KINGS OF CRICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9511, 20 August 1892, Page 5 (Supplement)

KINGS OF CRICKET.

[Now First Published.]

REMINISCENCES AND ANECDOTES, WITH HINTS ON THE GAME. By Riciiard Daft, Member of the All England Eleven, ex-Captain of Notts Couuty, Captain of tho AngloAmerican Team 1879, &c, &c. The Riohts of Reproduction are Strictly Reserved. CRICKET GENERALLY FROM'7I TO THE END OF MY PUBLIC CAREER. From now to the end of my connection with first-class cricket county matches were more interesting than any others, one new shire being added to the list which had never before been heard of in the cricket world—Gloucestershire. No county having in it three players like the three Graces could, in my opinion, have been anything but a first-class one at any time, if all the rest of its players had been of a third-rate kind, which was not the case with Gloucestershire.

Mr G. F. Grace, the youngest of this famous trio, had now made his appearance, and quickly proved himself to be oue of the best all-round amateurs or the day. As a batsman he was particularly famous. His innings were nearly always large ones, and his runs were got in a style which was worth any young cricketers while to copy. Fred was also a very good fast bowler and one of the most magnificent out-fields I ever saw. Many of the catches I have seen him make at long leg have been truly marvellous. He was much liked by everyone both on and off the cricket field, and his death came as a shock to myself and to all who had knownhim. His premature demise in early manhood made a gap m the ranks of the Gloucestershire Eleven which has never been filled to this day. Mr J. A. Bush was the Gloucestershire wicketkeeper, and rendered great service to his county in this position for years. Mi- F. Townsend was a very fine bat and excellent lob bowler. Mr W. 0. Moberley came out a few years later, and I have seen him play some of the best innings of my experience. One century he made at Nottingham I particularly remember. Gloucestershire also possessed an excellent bowler in Mr T. W. Lang, a brother ot Mr Andrew Lang, of literary fame. The Western shire had afterwards, too, the invaluable services of Midwinter, the Australian. Indeed, this county was at oue period almost invincible. The men worked splendidly together, and their fielding I never saw surpassed. Mr R. F. Miles was a good slow bowler who at one time obtained many wickets. The father of Mr Miles, although the family was a Gloucestershire one, resided during the greater part of his life in Nottinghamshire, being for many years the Rector of Bingham in that county. All his sons were fond of cricket, one of them, Captain H. Miles, of the Artillery, several times representing Notts County. I have, during ray career, played in numerous cricket matches in which members of this family have taken part. The late Mr Frank Miles, the eminent artist, was another son. In 1879 he painted my portrait in cricket costume, and the hours I spent in his studio were amongst the pleasantest of my life. To him I related many of the stories which appear in these reminiscences of mine, and he, in his turn, related some most amusing anecdotes to me of his own experiences. I sat to him, I think, on about 40 occasions, but I am bound to state that the

sittings were not of very long duration, for we always finished off with several games of tennis iv the stable yard. Mr Frank Miles was a great horticulturist, and as I have always been very fond of gardening myself, we found plenty to talk about on this subject. The Miles family have now all left our county, and their departure from it has been regretted by no one more than myself. Nottinghamshire, my own county, had lately brought out two very usetul all-round men in the brothers Martin and William M'lntyre. William was engaged with Fred Morley at Bolton, and became qualified for and assisted Lancashire for many" years. Martin ought, if he had taken the trouble, to have been one of the finest all-round men who ever played cricket. As it was he was a fine free hitter and good fast bowler, about as fast as any I ever Old Jupp never much liked playing against him, and for this reason I nearly always put him on to bowl directly Harry came in.. Speaking of fast bowlers, by the way, I think Tarrant was the fastest I ever played against. The fastest George Parr ever saw, he told me, was Mr Harvey Fellowes, who, he said, was the only bowler whom he had not been able to hit A most useful man we had in Jack Selby, whose batting was at all times worth looking at, and his fielding at one time was excellent. He was, besides, one of the fastest runners that ever plaj ed cricket. . Messrs G. M. Royle, R. Tolley, T. Wright, and W. Williams were the best amateurs we had in those days. . I am here reminded of an eccentric periormance which one of our amateurs indulged in at the hotel where we stayed once when we were playing a match at Lord's. It was his nrst appearance at head quarters, and so anxious was he to do well on the following day that he found this anxiety allowed him to obtain very little sleep during the night. So about 3 o'clock he arose from his bed.'put on his cricketing clothes, and taking his bat got through his bedroom window and on the leads of the roof, which was a flat one. And there he, for some 20 minutes or so, went through the form of cutting, leg-hitting, driving, playing under his leg, and I beliave so worked himselt up that he fancied he was getting an enormous number

