 to 1911. He took 63 wickets at an average of 31.68. He bagged 1 haul of five wickets or more in an innings. His best analyses were 6 for 26 in an innings, and 9 for 89 in a Test.

Finally, there was the allrounder Warwick ‘Big Ship Armstrong’, who bowled right-arm fast- medium and leg-break, and played 40 Tests for Australia before the First World War from 1902 to 1912. He took 70 wickets at an average of 35.81 during this period. He bagged 3 hauls of five wickets or more in an innings. His best analyses were 6 for 35 in an innings, and 7 for 166 in a Test. After the War, he led Australia in two Ashes series in 1920-21 and 1921, winning 5-0 and 3-0, and appearing in a total of 50 Tests. He finished with 87 wickets at an average of 33.59, not improving on his analyses nor adding to his five-wicket hauls. Before the War, Armstrong had scored 2247 runs at an average of 35.66, with a highest score of 159 not out, and 3 hundreds and 7 fifties. He had an allrounder’s quotient of 0.99. He finished with 2863 runs at an average of 38.68, and 6 hundreds and 8 fifties, with the same top-score, the quotient being 1.15.

These were 27 bowlers who took 50 Test wickets or more before the First World War. Three allrounders Wilfred Rhodes, Aubrey Faulkner and Warwick Armstrong played beyond the War. The wickets were far different before the War, and this is clearly reflected in the bowlers’ averages. Nevertheless, most of the basic skills of bowling were developed during these formative 37 years of Test cricket.

Top batsmen from inception of Test cricket in 1877 upto beginning of First World War and beyond

 

Jack Hobbs, the master, one of the greatest batsmen ever.

What stands out is that Jack Hobbs has been the greatest Test batsman in the pre-First World War period. He was just as great after the War till the end of his career in 1930. In fact the War divided Hobbs’ Test career into almost two equal halves, with no decline whatsoever in performance in the latter part. In 28 Tests from 1908 to 1914, the English right-handed master opening batsman scored 2465 runs at an average of 57.32 with 5 hundreds and 16 fifties, and a highest score of 187. Then in 28 Tests from 1919 to 1930, Hobbs scored 2945 runs at an average of 56.63 with 10 hundreds and 12 fifties, and a highest score of 211. The first batsman to average 50 in Tests, he carried his supreme form forward till his retirement from Tests almost at the age of 48. His final figures in 61 Tests were 5410 runs at an average of 56.94 with 15 hundreds and 28 fifties. He was consistency personified, adept on turf as well as matting wickets, on bouncy, turning and wet tracks, against pace and spin alike. It is well-known that Hobbs scored 100 First-class hundreds after 40 years of age. He played First-class cricket till he was nearly 52 years old, and finished with a record 199 centuries, a true master.

The next in terms of Test averages was The Honourable F.S. Jackson or Stanley Jackson, the English right-handed batsman. In 20 Tests from 1893 to 1905, Jackson scored 1415 runs at an average of 48.79, with 5 hundreds and 6 fifties, and a highest score of 144 not out. He was a fine fast-medium bowler too, capturing 24 Tests wickets at an average of 33.29.

There were two other batsmen who averaged in the 40s before the First World War, the Australian left-hander Warren Bardsley and the great South African allrounder Aubrey Faulkner.

In 20 Tests from 1909 to 1912, Bardsley scored 1490 runs at an average of 45.15, with 5 hundreds and 7 fifties, and a highest score of 164. The War divided his Test career too into two almost equal halves. He was already in his late thirties when the war ended, and was not able to fully replicate his performances till he retired in 1926. In 41 Tests, Bardsley finished with 2469 runs at an average of 40.47, with 6 hundreds and 14 fifties, and a highest score of 193 not out at almost 44 years of age.

