Page:Cricket, by WG Grace.djvu/298

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290
CRICKET.

taken a higher position among our great bowlers. He has lived at Rugby for many years, and takes great interest in the school cricket there.

Mr. Frederic Burbidge was born at Champion Hill, Camberwell, Surrey, 23rd November, 1832. His height was 5 ft. 8 in.; weight, 11½ st. He batted in a very correct style, had sound defence, and hit with great freedom all round; but his distinguishing feature was the way in which he played an uphill game. He was also a brilliant fieldsman, and brought off many a remarkable catch in the Gentlemen v. Players matches and for his county. The year 1857 saw him representing the Gentlemen, and he played for them several years afterwards, and as late as 1865. When he gave up playing, he did not give up his interest in the game; for he was continually thinking of his county's interests, and was ever on the alert for promising colts. He is a constant spectator at the Oval of all important matches.

Mr. James Arthur Bush was born at Cawnpore, India, 28th July, 1850. His height is 6 ft. 2 in., weight, 15½ st. He has been closely associated with Gloucestershire, having played every year but one since its formation. It will be news to a great many that he was first played for his batting and fielding. The year 1877 was his best batting performance for the county, when he averaged 22.75, but he did not keep it up afterwards; though, fortunately, he tried his hands with the gloves, and soon proved himself to be one of the best amateur wicket-keepers of his day. I have little hesitation in saying that at his best he was the safest amateur wicket-keeper for a catch, no matter how fast the bowling, and I have heard outside opinions expressed to the same effect. He kept wicket for the eleven I took out to Australia in 1873-4, and it was the general opinion of the team that no wicket-