Clem Hill
by Mayukh Ghosh
“How much did you pay Crockett, Warner?”
“Which gate are you leaving by, Crockett?”
“Have you got your coffin ready, Crockett?”
Bob Crockett
Sydney Cricket Ground.
Day four of the first Test of the 1903-04 Ashes series.
England, aided by ‘Tip’ Foster’s record-breaking 287, doubled Australia’s first innings score.
Trailing by 292, Australia found themselves on 213-3 at tea.
Victor Trumper and Clem Hill at the crease.
Nothing spectacular happened in the first four overs after the tea break. Then, in the 80th over the innings, Len Braund was called to begin his second spell with Trumper on strike.
The first two balls were powerfully cut by Trumper for boundaries.
The third went for four byes and the fourth was hit past extra cover for another four.
The fifth ball was gently played back to the bowler.
The last ball of the over was once again hit by Trumper, this time past mid-off.
Three runs were taken before George Hirst could return the ball to Braund. He threw at the wicket while the fourth run was being taken. He missed the wicket and the batsmen took off for the fifth run. Hill had already overrun by a fair distance and found difficulty in reaching his crease on time.
Debutant Albert Relf’s return to Dick Lilley was accurate and Hill was given out by umpire Bob Crockett.
Hill didn’t utter a word, but his behaviour made it very clear that he was not particularly pleased with Crockett’s decision. The crowd sensed what Hill meant and they began their protest.
England captain Pelham Warner tried to pacify them but in vain.
Warner had to tell incoming batsman Monty Noble that if the demonstration against Crockett continued, his team would not play anymore.
The uproar ceased after a while but as soon as England began proceedings, they made a return. It went on till the end of the day, but Warner kept his cool and went on with the game.
Victor Trumper made a brilliant 185* but could not save Australia from losing the Test match.