Test Cricket - Records from inception in 1877 till beginning of First World War in 1914

 

The England team that played Australia in the first Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham in 1899. 

Back row: Dick Barlow (umpire), Tom Hayward, George Hirst, Billy Gunn, Jack Hearne (12th man), Bill Storer (wicketkeeper), Bill Brockwell, Valentine Titchmarsh (umpire).

Middle row: CB Fry, KS Ranjitsinhji, WG Grace (captain), Stanley Jackson.

Front row: Wilfred Rhodes, Johnny Tyldesley.

It was WG Grace’s final Test, while Wilfred Rhodes made his Test debut.

England were the leading team in the initial period upto the First World War, just ahead of Australia, with late entrants South Africa lagging behind.

TEAM PERFORMANCES

England - 1877 to 1914, Tests Played 123, Won 59, Lost 42, Drawn 22, Success % 56.91

Australia - 1877 to 1912, Tests Played 105, Won 43, Lost 41, Drawn 21, Success % 50.95

South Africa - 1889 to 1914, Tests Played 40, Won 8, Lost 27, Drawn 5, Success % 26.25

 

HIGHEST TOTALS

589 - England v Australia, Melbourne, 1911-12

586 - Australia v England, Sydney, 1894-95

578 - Australia v South Africa, Melbourne, 1910-11

577 - England v Australia, Sydney, 1903-04

576 - England v Australia, The Oval, London, 1899

573 - Australia v England, Adelaide, 1897-98

551 - Australia v England, The Oval, London, 1884

551- England v Australia, Sydney, 1897-98

528 - Australia v South Africa, Sydney, 1910-11

520 - Australia v England, Melbourne, 1897-98

506 - Australia v England, Adelaide, 1907-08

506 - South Africa v Australia, Melbourne, 1910-11

501 - England v Australia, Adelaide, 1911-12

 

LOWEST TOTALS

30 - South Africa v England, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), 1895-96

35 - South Africa v England, Cape Town, 1898-99

36 - Australia v England, Birmingham, 1902

42 - Australia v England, Sydney, 1887-88

43 - South Africa v England, Cape Town, 1888-89

44 - Australia v England, The Oval, London, 1896

45 - England v Australia, Sydney, 1886-87

47 - South Africa v England, Cape Town, 1888-89

 

HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL SCORES

Reginald Foster - 287, England v Australia, Sydney, 1903-04

Victor Trumper - 214*, Australia v South Africa, Adelaide, 1910-11

William Murdoch - 211, Australia v England, The Oval, London, 1884

Aubrey Faulkner - 204, South Africa v Australia, Melbourne, 1910-11

Syd Gregory - 201, Australia v England, Sydney, 1894-95

Clem Hill - 191, Australia v South Africa, Sydney, 1910-11

Clem Hill - 188, Australia v England , Melbourne, 1897-98

Jack Hobbs - 187, England v South Africa, Cape Town, 1909-10

Jack Hobbs - 187, England v Australia, Adelaide, 1911-12

Victor Trumper - 185*, Australia v England, Sydney, 1903-04

Wilfred Rhodes - 179 England v Australia, Melbourne, 1911-12

Joe Darling - 178, Australia v England, Adelaide, 1897-98

Jack Hobbs - 178, England v Australia, Melbourne, 1911-12

KS Ranjitsinhji - 175, England v Australia, Sydney, 1897-98

 

HUNDRED ON TEST DEBUT

Charles Bannerman - 165*, Australia v England, Melbourne, 1876-77

WG Grace - 152, England v Australia, The Oval, London, 1880

Harry Graham - 107, Australia v England, Lord’s, London, 1893

KS Ranjitsinhji - 154*, England v Australia, Manchester, 1896

Pelham Warner - 132*, England v South Africa, Johannesburg, 1898-99

Reggie Duff - 104, Australia v England, Melbourne, 1901-02

Reginald Foster - 287, England v Australia, Sydney, 1903-04

George Gunn - 119, England v Australia, Sydney, 1907-08

Roger Hartigan - 116, Australia v England, Adelaide, 1907-08

 

