Page:Cricket, by WG Grace.djvu/367

 county was not first-class. I am inclined to believe if he had had greater opportunities for displaying his powers, or if he had been connected with a crack county, he would have taken quite as high a position as either of the famous pair I have just mentioned. Anyhow, I am convinced that he was a great deal better than he was thought, and about the best wicket-keeper of his time against fast bowling. His style was quick and neat, without the slightest show; and while as keen as anyone, he never kept knocking off the bails uselessly as I have seen others do. He stood up to Freeman and Howitt without flinching, and his certainty in taking their bowling, especially on the leg side, was a treat of its kind. And if evidence were wanting of his proficiency against slow bowling, it can be found in the United All-England Eleven matches v. Twenty-two of St. Helen's and Twenty-two of Yeadon, in August, 1867. In the former he stumped seven and caught four; in the latter he stumped seven and caught one, principally off Iddison's underhand slows; and I remember what an excellent catch he made off Silcock's bowling, when he got me out in the second innings of the Gentlemen v. Players' match at Lord's in 1869. He was a very fair batsman as well, and made many a good score for the United Eleven, and in other matches.

Edward Pooley was born at Richmond, Surrey, 13th February, 1843. His height was 5 ft. 6 in.; weight, about 10½ st. He was a brilliant wicket-keeper, and did splendid work for Surrey. He was worth his position in the eleven for his batting and fielding, but after Lockyer retired he became indispensable to them for his wicket-keeping alone. As a batsman he was a fine free hitter, and many a time made a good score when it was badly wanted. He could bowl lobs at a pinch, but they could not be