Cricket 1902

THE FINEST BM' THE WOULD PRODUCES. 100 CRICKET : A WEEKLY RECORD OF THE GAME. M ay 1, 1902. BUSSfcY’S BUSSEY’S AT THE SlGIs OF THE WICKET. B y F. 8 . A s h l e t -C o o p b b . Cricket enthusiasts, especially those who collect the literature appertaining to the game, will be interested to learn that there is a possibility of a pamphlet appearing, compiled somewhat on the lines of “ Bat v. Ball,” dealing with cricket in America. So far as I am able to judge from a letter just received from a cricketer in New York, the booklet will contain particulars of all centuries hit in the United States and Canada, from the earliest times. Such a compila­ tion should be welcomed by enthusiasts. Considering to what an extent the game has become popular in the States, it is surprising that nobody has ever attempted to write a history of the cricket played in the country. “ United States Cricket Scores and Biographies ” would probably sell readily in American cricketing circles, especially in Phila­ delphia and New York, and no doubt many players and enthusiasts in this country would readily take copies. The want of such a work has certainly long been felt. Perhaps Mr. Jerome Flannery could see his way to produce the book; certainly nobody is better qualified than he to deal with the matter. It is un­ fortunate that the cricketing associations in various parts of the world cannot see their way clear to place upon the market the history of cricket played in their country. An authoritive history of Aus­ tralian cricket is sadly needed, and such a work, issued under the auspices of the Melbourne Club, should pay its way. There are yet living many old players who can well remember when Australian cricket was in quite its infancy, but death is fast thinning the ranks of the veterans, and unless the few who remain are soon approached, much valuable information concerning the early years of Australian cricket will be lost, possibly beyond recovery. These remarks will also apply to various other coloiies. The Marylebone Club did a good work by issuing volumes 5 to 14 of our own Scores and Biographies, and would earn the grateful thanks of all interested in the game if *they would continue their undertaking, and bring the magnum opus up-to-date. Cricketers in Sussex are eagerly dis­ cussing what measure of success will fall to the lot of Albert Cordingley, who,this year becomes qualified by residence to appear for the county. A few details of his career have been kindly furnished by Mr. Alfred D. Taylor, of West Brighton, from which the following facts have been gathered. Cordingley commenced his career with a junior club by the name of Greengates St. John’s, near Bradford, in 1891, and in August of the second season took eight wickets for one run in one of the matches, and was thereupon'promptly sought after for a trial with the neigh- bouri g Eccleshill Club. He proved a valuable acquisition to that combination, and in 1893 obtained 82 wickets at nine- and-a-i.alt runs apiece. From 1894 to 1897 inclusive, he was engaged by the Lyttam C.C. in Lancashire, and during the four seasons took 368 wickets at a cost of 8.35 runs each. On the recom­ mendation of his secretary, he was tried with the Yorkshire eleven against XVIII. Colts on September 20th and 21st, 1897, when he bowled twenty-one overs and nine maidens for 33 runs and eight wickets. This led to his retainment by the Yorkshire County C.C., but owing to the success of Wilfred Rhodes with the team, he never had an opportunity of showing his ability. In 1899 he was induced to accept an engagement to Mr. J. F. Laycock, of Wisston Hall, Notts., and during that season he obtained 128 wickets at seven-and-a-half runs each. In 1900 he commenced his qualification with the Sussex County C.C., and during the past two seasons has beea actively engaged in club cricket. Cordingley is in his thirty-first year. The most pleasing feature of the season has undoubtedly been the excellent all­ round form displayed by “ The Master.” For a man in his fifty-fourth year his recent doings both with bat and ball must be considered remarkable. Thirty-seven years have come and gone since he first assisted the Gentlemen against the Players at Lord’s, yet still he is able to occupy a very prominent place amongst the greatest of modem players. To refer to “ W. G.” as a veteran would be to libel the great man. “ Veteran, indeed,” he would probably retort, with a hearty laugh: “ Why I am only fifty-threel ” As the years come and go—all too quickly for some of us—“ W.G.” still remains, full of healthy vigour and activity, full of love for the game for which he has done so much, until of late we have been only able to wonder at his never-ceasing youthfulness. His beard may be tinged with grey, and the ground further away than in former days when a b'ghtning ball has to be gathered, but the wonder­ ful amount of good-nature and keenness for the game is yet there : he is still a very boy in spirits and enthusiasm. Was it not the dear “ Old Buffer” who years ago pictured “ W.G.” at Lord’s, a cen­ tenarian, challenging anybody on the ground at single-wicket ? Judging by his present activity and success many things might be less probable, for this year he has commenced the season better than on any occasion since 1895, and, moreover, is far quicker on his feet than for some time past. Yes : time has dealt kindly with our champion, and that it may continue to do so for many, many years must be the heart-felt wish of all true lovers of the game. A.s a matter of record it may be added that W.G.’s scores this season before the two recent Surrey matches were 103 not out, 101 not out, and 60 not out, “ Wonderful,” as Dominie Sampson would have said. At the commencement of another sea­ son one may be excused for taking a brief glance at affairs in the cricketing world of a hundred years ago. In 1802 all the best players belonged to the South, although there was much good cricket in Sneffield, Nottingham and Manchester. Surrey and Kent—the for­ mer especially—were the strongest sides