Aubrey Faulkner has been one of the top Test allrounders ever. For all practical purposes, he played all his Test cricket before the War, appearing in just one Test in 1924. In 24 Tests from 1906 to 1912, the right-handed Faulkner scored 1717 runs at an average of 41.87 with 4 hundreds and 8 fifties, and a highest score of 204. With his leg-break and googly, Faulkner bagged 82 Test wickets at an average of 25.52 before the outbreak of the War. He finally finished with 1754 runs at an average of 40.79, and 82 wickets at an average of 26.58 in 25 Tests when he was well over 42 years old.

There were three batsmen who scored between 500 runs and 1000 runs, and averaged in the 40s, K.S. Ranjitsinhji, George Gunn and Reginald Foster.

In 15 Tests for England from 1896 to 1902, the Indian right-handed wizard K.S. Ranjitsinhji scored 989 runs at an average of 44.95 with 2 hundreds and 6 fifties, and a highest score of 175.

In 11 Tests from 1907 to 1912, the English right-hander George Gunn scored 844 runs at an average of 42.20 with 2 hundreds and 6 fifties, and a highest score of 122 not out. Gunn played Tests after the War upto 1930, completing 1000 runs and still averaging exactly 40. He finished with 1120 runs in 15 Tests, adding a fifty.

In 8 Tests from 1903 to 1907, the English right-hander Reginald ‘Tip’ Foster scored 602 runs at an average of 46.30 with 1 hundred and 1 fifty, and a highest score of 287, the record hitherto. That top-score accounted for almost half his runs.

The highest run-getters before the First World War were the top-class Australian opening pair of the left-handed Clem Hill, and the exquisite stroke-maker and highly proficient on wet wickets Victor Trumper.

In 49 Tests from 1896 to 1912, Hill scored 3412 runs, the highest hitherto, at an average of 39.21 with 7 hundreds and 19 fifties, and a highest score of 191.

Trumper was just behind. In 48 Tests from 1899 to 1912, Trumper scored 3163 runs at an average of 39.04 with 8 hundreds and 13 fifties, and a highest score of 214 not out.

They were followed in terms of Test averages by three of their compatriots Vernon Ransford, Warwick Armstrong and Reggie Duff.

In 20 Tests from 1907 to 1912, the left-handed Vernon Ransford scored 1211 runs at an average of 37.84 with 1 hundred and 7 fifties, and a highest score of 143 not out.

The Test career of the imposing Warwick ‘Big Ship’ Armstrong straddled the First World War. In 40 Tests from 1902 to 1912, the right-handed allrounder Warwick Armstrong scored 2247 runs at an average of 35.66 with 3 hundreds and 7 fifties, and a highest score of 159 not out. With his fast-medium and leg-break bowling, Armstrong captured 70 wickets at an average of 35.81. He was already in his forties when Test cricket resumed after the First World War. Not only did his performances improve further, but Armstrong was at the helm of a top-class Australian side that handed out a 5-0 and 3-0 drubbing to England in 1920-21 and 1921, winning the first eight of those Tests in a row. When he hung up his boots in 1921, in 50 Tests Armstrong had scored 2893 runs at an average of 38.68 with 6 hundreds and 8 fifties, the highest score being the same at 159 not out. He finished with 87 wickets at an average of 33.59.    

In 22 Tests from 1902 to 1905, the right-handed Reginald Duff scored 1317 runs at an average of 35.59 with 2 hundreds and 6 fifties, and a highest score of 146.

The first batsman to score 1000 Test runs was the right-handed Englishman Arthur Shrewsbury. Playing only in the 19^th century, In 23 Tests from 1881 to 1893, Shrewsbury scored 1227 runs at an average of 35.47 with 3 hundreds and 4 fifties, and a highest score of 164.

There were three other batsmen who scored 1000 Test runs while playing only in the 19^th century, WG Grace, George Giffen and AC Bannerman. Wickets in the 1870s and 1880s were very rough and uneven. They improved in the 1890s but were still far inferior to those later. The batting performances of these players is, therefore, very commendable.

In 22 Tests from 1880 to 1899, the inimitable right-handed English opening batsman WG Grace scored 1098 runs at an average of 32.29 with 2 hundreds and 5 fifties, and a highest score of 170.  

