Lives in Cricket No 44 - LCH Palairet

without a fifty. As Somerset trailed by 59 on the first innings, Lionel went out with Braund. Lionel had made only two in the first innings. The pair hit up 48 before lunch, and added 57 in 45 minutes before Braund was dismissed. The wicket having had overnight rain was now crusty on top and was becoming harder to bat on. Lionel played excellent cricket but could not find any support as wickets started to tumble. He eventually fell for 82, seventh out at 156. He was at the wicket two hours and five minutes. The side eventually set Worcestershire 102 in 80 minutes, but the difficult wicket meant they closed on 51 for six. At least Lionel had scored his first fifty and in good style. After a virtual washout of the second test,Australia beat England at Sheffield by 143 runs. Although he was not to know it at the time, Lionel would be drafted in for CB Fry, despite the fact that he was fairly out of form. While England were losing, Lionel was making nought and 13, in a three wicket loss to Gloucestershire. He did however take two for 55 and three for 28, with his now sparingly used lobs. Further misery for Somerset and Lionel continued, as they went down by five wickets to Hampshire at Portsmouth, Lionel making 40 and one. His bowling was put to use again as he took three for 50 in Hampshire’s first innings. Somerset then awaited the Australians at Taunton on July 17, another chance for Lionel to impress against the tourists. After Somerset won the toss Lionel and Braund opened the innings in cloudy weather, although it was soon to brighten after a brief shower and remain fine for the rest of the day. From the off both openers went after the bowling. The pair brought up fifty after only 45 minutes. After 70 minutes and with the score 88, Lionel was caught at the second attempt by Syd Gregory for 44; Somerset were eventually dismissed for a reasonable 274. Thanks to Reggie Duff (183), Australia gained a first innings lead of 74. Starting the second innings at 3.40pm, Lionel started by hitting three fours off Jones in the first over. Jones almost grazed Braund’s head with a short ball; this prompted Braund to protest to the umpire about careless and dangerous bowling (things have changed!). Lionel continued with some fine polished drives and cuts. At 54, Braund was bowled by Jones having made only six 1902 and one more good season 81