Lives in Cricket No 7 - Richard Daft

‘Fighting in the ring is quite another thing.’ This was what Clarke always said to those who often tried to induce him to play young local players in some of his own great matches. Richard’s assessment of George Parr: In 1859, George was perhaps now just a trifle past his best, but was still, as he had been for years past, the premier batsman of England. He was a good-looking man, of medium height, and was of a very powerful build. His defence was a little clumsy, as he always played very low down, and was often much punished about the hands in consequence. His hitting all round was terrific. Those who think he could only hit to leg are vastly mistaken, as he could cut and drive almost equally well. All the team, especially we young ones, stood somewhat in awe of him, for George was always rather a queer-tempered man. The portraits which Richard paints in Kings of Cricket are among the best pieces of his writing. Of Arthur Shrewsbury and William Gunn, who followed him in a distinguished line of batsmen for their county, and in turn set up as his rivals in business, he writes with generosity: Arthur Shrewsbury began in the way in which I am confident all young players should begin; namely, perfecting himself in his defence first and leaving the hitting to come afterwards. The great secret of Shrewsbury’s success has been, without doubt, his marvellous defensive powers. He always knew, I believe, that in this part of his play he most excelled, and cultivated it accordingly. Against Yorkshire, in 1876, he and I put on 183 before the first wicket fell. and of William Gunn: William Gunn played his first match in my last year as a member of the County Eleven. I have always been a great admirer of his play, as, indeed, everyone must be who sees him. He is one of the few big men who make the most of their height and reach. His wrist play is perfect, and his off-hitting brilliant in the extreme. W.G. and his family were bound to fall under the author’s eye: I first played against Dr E.M.Grace and his brother Henry at Bath in 1860, but it was a year or two afterwards when Dr E.M. Kings of Cricket 123