The Australian allrounder George Giffen was a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium pace bowler. In 31 Tests from 1881 to 1896, Giffen scored 1238 runs at an average of 23.35 with 1 hundred and 6 fifties, and a highest score of 161. He took 103 wickets at an average of 27.03.

In 28 Tests from 1879 to 1893, the right-handed Australian batsman Alec Bannerman scored 1108 runs at an average of 23.08 with 8 fifties, and a highest score of 94.

Apart from the batsmen mentioned above, there were six others who scored 1000 Test runs before the First World War, and averaged above 30. Of these, two were great allrounders, Wilfred Rhodes and Monty Noble.

In 47 Tests from 1899 to 1914, the right-handed English batsman Wilfred Rhodes scored 1965 runs at an average of 32.21 with 2 hundreds and 10 fifties, and a highest score of 179. He took 127 wickets at an average of 26.96 with his slow left-arm bowling upto the War. Rhodes went on to play after the War as well upto 1930. In 58 Tests he scored 2325 runs at an average of 30.19, scoring one more fifty, the highest score being the same.

In 42 Tests from 1898 to 1909, the right-handed Australian batsman Monty Noble scored 1997 runs at an average of 30.25 with 1 hundred and 16 fifties, and a highest score of 133. He took 121 wickets at an average of 25 with his right-arm medium-pace and off-breaks.

In 35 Tests from 1896 to 1909, the right-handed English batsman Tom Hayward scored 1999 runs at an average of 34.46 with 3 hundreds and 12 fifties, and a highest score of 137.

In 35 Tests from 1894 to 1909, the right-handed English batsman Archie MacLaren scored 1931 runs at an average of 33.87 with 5 hundreds and 8 fifties, and a highest score of 140.

In 26 Tests from 1896 to 1912, the right-handed English batsman Charles (C.B.) Fry scored 1223 runs at an average of 32.18 with 2 hundreds and 7 fifties, and a highest score of 144.

In 31 Tests from 1899 to 1909, the right-handed English batsman Johnny Tyldesley scored 1661 runs at an average of 30.75 with 4 hundreds and 9 fifties, and a highest score of 138.

There remain three other batsmen who scored above 1000 before the First World War, Joe Darling, Dave Nourse and Syd Gregory.

In 34 Tests from 1894 to 1905, the left-handed Australian batsman Joe Darling scored 1657 runs at an average of 28.56 with 3 hundreds and 8 fifties, and a highest score of 178.

In 32 Tests from 1902 to 1914, the left-handed South African batsman Dave (A.W.) Nourse scored 1512 runs at an average of 28.52 with 11 fifties, and a highest score of 93 not out. Known as the Grand Old Man of South African Cricket, Nourse went on to play after the War as well until 1924. Ultimately in 45 Tests, Nourse scored 2234 runs at an average of 29.78 with 1 century and 15 fifties, and a highest score of 111. He also bowled left-arm medium-pace, finishing with 41 Test wickets at an average of 37.87.

In 58 Tests from 1890 to 1912, the right-handed Australian batsman Syd Gregory scored 2282 runs at an average of 24.53 with 4 hundred and 8 fifties, and a highest score of 201.

These, in brief, are the finest wielders of the willow before the First World War, some of whom went on to play after the war as well.

Great allrounders from inception of Test cricket in 1877 upto beginning of First World War and beyond

 

Aubrey Faulkner

There have been five great allrounders from the inception of Test cricket in 1877 till the beginning of the First World War in 1914, a few of them going beyond as well, scoring at least 1,000 runs and taking a minimum of 50 wickets. They were all right-handed batsmen, but with different styles of bowling.

The first of them was the Australian George Giffen who made his debut in 1881. He was a right-arm medium-pace bowler. In his Test career lasting till 1896, he scored 1,238 runs at an average of 23.35, and took 103 wickets at an average of 27.03 in 31 Tests. His quotient, batting average divided by bowling average, is 0.86. He was a stalwart of the early years of Test cricket.

