Lives in Cricket No 16 - Joe Hardstaff

In all, 588 runs were scored on the Monday, which is still the record for the most runs in a day’s play in a Test Match. Hammond and Worthington put on 127 for the third wicket, Hammond making 167 – his first Test century since March 1933. Worthington made 87. Fishlock missed out, but Joe, perhaps fortified by the knowledge that he had already been selected for the tour, made the most of his opportunity. Coming in at No.6, he made 94 in 75 minutes, hitting 15 fours. The Cricketer commented that he ‘batted beautifully in an easy polished style’ and showed great power in straight driving and in his back play. Allen declared at 3.45 pm, by which time England had reached 571 for eight in 375 minutes, but the flow of runs had not ceased. Merchant and Mushtaq Ali went for the England bowling, being particularly severe on Allen, and took India’s score to 190 for no wicket by the close. After a delay of 20 minutes at the start of Tuesday’s play, the Indians batted on. Both Merchant and Mushtaq Ali reached their centuries and by the time that bad light ended the Towards a Regular England Place, 1936 49 The England side which drew with India at Old Trafford in July 1936. Standing (l to r): H.Gimblett, A.E.Fagg, J.Hardstaff, A.R.Gover, T.S.Worthington, L.B.Fishlock. Seated: H.Verity, R.W.V.Robins, G.O.B.Allen (capt), W.R.Hammond, G.Duckworth (wk).