Cricket in Australia 1804-1884: Some Amzing Stories, Great Illustrations and Hilarious Cartoons and Verse by Bill Hornadge

Book Description

Secondhand. Near fine condition.

A big, lingering mystery at last solved. How back in 1877, the English touring team came to lose their wicketkeeper in Christchurch, New Zealand. Rumours had it that he was in gaol over in Kiwi-land. What does an old journo like Bill Hornadge do in such circumstances? He goes over to Christchurch and searches archival records of course, and he comes up with a great story!

And the book is full of great little-known cricket stories like the time an English touring team came to a very well-known Victorian country town and having spare time before a big audience suggested that their star all-rounder should single-handed play the entire eleven local team to a one-inning match. The result was quite a surprise. Local side: score one run, a bye, and ten ducks, plus one not out no score. England side: two runs, not out. The locals still have nightmares about that day. (back cover)