HIGHEST PARTNERSHIP FOR EACH WICKET

1^st Wicket - 323, Jack Hobbs & Wilfred Rhodes, England v Australia, Melbourne, 1911-12

2^nd Wicket - 224, Warren Bardsley & Clem Hill, Australia v South Africa, Sydney, 1910-11

3^rd Wicket - 242, Warren Bardsley & Charles Kelleway, Australia v South Africa, Lord’s, 1912

4^th Wicket - 221, Syd Gregory & Harry Trott, Australia v England, Lord’s, 1896

5^th Wicket - 192, Leonard Braund & Reginald Foster, England v Australia, Sydney, 1903-04

6^th Wicket - 158, Reginald Spooner & John Tyldesley, England v Australia, The Oval, 1905

7^th Wicket - 165, Clem Hill & Hugh Trumble, Australia v England, Melbourne, 1897-98

8^th Wicket - 243, Roger Hartigan & Clem Hill, Australia v England, Adelaide, 1907-08

9^th Wicket - 154, Jack Blackham & Syd Gregory, Australia v England, Sydney, 1894-95

10^th Wicket - 130, Reginald Foster & Wilfred Rhodes, England v Australia, Sydney 1903-04

 

OTHER DOUBLE CENTURY PARTNERSHIPS

1^st Wicket - 221, Jack Hobbs & Wilfred Rhodes, England v South Africa, Cape Town, 1909-10

3^rd Wicket - 210, Jack Brown & Albert Ward, England v Australia, Melbourne, 1994-95

3^rd Wicket - 207, William Murdoch & Henry Scott, Australia v England, The Oval, 1894

3^rd Wicket - 202 Warren Bardsley & Charles Kelleway, Australia v South Africa, Manchester, 1912

 

BEST BOWLING IN AN INNINGS

George Lohmann - 9 for 28, England v South Africa, Johannesburg, 1895-96

Sydney Barnes - 9 for 103, England v South Africa, Johannesburg, 1913-14

George Lohmann - 8 for 07, England v South Africa, Port Elizabeth, 1895-96

Johnny Briggs - 8 for 11, England v South Africa, Cape Town, 1888-89

Sydney Barnes - 8 for 29, England v South Africa, The Oval, 1912

Frank Laver - 8 for 31, Australia v England, Manchester, 1909

George Lohmann - 8 for 35, England v Australia, Sydney, 1886-87

Albert Trott - 8 for 43, Australia v England, Adelaide, 1894-95

Sydney Barnes - 8 for 56, England v South Africa, Johannesburg, 1913-14

George Lohmann - 8 for 58, England v Australia, Sydney, 1891-92

Colin Blythe - 8 for 59, England v South Africa, Leeds, 1907

Hugh Trumble - 8 for 65, Australia v England, The Oval, 1902

Wilfred Rhodes - 8 for 68, England v Australia, Melbourne, 1903-04

Sibley ‘Tip’ Snooke - 8 for 70, South Africa v England, Johannesburg, 1905-06

Leonard Braund - 8 for 81, England v Australia, Melbourne, 1903-04

Tom Richardson - 8 for 94, England v Australia, Sydney, 1897-98

Bernard Bosanquet - 8 for 107, England v Australia, Nottingham, 1905

 

BEST BOWLING IN A MATCH

Sydney Barnes - 17 for 159, England v South Africa, Johannesburg, 1913-14

Johnny Briggs - 15 for 28, England v South Africa, Cape Town, 1888-89

George Lohmann - 15 for 45, England v South Africa, Port Elizabeth, 1895-96

Colin Blythe - 15 for 99, England v South Africa, Leeds, 1907

Wilfred Rhodes - 15 for 124, England v Australia, Melbourne, 1903-04

Frederick Spofforth - 14 for 90, Australia v England, The Oval, 1882

Willie Bates - 14 for 102, England v Australia, Melbourne, 1882-83

Sydney Barnes - 14 for 144, England v South Africa, Durban, 1913-14

 

