100 Years Ago: 15 October 1924

MCC in Perth, 1924/25

The next in the ACS’s planned series of auctions, which kicked off last weekend, closes at 22:00 BST on Monday, October 21, and will be of particular interest to those who follow cricket in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. The auction also contains some statistical material, a small selection of narrative books by EW Swanton, and a tranche of 35 lots on women’s cricket. All proceeds go to fund our not-for-profit work. Register now to avoid missing out.

The M.C.C. team, having arrived in Perth, had a practice today, but the pitch was sticky and after a while they concentrated on fielding.  The players practised very enthusiastically, but Arthur Gilligan said they had not yet found their land legs.  Patsy Hendren was handicapped by a bruised hand, which occurred when he fell on it in winning a potato race on board ship, and he will be rested from the first match.

They were also given a civic reception in the city, and were well received.  After a speech by the Mayor, Arthur Gilligan, Johnny Douglas and the manager Frederick Toone each spoke, with Gilligan in particular impressing with his sense of humour and charming manner.

Their first match, against Western Australia, will start at the Western Australia Cricket Association ground on Friday, when the next bulletin will be sent.