His compatriot Monty Noble entered the scene in 1898, a couple of years after Giffen had finished. He bowled right-arm medium-pace and off-breaks. He came close to becoming the first to completing the double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets, finishing just 3 runs short. He hit up 1,997 runs at an average of 30.25, and bagged 121 wickets at an average of 25.00 in 42 Tests, his career lasting till 1909. His quotient is 1.21.

He was closely followed in 1899 by the remarkable Englishman Wilfred Rhodes, whose Test career lasted for 31 years till 1931. He was a right-arm fast medium, and leg-break bowler. His career spanned the generations of W.G. Grace and Don Bradman, and became the first to achieve the feat of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets. He scored 2,325 runs at an average of 30.19, and took 127 wickets at an average of 26.96 in 58 Tests. His quotient is 1.11. Till the First World War, he had scored 1,965 runs at an average of 32.21, and took 105 wickets at an average of 24.90 in 47 Tests. His quotient at that time was 1.29.

Next came Warwick ‘Big Ship’ Armstrong, who career also spanned the pre and post First World War periods. He bowled right-arm fast medium, and leg-break. Beginning in 1902, he went on to lead the original invincible Australian teams of 1920-21 and 1921. He scored 2,863 runs at an average of 38.68, and captured 87 wickets at an average of 33.59 in 50 Tests. His quotient is 1.15. Till the First World War, he had scored 2,247 runs at an average of 35.66, and took 70 wickets at an average of 35.81 in 40 Tests. His quotient at that time was 0.99. His record improved significantly after the War.       

Finally appeared in 1906, the king of allrounders of the pre First World War period, the South African Aubrey Faulkner. He bowled leg-breaks and googlies. Till the War, he had scored 1,717 runs at an average of 41.87, and taken 82 wickets at an average of 25.52, in 24 Tests. His quotient then was 1.64, at par with the doyens Gary Sobers and Jacques Kallis, though the sample size is obviously much smaller. After the War, he played one Test in 1924, scoring 37 runs and not taking a wicket. His quotient fell to 1.53, still comparable to greats like Imran Khan and Keith Miller.

It must be mentioned, however, that the right-handed George Ulyett was the pioneer among allrounders, having finished just short of the 1000 runs mark, scoring 949 runs in 25 Tests for England from 1877 to 1890 at an average of 24.33. A fast bowler, Ulyett captured 50 wickets at an average of 20.40. His quotient is 1.19.

The top allrounders with at least 1000 runs and 50 wickets in the initial decades of Tests cricket were:

Aubrey Faulkner (South Africa 1906-1924), Right-hand bat, Leg-break googly

Tests 25, Highest score 204, Runs 1754, Average 40.79, 100s 4, 50s 8       

Best bowling 7/84, Wickets 82, Average 26.58, 5WI 4, 10WM -, Quotient 1.53    

Monty Noble (Australia 1898-1909), Right-hand bat, Right-arm medium, Off-break

Tests 42, Highest score 133, Runs 1997, Average 30.25, 100s 1, 50s 16     

Best bowling 7/17, Wickets 121, Average 25.00, 5WI 9, 10WM 2, Quotient 1.21

Warwick Armstrong (Australia 1902-1921), Right-hand bat, Right-arm fast medium, Leg-break

Tests 50, Highest score 159*, Runs 2863, Average 38.68, 100s 6, 50s 8     

Best bowling 6/35, Wickets 87, Average 33.59, 5WI 3, 10WM -, Quotient 1.15    

Wilfred Rhodes (England 1899-1930), Right-hand bat, Slow left-arm

Tests 58, Highest score 179, Runs 2325, Average 30.19, 100s 2, 50s 10

Best bowling 8/68, Wickets 127, Average 26.96, 5WI 6, 10WM 1, Quotient 1.11

George Giffen (Australia 1881-1896), Right-hand bat, Right-arm medium

Tests 31, Highest score 161, Runs 1238, Average 23.35, 100s 1, 50s 6       

Best bowling 7/117, Wickets  103, Average 27.03, 5WI 7, 10WM 1, Quotient 0.86

Ben Stokes has accorded top priority to Test cricket; bids fair to be ranked among the finest batting allrounders

Ben Stokes is set to emulate Gary Sobers, the king of allrounders,  in terms of Test runs and wickets.