of runs. / Some of the domestics of the hotel who witnessed this performance of course thought the gentleman was " off his head." However, he evidently made so large a score on the hotel roof as to prevent his getting any runs in the match later in the day, for I believe he was out 'rot ball. Mr A. W. Cursham played with us later on, but he was better known as a football payer than as a cricketer. The best new man we had found during these years was Fred Morley. Notts was lucky

indeed in having such a splendid left-hand I bowler as he to follow J. C. Shaw. Although Morley, in my opinion, was slightly less difficult than J. C, not having the latter's variety of pace, still we must certainly look upon him aa one of the greatest bowlers either England or Australia ever turned out. This was soon made apparent when one played against him. His ball came much quicker from the pitch than it looked to do to the spectators. He was always straight, and his length was more consistently accurate than that of most fast bowlers I have played with. Poor Fred's untimely death was regretted by everybody. Robert Butler, a nephew of George Parr, gave great promise as a batsman about 1870, but business prevented his playiiig so much as He otherwise might have done. He was an p.lder brother of F. Butler, now playing for Durham, and another brother, Tom, was one of the best men outside thfl County Eleven at one stage. But Robert, at the time I speak of, was in my opinion far and away the superior of his brothers in batting. He played an excellent innings of 60 at Crystal Palace ground in 1871 against Kent. In this match, after I had made 4-0, in starting to run I snapped a tendon of my left leg, and had to be carried oft the field. This accident prevented me from appearing again for the remainder of the season. During this innings Willsher, when bowling at me, hit my wicket but failed to dislodge the bails. Arthur Shrewsbury played his first county match in 1875, and, though fairly successful during the first few years of his career no one at that time ever dreamt that he would attain to the high position as a batsman that he now holds. But he began in the way in which I am confident all young players should begin—namely,

perfecting himself in his defence first and leaving the hitting to come afterwards. Old Clarke, I believe, was of an opposite opinion to me in this respect, as ho used, 1 am told, to say ho liked to see a young one hit first and leave tho art of defence till afterwards. Tho great secret of Shrewsbury's success has been, without doubt, his marvellous defensive powers. Ife always knew, I believe, that in this part of his play he most excelled, and cultivated it accordingly. He was not at his best in

my days, but played many fine innings nevertheless, Against Yorkshire in 1876 he and,l put on 183 before the first wicket fell. The best bat in England against fast bowling on a hard wicket a few years ago, in my judgment, was Barnes. He came out about the same time as Shrewsbury, and how useful an all-round man he has been is known by everybody who understands cricket. Gunn played his first match in my last year as a member of the County Eleven. I have always been a great admirer of his play, as indeed, every one must be who sees him. He is one of the few big men who make the most of their height and reach. His wrist play is perfect, and his off-hitting brilliant in the extreme.

Scotton, in my day, was known as one of the fastest run-getters and hardest hitters in the country, and must be looked on then as a different player altogether from what he afterwards turned out to be.

After Biddulph's death we had the greatest difficulty in finding another wicket-keeper to take his place, first one and then another being tried; and it was not until Sherwin made his appearance that we had one in whom we could thoroughly rely. Yorkshire had continued well to the front, Lockwood and Emmett quite keeping up their form ; and as time went on they were reinforced by such players as Ulyett, Bates, Peate, Hall, &c. Ulyett, before I arrived, was one of the best batsmen in the country, and I know I predicted great things of him the first time I saw him play. As a hard and clean hitter he has probably had no superior at any litno. Bates was one of the best all-round men I ever knew. As. a slow bowler England has had few better, and as a batsman he was always most dangerous. All cricketers must have felt the greatest sympathy with this player during his long illness, caused by the sad accident which happened to him in Australia a few years ago. He is now, I am pleased to say, fast recovering, and it is possible we may yet see him again taking part in first-class cricket. I had the pleasure of playing against him in a local match at Ilkeston only a few months ago.

