Born 1854, Melbourne, Died 1932 Melbourne - Victoria and Australia

 

Better known as Jack Blackham, he was a superb wicket keeper for Australia and stood up to most of the fast bowlers he played with, all except Spofforth when he was at his quickest. He had incredibly quick hands, before a batsman knew it, the bails were off and Blackham was appealing for a wicket. Blackham was a steady right handed batsman, but style and panache were alien to him, like most of the early Australian cricketers.

 

Touring in the first eight tours, he captained his country in 1893. Earlier in his career controversy reigned when the demon Spofforth refused to play (Melbourne 1876/7) because his wicketkeeper wasn't chosen for the Test (W.L. Murdoch), Blackham at that time was a relative unknown. His profession was that of a bank clerk and from the age of 23, he grew a full beard that remained for the rest of his life.