It is commendable that Ben Stokes has given top priority to Test cricket. He skipped the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and has made himself unavailable for the World T20 in order to be fresh for Test cricket. More particularly, he wants to be fit to bowl regularly and fulfil his role as allrounder. As one of the leading cricket personalities of the time, he has, in no uncertain terms, declared that Test cricket is the ultimate form of the game and deserves all the respect.

Firmly at the helm of the England Test team, and with another belligerent personality, coach Brendon McCullum, by his side, Stokes appears set to pen the next exhilarating chapter in his saga.

Gary Sobers is the king of allrounders. Jacques Kallis with his fabulous record is not far behind. Imran Khan and Keith Miller would come next in the hierarchy. In simple terms, an allrounder can be defined as one whose batting average is higher than his bowling average. A good allrounder’s quotient, that is, batting average divided by bowling average should be above 1, or in the positive.

Ideally, an allrounder’s batting average should be above 30, and bowling average below 30. Taking a minimum of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets, there have been only 18 allrounders with a quotient of more than 1 in the 147-year history of Test cricket.  Monty Noble missed the distinction by just three runs, having scored 1,997 runs at an average of 30.25, and taken 121 wickets at 25.00 apiece in his 42 Tests, for a quotient of 1.21.

Wilfred Rhodes, whose Test career spanned a huge period of 31 years between 1899 and 1930, was the pioneer. He scored 2,325 runs at an average of 30.19, and bagged 127 wickets at 26.96 each in 58 Tests, ending with a quotient of 1.11.

Sobers is at the top of the league with a quotient of 1.697; Kallis is right on his heels with 1.695. Imran ranks third at 1.65, with Miller close behind at 1.60. Ravindra Jadeja, who is still playing, has a quotient of 1.49.

When he hung up his boots in 1974, Sobers held the record for the highest score (365 not out) and aggregate (8,032 runs), and centuries second in number (26) to Bradman, in his 93 Test matches, and was the first to hit 6 sixes in an over in First-class cricket. One of the greatest batsmen, with a repertoire of bowling none has been able to match (235 wickets), and a brilliant fielder, Sobers remains peerless.

Kallis was one for the long distance, amassing 13,289 runs with 45 hundreds and picking up 292 wickets in 166 Test matches.

Sobers (57.78) and Kallis (55.37) are the only allrounders to average in the fifties with the bat.

Among top allrounders, the only three to average below 23 with the ball are Richard Hadlee 22.29 (431 wickets in 86 Tests), Imran 22.81 (362 wickets in 88 Tests) and Miller 22.97 (170 wickets in 55 Tests).

Ben Stokes is one of just five top allrounders to score above 5,000 Test runs

Just five allrounders have scored above 5,000 runs, Kallis, Sobers, Kapil Dev (5,248 runs, 31.05 average, 131 Tests) Ben Stokes (6,316 runs, 35.48 average, 102 Tests), and Ian Botham (5,200 runs, 33.54 average, 102 Tests).

Similarly, only six allrounders have captured 300 wickets and more, Ravichandran Ashwin (516 wickets, 23.75 average, 100 Tests), Kapil Dev (434 wickets, 29.64 average, 131 Tests), Hadlee (431 wickets, 22.29 average, 86 Tests), Shaun Pollock (421 wickets, 23.11 average, 108 Tests), Botham (383 wickets, 28.40 average, 102 Tests), and Imran (362 wickets, 22.81 average, 88 Tests). Ravindra Jadeja is ready to creep into this list (294 wickets, 24.13 average, 72 Tests). Incidentally, these are the only seven allrounders to score 3,000 runs as well.

