Tom Richardson

Tom Richardson (born August 11, 1870, Byfleet, Surrey; died July 2, 1912, Chambéry, France) was one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time and certainly the most prolific in terms of wicket-taking feats, largely owing to his amazing stamina and appetite for work, which allowed him to gain remarkable success under conditions that were far too much for almost all other bowlers of his time.

Related Topics:
August 11 - 1870 - Byfleet - Surrey - July 2 - 1912 - Chambéry - France - Fast bowlers

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Relying, owing to the playing conditions of his time, exclusive on the break-back (a fast ball spinning from off to leg) his model action, relatively long (apparently curved in pictures) run-up and high arm allowed him to gain sharp lift on fast pitches even from the full, straight length he always bowled. Though he played during a period when cricket was changing as rapidly as it ever has been, Richardson never "went in" for anything new as his career declined, yet the seeming ease with which his tall, powerful frame was able to do the most phenomenal bowling feats has had him often seen as the ideal model for a fast bowler even years after he died.

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