James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1896

1 U LILLYWHITE S CRICKETERS ANNUAL. (1) Middlesex v. Sussex* Brighton, June 13, 14 and 15. In the three da>s 1,259 runs were scored for twenty-eight wickets, proof of the run-getting character of the wicket. The feature of the first innings of Middlesex was the stand of Sir T. C. 0 Brien (202) and Mr. It. S. Lucas (185) for tin' fifth wicket. In three hours and a quarter the two amateurs added 338 runs, the fourth highest partnership in a first-class match. Against a huge total of 566 Sussex made a good show, and at the end of the third day were 127 on with two wickets to fall. In the first innings Messrs. Brann (115) and Newham (70) put on 166 in two hours and twenty-five minutes, and in the second the latter scored 126 by brilliant batting, practically saving the match. Sussex, 362 and 331 (8 wickets); total, 693. Middlesex, 566. (2) Middlesex v. Surrey. Oval , July 1, 2 and 3. Middlesex, in going in first, secured a decided advantage, and the Surrey eleven, having to bat on a wicket drying from rain, were 95 behind at the end of an innings. As on the first day, the honours for Middlesex were shared by Messrs. Stoddart (75 and 67) and McGregor (30 and 82), and with a ground in much better condition Mr. Wcbbe declared with the score 290 for nine tickets. With 386 to win Surrey had a difficult task before them, with no chance even of getting the runs in the time. As it was, thanks to Abel (85), M. Read (61), Holland (56 not out), Brockwell (42 not out), and Hayward (37), when they closed they were within 83 of the number required with six wickets still in hand. Middlesex, 246 and 290 (9 wickets, innings closed); total, 536. Surrey, 151 and 303 (4 wickets); total, 454. (3) Middlesex v. Somersetshire. Taunton , Aug. 5, 6 and 7. Rain prevented any play on the third day, so that the match could not be finished. In spite of a fine display by Mr. Lionel Palairet, who went in first for Somersetshire and carried out his bat for 113, Somersetshire wTere 96 to the bad at the end of an innings. When they went in again the most successful i un-getters were Messrs. Woods (56) and Fowder (42), and at the end of the second day, which proved to be the end of the match, Somersetshire were 132 on with one wicket to fall. Mr. C. M. Wells, who had previously played for Surrey, made his first appearance for Middlesex in this match. Somersetshire, 172 and 228 (9 wickets); total, 400. Middlesex, 268. (4) Middlesex v. Notts. Nottingham , Aug . 15 and 16. Gunn was unfortunately unable to help Notts, and his batting was greatly 1T)J>cd. Mr. A. O. Jones (44 and 35) and Shrewsbury (67 and 32) made a good start for Notts each time, but no one else except Mr. P. W. Oscroft (28 and 16) g°t double figures twice. The slow round-arm bowling of Mr. C. M. Wells, indeed, proved altogether too much for them, and liis figures were quite t \(:< ptional. The most successful batsmen for Middlesex were Sir T. C. () Brif n 1123 not out) and Mr. J. Douglas (50). The former was caught off a no-ball when lie had got 66, but gave no chance during the three hours and a i ilf he was in. Middlesex won by eight wickets. Middlesex, 271 and 38 (2 wickets); total, 309. Notts, 178 and 127 ; total, 305. Overs. Maidens. Runs. Wickets. Mr. C. M. Wells (Middlesex) ... 40*4 14 71 1‘2