Lives in Cricket No 46 - George Raikes

104 wicket could only deteriorate, and Raikes again applied himself to compile a steady 38. With Birkbeck contributing 54 not out, Falcon was able to declare, setting Bedfordshire 272 for an unlikely to win. Though Herbert Orr and Bert Holdstock may have worried Norfolk’s skipper by putting on 80 for the first wicket, the introduction of Gibson into the attack was the decisive moment; he took six for 18 in 14 overs as no other batsman reached double figures. Although Raikes was no longer a dominant force in 1912, he was still more than worth his place in the side and he was rewarded by being included in the England XI chosen to play the Australian tourists at Lakenham at the end of August. This game was awarded first-class status which meant that Raikes was making a come-back after a ten year gap. The England XI was captained by Bernard Bosanquet and was not particularly strong (note 9) – however the torrents of rain that fell on Norwich during August rendered everything academic as no play at all was possible on the first day and little more on the second; only the third day’s play survived. In his one innings Raikes made only five before being caught by Charlie Macartney off left-arm paceman, Bill Whitty, and was granted two token overs with the ball. He departed the first-class arena with a whimper rather than a bang. Raikes’ Third Spell For Norfolk: The Championship Won Again The Norfolk Side in 1912. Standing (from left): E.Gibson, H.Watson, C.B.L.Prior (Hon Sec), R.W.Thurgar, R.F.Popham, G.W.Birkbeck, L.F.Wynne-Willson, R.Falconer. Sitting (from left): E.J.Fulcher, G.A.Stevens, M.Falcon (capt.), Rev G.B.Raikes, R.G.Pilch.