l'eate was a splendid left-hand bowler. I have batted against few more difficult than he, on certain wickets, during the whole of my time. I played against him hist in 1888 at Renishaw Hall, Sir George SitwelPs place in Derbyshire.The meeting of Notts and Yorkshire was for many years the match of the season, and created quite as much interest in Sheffield and Nottingham as the contest between Notts and Surrey at Trent Bridge and at the Oval does at the present day. I played- long enough to see Surrey decline from its once high position to one of the lowest, and at the time I left oft' county cricket it was weaker than ever I knew it to be, before or since. Till the advent of Messrs John Shuter and A. P. Lucas, it seemed as though no new players were to be found worthy to fill the places of the great men of the past. Mr Shuter in after years attained to one of the highest positions amongst the Gentlemen of the day ; for his size he is one of the hardest hitters I ever came'across. Mr Lucas was, at his best, one of the linest batters, amateur or professional, who ever played, his defence being equal to what Shrewsbury's is now. I played for seceral years with Mr W. W. Read, but, strange to say, his.successns a batsman was but small at that time compared with what it has been since. It only proves that if a man has cricket in him it is bonnd to come out sooner or later.

Lancashire, under the able leadership of Mr Hornby, had improved rapidly. 11. G. Barlow has been of the most valuable assistance to them both with bat and ball.

Mr V. K. lloyle, perhaps the best cover point that ever lived, was another of their fine players. Mr Schultz was another oE whose batting I always had the highest opinion. Briggs came later on, and has been of immense service to them in all departments of the game. In his batting he has a good deal of Mr Hornby's style, I always think, for he plays so hard and strong. Pilling, their wicket-keeper, has had few superiors, and was the best in England at one time without a doubt.

Alec Watson on certain wickets was for years as difficult a bcwler as could be found. I remember being much struck with the batting of oue of the Lancashire players, Mr D. Q. Steel, his hitting being particularly fine. Of Mr A. G. Steel one cannot speak too highly. He was, I always consider, the finest all-round amateur the north of England ever produced. Kent turned out some first-rate men during the last 10 years I played against them. Lord Harris being, perhaps, the most skilful. He was a few years ago one of the best bats, amateur or professional, in the country, and has done more for cricket in Kent than any player it ever possessed. Mr F. Perm was another fine player for several seasons.

Mr Foord Kelcey was well-known as a bowler, and G. G. Hearne has also been of great assistance to this country. The Hon. Ivo Bligh played little first-class cricket at the same time as myself. Derbyshire possessed a very good batsman in Mr R. P. Smith, who often represented the North of England, and a fine fast bowler in W. Mycroffc. In 1876 a match, North v. South, was played for my benefit at Trent Bridge, and with the proceeds of this match and subscriptions from all parts of the kingdom the committee were enabled to make me the exceedingly handsome presentation of a solid silver tea and coffee service, a solid silver salver, and a purse of 500 sovereigns. At this time also Mr John Walker gave me the tankard before alluded to, Captain Holden a silver hunting flask, Mr G. B. Davey (a former Notts hon. secretary) a silver sandwich case, Mr H. Smith Wright a' dining room clock and a pair of bronze candelabra, Mr Frederick Wright a fine pair of bronzes, and Mr James Malings a splendid drawing room clock. These were all presented to me at a great dinner, held at the George Hotel, Nottingham. The presentation was made by Sir Henry Bromley, who was pleased to say some very kind words about me. Sir Henry had as far back as I can remember always been a most liberal supporter of cricket, and had ever been a kind friend to mo in the fullest sense of the word. I can never forget the many little acts of kindness he went out of his way to do for me when I was quite a young man and only just starting on my public career. Many a pleasant match have we had together at the baronet's seat (Stoke Hall), Radeliffe, and elsewhere. Sir Henry was, years ago, a very good player, and always formed a striking figure in the field with his tall, powerful figure. He often played in knickerbockers, I remember. I shall never forget little Frauky Moore once running him out in a ma teh at Trent Bridge.

Sir Henry played a ball hard past one of the mid wickets and started to run, but Frank, who was at the other end, for some season or lother failfid to leave his ground, and Sir Henry was easily run out. I can see him now as he towered above poor little Frank, whom he

