Lives in Cricket No 8 - Ernest Hayes

These performances at last made the Surrey Committee think of trying me for the County side; and above all matches the ‘trial’ was against the Australians who were in England this season. Bob Abel and Tom Hayward made a long stand for a start but at last my turn came and having managed to stop a very fast ‘yorker’ first ball from Jones I played more confidently and managed to score 62. Of course I was delighted with myself and more so when the members in the Pavilion made a collection and presented me with just on £11. The purveyor of Hayes’ first ball in first-class cricket was of course the same Ernie Jones who is the subject of an earlier biography in this series and who once famously put a ball through W.G.Grace’s beard, followed up by ‘Sorry, doctor, she slipped.’ The media were duly appreciative. The Standard bracketed the débutant with internationals Abel and Hayward, reporting that the trio had between them contributed 217 of Surrey’s total of 295 and commented further as follows: The Surrey eleven was identical to that which defeated Kent by ten wickets on Friday last, except that Holland was displaced by Hayes. The latter is a tall well-built young fellow who has made a lot of runs this year for Surrey’s Second Eleven. He can bowl, too, but after his success yesterday it is as a batsman that he will be known. He was making his début as far as first-class cricket is concerned and both he and his friends have every reason to be proud of the success thereof. Batting from the outset with any amount of confidence, and making some really brilliant cuts and drives, he created an impression which is sure to lead to his inclusion in one or two, at least, of Surrey’s remaining fixtures. For two and a half hours he defied the Australian attack and was the subject of quite a demonstration at the close of his innings. . . . Hayes . . . offered a sharp chance to Trumble at slip when 61. The let off availed the batsman nothing, however, for with a single added to his account, he was easily taken at point by Trott. The ball was one which most batsmen would have left alone, but it would be hypercritical to quarrel with the judgment shown by the colt. Although he made one or two weak strokes, the only distinct chance was the one he offered just before he was out. To make 62 on the first appearance in a big match is not given to many cricketers and the next few performances of Hayes will be watched with more Surrey Pro 19