Lives in Cricket No 39 - Alec Watson

45 that he was not selected for the only Test, at The Oval, or indeed for the Players or ‘England XI’ sides that faced the tourists; nor did he later go with Ivo Bligh to Australia. Wisden noted that Watson’s contribution for Lancashire was a little less in 1882, and then devoted a paragraph to the criticism by Surrey, and others, of Crossland’s bowling action. It noted that ‘so thorough cricketer as Mr. Hornby’ would not allow anyone acting contrary to the rules into his side, but also notes stated that many independent observers were not convinced. For instance Sir John Major in More than A Game (p 312) reports W.G.Grace as thinking that Crossland’s action was ‘most doubtful’ and that he should have been ‘no-balled in every over’. Lillywhite’s Annual commented that Crossland’s action continued ‘to trouble those who believe in a strict adherence to Rule 10.’ Were there those who did not concern themselves about strict adherence to that Rule? Then Lillywhite casually remarked, ‘Fair or unfair, he was the best bowler of the year!’ Wisden also makes the reasonable point that the contemporary means of appointing umpires was not a satisfactory one and was the real source of the bowling controversy; its match reports noted a number of umpiring disputes in 1882. However, it again made no mention of Watson’s bowling action. Lancashire’s 1883 season began with a visit from Derbyshire. Although Watson bowled but little, he had his top career performance with the bat, 74 runs. Lancashire’s first visit to Oxford saw Watson have an innings of 40 against the students. His bowling form returned at Trent Bridge, but again there was vociferous complaint about Crossland’s bowling action, and also his residential qualification for Lancashire; MCC ruled against Nottinghamshire on this occasion. Watson was again in form with the bat against MCC when Lancashire made their annual visit to Lord’s, this time in June, scoring 45 not out in his only innings. When the Oxford students came to Manchester, this time Alec did better with the ball, with an innings haul of six (43-23-44-6). The return against Derbyshire was even more fruitful, with six wickets in each innings (37.2-21-40-6 and 14-4-27-6). The home ‘Roses’ match provided another six wicket haul (42-19-46-6), but his next notable performance was in the return against Nottinghamshire, when he had seven wickets in an innings (44.1-25-41-7) to add to his undefeated 18 runs. Watson then played in William Mycroft’s benefit at Derby, when he represented Lancashire and Yorkshire against the Rest of England. Watson was absent in the ‘Roses’ The anni mirabiles