A profile of Bill Bradley by Dave Liverman

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Player:

WM Bradley

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"Bill" Bradley was a genuinely fast bowler, unusually for his time rising from the amateur ranks. A tall man, he took a long run, reached both hands towards the sky in the leap before his delivery stride, and used all his height in his delivery. He rarely used his pace to intimidate, preferring to bowl fast, straight and pitched up. He on one occasion took 6 wickets in 6 balls in minor cricket. and played irregularly for Kent from 1895 to 1903. His best year was 1899, where based on fine county performances, he was picked to play against the Australians at Old Trafford. His debut was impressive, dismissing Laver, the opener, and Howell the number three for ducks, and finishing with 5/67. He took another wicket in the second innings, but failed to take a wicket at the Oval. He was not much of a bat- his Test average of 23 being well above his first-class average of 6.09, with a career best of 67*.

(Article: Copyright © 2003 Dave Liverman)