Grace Retires
On this day, August 8th (1914), WG Grace, ‘The Great Cricketer’, finally retired from playing cricket at the age of 66.
His last match was played on this day in 1914 for Eltham v Northbrook.
Ironically, Grace did not bat or bowl, in the match – in complete contrast to his remarkable playing career where his ‘all-round’ skills enabled him to dominate every aspect of the game. With incomparable skill, his deeds with bat, ball, and in the field helped him amass the remarkable First-Class career statisitcs of 870 matches; 124 centuries; 54,211 runs; 2,809 wickets; and 876 catches.
It is amazing to think he made his final First-Class century (166 for London County v MCC) on his 56th birthday, and captained England against Australia at the age of 50 – a testament to his durability and love for the game.
WG Grace was the first icon of Cricket, and in the true definition of being regarded as an ‘expert’ on a subject, his legacy has grown since his career and life ended, nearly a century ago.
