A profile of Arthur Hill by Dave Liverman and Don Ambrose

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Player:

AJL Hill

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HILL, Arthur James Ledger
Born : 26 July 1871, Bassett, Hampshire.
Died : 6 September 1950, Spursholt House, Romsey, Hampshire.
Son of J.L.Hill, shipowner and merchant, Southampton.
Entered Marlborough College, (C3 House), January 1884, Cricket XI 1887-89; Rugby XV 1888; Racquets 1889; Left Midsummer 1889.
Jesus College, Cambridge, BA; University Cricket XI 1890-93.
Went into business - coal and shipping.
Address - (1933) - Spursholt House, Romsey, Hampshire.

 

A fine all-round sportsman - he captained his county in rugby and hockey - Arthur Hill was in the words of Wisden "a splendid batsman with a free natural approach to the game". A tall man, he played with considerable style, and was also a good fast-medium bowler who later in his career took up bowling slow lobs!. He made twenty first-class hundreds, including one in Tests, in a career that last 30 years - towards the end of his career he was in the same Hampshire side as his son.

After a successful schoolboy career at Marlborough (during which time he also played for Wiltshire), Hill went up to Cambridge where he played in the University match four times (1890-1893). His first-class team was Hampshire who he represented with considerable success when his career allowed (he was a banker), and he later became their President. His top score was 199 v Surrey at the Oval, and in 1905 he took part in a remarkable stand with Major E.G.Wynyard. Hill was lame, following an injury incurred during his first-innings century, and Wynyard could only bat with one hand, due to a broken thumb. They put on over 150 together, Hill completing an unbeaten century in two hours.

Hill toured India, America, and the Argentine, and went with Lord Hawke to South Africa in 1895/96, playing three Tests. His Test record is remarkable, although brief. He never failed in his four Test innings (his 25 on debut was his lowest score). In the Third Test he made 124 out of 265, no other player making more than 31 in the match. When asked to bowl, he took the last four South African wickets, returning the figures of 4 for 8.

(Article: Copyright © 2008 Dave Liverman)