viewed through his eyeglass, as he stood looking up at him, and shivered in his Bhoes. Sir Henry was in a great rage, as well he might he. When Frank got out himsell, some half an hour later, he gave him another goo:l blowing up, after which he handed him half a sovereign. I once played a very good innings myself on Sir Henry's ground against some of my own county bowlers. I made 115, I believe, on that occasion I greatly regret that owing to ill health we have seen very little of Sir Henry at Trent Btiilge of late, bu'f trust wo may do so next season. My old friend, Bob Thomas, the well-known umpire, sent me only tho other day an account of my benefit match, which, at the time it was played, he wrote for one of our chief metropolitan spoiling papers. Bob also sent me his photograph and a very kind letter, in which he . reminds me of our first meeting at Ipswich in 1859, when I played for the All England Eleven against 22 of that town, and when I was top scorer with 44 out of a total of 100. He tells me that George Parr told him to watch the "young 'un" (the reader's mo3t humble ser vant), and requested him afterwards to tell him what he thought about him. Bob reminds me of how he did this orer a cigar at the White Horse' Hotel after the match. It was at the White Horse where we stayed; and the reader will remember that this was where Mr Pickwick got into the wrong bedroom. The last time Bob umpired against me was when I played against the Australians, at Skegness, in 1886. I remember on that occasion both the Australians and the local teim were photographed together. We were all ready when Bob overheard someone say, "Old Thomas has got his smile on ready," or something of that sort. "You haven't got yours on, at anyrate," Bob quickly replied. "You look as if you were attending a funeral." This speech was accompanied by a lot of gesticulations, but when Bob had finished he once more fixed himself to be "taken." But to his great surprise, the photographer instead of being just ready to begin was just putting the cap on the camera. Bob came out in the photograph with about a dozen or 14 heads, but as he luckily was at the end of the group they were able to cut him out. However, a second photograph was takeD, in which Bob appeared all right.

Richard Day's Benefit Match Described

uv Robert Thojis.

On making tracks for the " Old Trent Bridge " ground on the Monday morning, I was struck by the commotion then apparent in tho town, and also by the stream of pedestrians and vehicles heavy laden making their way in the same direction; and by the time wickets had been pitched, and the ball set rolling, the visitors thus early, had taken up all the available seats and best positions for viewing the game, whilst by the dinner-hour the gathering had increased by thousands. I have, during the past 20 years, been planted in some big rings, but never before saw a more densely packed and enthusiastic body of spectators, the din of whose voices filled the air with an incessant hum, and it is a question if a better attendance has ever been seen at a great match. for three consecutive days, either in or, out of London. It was indeed a pleasing sight to all engaged in the match, and one long to be remembered; ?nd must have been a source of great gratification to Richard Daft in more senses than the one generally paramount with most cricketers. Cricketers of all denominations were there, from the "rising star" to the matured and past. Among the latter, poor old Tom Barker was most conspicuous, the veteran of veterans, jubilant as of yore, behind the long clay pipe, his only regret being, that there were no " Goliaths" about dow, to knock the ball out of the ground, us they used to do always two or three times in every match in the olden clays ; and oa my quietly suggesting that modern players "kept the ball more en the floor and did not try to Jose it" by knocking it out of the ground, he still was of the opinion that there were not many_ about "to bring it off" if the}' tried. The cricket displayed during the contest was of the highest order, as well befitted the occasion. Among the specialities were the batting of A. N. Hornby, and -R. P. Smith, with Lockwood and the • beiieficiare ; the latter appearing fully fixed for a long residence, until unfortunately run out. The stolid defence of Jupp; the particularly patient innings of Pooley; tho careful and correct timing of A. J. Webbe; the head trundliug of A. Shaw, who popped down 23 consecutive maiden overs to Jupp] and] W. Gilbert, winding up by settling the latter with an extra; good break back ; the peculiarities of Southertou; the exuressers of Hill and G. I. Grace, the latter, who was in rare form, having found a rasping spot on the off side, pegging away in that quarter most persistently ; the clever snupping of Pooley and Pinder ; the brilliant fielding of Messrs Hornby and I. D. Walker; and, as a finale, the dashing hitting of the champion (W. G.), who, upsetting nil the arrangements of the Northern bowlers, spanked the leather about most unmercifully to all points of the weathercock, aud won the match off the reel for tho Southerners. And thus ended an event which will always be mentioned as a red-letter clay in tho annals of cricket.

The county of Middlesex still contained as ninny high-class batsmen as heretofore, but was still short of good bowlers. Mr C. J. Ottaway was one of their crack players for several seasons. One year in particular his average was a very large one.

Another fine player, Mr A. J. Webbe, now made his appearance. The Gentlemen of England have had few players as good as he has been for many years; and, judging from his form of last season,"there seemed as yet little or no sign of his falling off. Mr Webbe is one of the few of the old amateur players against whom I played when in my best days, and against whom I have sometimes still the pleasure of playing against at the present time. No man I ever saw could cut a ball late more cleverly than this player; in fact his batting altogether was always of the highest character, both in his defence and hitting. (To be continued.)