From the above figures, it is clear who the top allrounders have been in Test history. The aggressive, hard-hitting Stokes has made his mark as a batting allrounder. His bowling has lagged behind. Injuries have taken their toll. But he is on the verge of 200 wickets. After 102 Tests, he has 198 wickets for an average of 31.99, and a quotient of 1.109. When he reaches the milestone, he will be only the third to score 6,000 runs and capture 200 wickets after Sobers and Kallis. With the bat, Stokes is a match-winner, capable of turning around a game at any time, with a fierce desire to win.

Present-day cricket is fortunate to have several fine allrounders, like in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s, though they do not get the same credit.

In addition to Stokes, there are four other allrounders putting in sterling performances this generation. In chronological order, they are Shakib Al Hasan (67 Tests, 4,505 runs at 38.83 average, 237 wickets at 31.16 average, 1.24 quotient), Ashwin (100 Tests, 3,309 runs at 26.26 average, 516 wickets at 23.75 average, 1.105 quotient), Jadeja (72 Tests, 3,036 runs at 36.14 average, 294 wickets at 24.13 average, 1.49 quotient), and Jason Holder (64 Tests, 2797 runs at 29.44 average, 157 wickets at 29.21 average, 1.00 quotient).

Will Stokes become the first to score 8,000 runs and bag 300 wickets in his Test career? Time will tell, but his attitude and determination certainly indicate that he will.

Preserving Test Cricket

 

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently took a laudatory step by formulating a Test cricket incentive scheme. It encourages players to turn out in Tests and makes it profitable for them. BCCI is one of the leading cricket authorities in the world, and must be commended for taking this step to promote Test cricket, and in fact retaining its primacy.

For almost four decades there has been chatter that Test cricket is fading into oblivion. It was said that One-day cricket would replace the traditional form. After the introduction and popularity of Twenty20, it is now being said that the new form will push the One-day game into the shadows. What critics fail to realize is that cricket has a wonderful bouquet of Test matches, One-day Internationals and Twenty20, and the key is to maintain a fine balance and enjoy all the formats.

Through 1990, I had written a book entitled ‘Test Cricket: End of the Road?’ arguing that Test cricket would survive the onslaught of the One-day format, and in fact thrive. Test cricket has indeed survived, and there is no sign of it petering out. The recent five-Test series between India and England is a case in point. All the Tests drew good crowds, and the English Barmy Army made its presence felt in all the venues. There was a huge turnaround in the first Test. India were far ahead, then England made a stirring comeback, and clinched it. India had their backs to the wall in the fourth Test, but fought back to pull off an exciting win.

In the other Tests too there were ebbs and flows, ups and downs. The battle was closer than what the 4-1 score-line suggests. This is what makes Test matches so fascinating and unpredictable. It is, then, heartening that a five-Test series will be played between Australia and India during the 2024-25 season, for the first time since 1991-92 involving the two teams. Cricket authorities are finally understanding the significance of Test matches.

This is what brings one to the World Test Championship (WTC). To have one final to decide such a prestigious event is a travesty of justice. It should be a league without a final. It is also questionable to always hold the final in England. It is obviously because the final comes up in the northern summer coinciding with the English season, and off-season for the other countries. It another reason why a final is redundant.   

Secondly, WTC should be a four-year cycle. A two-year cycle devalues the importance of the championship. When the Olympics are held every four years, when the football World Cup is held every four years, indeed when the One-day cricket World Cup is held every four years, why is the WTC held every two years? Just as the International Cricket Council (ICC) rectified the flawed original points system for WTC, it should roll out a four-year WTC.

In three years, Test cricket will celebrate its 150^th anniversary. A four-year cycle of WTC culminating in that year of 2027 would be a wonderful way to commemorate it.

The thought process of the BCCI to avoid matches during the severe winter in north India is a good one. In the last 25 years, fog has become a big disruptor. Ideally, the north should host the game from mid-October to mid-December, and from mid-February to mid-March, before the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks in. The rest of the country offers perfect weather for cricket between mid-December and mid-February. India is blessed to have diverse weather conditions. It is a good idea to optimize it to the benefit of cricket.