Lives in Cricket No 29 - AN Hornby

80 The Crossland and Mold throwing controversies Cambridge University also declined a fixture against Lancashire, but, as you would have expected in the circumstances, Lancashire and Hornby refused to be a party to any such document. To add a little Christmas spice to the affair, Lancashire sent a Christmas card to Trent Bridge which stated sarcastically: Cricketing Rules drawn up by Nottinghamshire CCC , 1883-84 Rule 1 That in playing Lancashire, the Lancashire men shall not be allowed to use bats, but only broom handles. Rule 2 That Lancashire shall not be allowed any bowlers, and if so, no stumps to be used; and the Nottinghamshire captain to select the bowler. Rule 3 That both umpires shall be strictly Nottinghamshire men. Rule 4 That in case there is any fear that Nottinghamshire should lose, even under these rules, the Nottinghamshire men leave the field and refuse to finish the game. Nottinghamshire weren’t slow with their riposte, which took the form of a New Year’s card to Old Trafford, which read: Lancashire County Cricket Club The only rules necessary for players in the County Eleven are that they shall neither have been born in, nor reside, in Lancashire. Sutton-in-Ashfield men (Briggs and Crossland) will have the preference. Crossland was once again in action against Lord Harris when Kent came calling to Old Trafford with the Kent captain showing much bravery, scoring 53 in Kent’s comprehensive win despite being struck about the body by a number of Crossland deliveries. But the issue was far from dead in the water and when the Lancashire committee chose the team for the England versus Australia Test at Old Trafford Crossland was included in the twelve along with Lord Harris. Hornby was named as captain. At this point a letter from Lord Harris was read, which once again made his feelings clear about the legitimacy of Crossland’s action. Sam Swire, the Lancashire secretary, was instructed to send the following reply: ‘Dear Lord Harris, My committee have decided to play Crossland against the Australians, therefore we suppose under the circumstances the English team will lose your valuable assistance which we very much regret.’