FIVE WICKETS IN AN INNINGS ON TEST DEBUT

Albert Trott - 8 for 43, Australia v England, Adelaide, 1894-95

Thomas Kendall - 7 for 55, Australia v England, Melbourne, 1876-77

William Ashley - 7 for 95, South Africa v England, Cape Town, 1888-89

Charles Turner - 7 for 55, Australia v England, Sydney, 1886-87

George Simpson-Hayward - 6 for 43, England v South Africa, Johannesburg, 1909-10

Monty Noble - 6 for 49, Australia v England, Melbourne, 1897-98

Frederick Martin - 6 for 50, England v Australia, The Oval, 1890

Frederick Martin - 6 for 52, England v Australia, The Oval, 1890

William Lockwood - 6 for 101, England v Australia, Lord’s , 1893

William Cooper - 6 for 120, Australia v England, Melbourne, 1881-82

Aubrey Smith - 5 for 19, England v South Africa, Port Elizabeth, 1888-89

Walter Lees - 5 for 34, England v South Africa, Johannesburg, 1905-06

Alfred Shaw - 5 for 38, England v Australia, Melbourne, 1876-77

Walter Heseltine - 5 for 38, England v South Africa, Johannesburg, 1895-96

John O’Connor - 5 for 40, Australia v England, Adelaide, 1907-08

Albert Innes - 5 for 43, South Africa v England, Port Elizabeth, 1888-89

John Saunders - 5 for 43, Australia v England, Sydney, 1901-02

Thomas Richardson - 5 for 49, England v Australia, Manchester, 1893

Robert Peel - 5 for 51, England v Australia, Adelaide, 1883-84

Robert McLeod - 5 for 53, Australia v England, Melbourne, 1891-92

Frederick Morley - 5 for 56, England v Australia, The Oval, 1880

Arnold Warren - 5 for 57, England v Australia, Leeds, 1905

Leonard Braund - 5 for 61, England v Australia, Sydney, 1901-02

James Middleton - 5 for 64, South Africa v England, Port Elizabeth, 1895-96

Sydney Barnes - 5 for 65, England v Australia, Sydney, 1901-02

Herbert Hordern - 5 for 66, Australia v South Africa, Melbourne, 1910-11

Walter Bradley - 5 for 67, England v Australia, Manchester, 1899

John Ferris - 5 for 76, Australia v England, Sydney, 1886-87

William Midwinter - 5 for 78, Australia v England, Melbourne, 1876-77

Frank Foster - 5 for 92, England v Australia, Sydney, 1911-12

Thomas Richardson - 5 for 107, England v Australia, Manchester, 1893

George Rowe - 5 for 115, South Africa v England, Johannesburg, 1895-96

Douglas Carr - 5 for 146, England v Australia, The Oval, 1909

 

TEN WICKETS IN A MATCH ON TEST DEBUT

Frederick Martin - 12 for 102, England v Australia, The Oval, 1890

Thomas Richardson - 10 for 156, England v Australia, Manchester, 1893

 

HAT-TRICKS

Frederick Spofforth - Australia v England, Melbourne, 1878-79

Willie Bates - England v Australia, Melbourne, 1882-83

Johnny Briggs - England v Australia, Sydney, 1891-92

George Lohmann - England v South Africa, Port Elizabeth, 1895-96

Jack Hearne - Australia v England, Leeds, 1899

Hugh Trumble - Australia v England, Melbourne, 1901-02

Hugh Trumble - Australia v England, Melbourne, 1903-04

Jimmy Matthews (1^st Inn) - Australia v South Africa, Manchester, 1912

Jimmy Matthews (2^nd Inn) - Australia v South Africa – Manchester, 1912

 

MOST CATCHES BY A FIELDER

Wilfred Rhodes (England) - Tests 47, Catches 51

Hugh Trumble (Australia) - Tests 32, Catches 45

Leonard Braund (England) - Tests 23, Catches 39

WG Grace (England) - Tests 22, Catches 38

Warwick Armstrong (Australia) - Tests 40, Catches 36

Clem Hill (Australia) - Tests 49, Catches 33

Victor Trumper (Australia) - Tests 48, Catches 31

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.