Lives in Cricket No 16 - Joe Hardstaff

Nottinghamshire’s game with the tourists was a week before the Test Match. After Notts had been dismissed for 163, the New Zealanders forged ahead and gained a lead of 265 runs. By close of play on the second day Notts were 37 for no wicket. Notts then batted for the whole of the final day, taking their score to 454 for five. Joe’s contribution was 110 made in 150 minutes and he and ‘Young George’ Gunn added 199 for the fourth wicket. There was a gap of three days before the Test Match began. This was probably fortunate, for Joe hit his head on a beam when working in his garage and appeared in the match with a strip of sticking plaster across his nose. The match, which ended in a draw, is probably remembered more for being the occasion of Len Hutton’s Test debut, but it should also be recalled for being the occasion of Joe’s first Test century. Hutton was bowled by Cowie for nought when the score was 13. Joe came in next. He soon lost Parks, the other Test debutant, at 31. Joe and Hammond took the score to 87 for two by lunch time. The afternoon session was far more lively and a further 184 runs were added by tea. The stand was eventually worth 245 runs in only 219 minutes. At the time of writing, early 2010, it is still the English record third-wicket partnership in Tests against New Zealand. Joe made 114, hitting nine fours. He gave one chance, being dropped by Roberts at slip off the bowling of Vivian. The Wisden account is somewhat critical, saying that he often failed to get the ball in the middle of the bat, but that his progress was always steady. On the other hand the Wisden correspondent tempered this by saying that ‘gorgeous cuts and sound hitting on the leg side featured the admirable batting of Hardstaff.’ The Special Correspondent in The Cricketer tended towards the critical, saying that, while he was a stylish batsman, he gave the impression of being a little casual in his methods and that he played overmuch off the back foot. He felt, however, that the ability was there. England eventually made 424. New Zealand were dismissed early on the third morning for 295. With a lead of 129 England went for quick runs. Both openers had been dismissed by the time the score had reached 19. Barnett, promoted to No.4, joined Joe. They proceeded to add 104 in 55 minutes. This time The Cricketer was really impressed: ‘ … both showed themselves masters of a great many strokes. It was delightful cricket to watch and both deserved the greatest praise for some excellent batting.’ Joe was finally caught at the wicket by Tindill off the bowling of Roberts for 64. Regular England Player, 1937-1939 64