Hanson Carter

CARTER, MR. HANSON, regarded in 1909, when he took part in the first of his two tours in England, as second only to the great Blackham among Australian wicket-keepers, died on June 8. Born at Halifax, Yorkshire, on March 15, 1878, he was 70 years old when he passed away at his Sydney home, having retained a close touch with cricket to the end. Altogether he played in 28 Test matches, 21 of them against England. That such a long interval as twelve years occurred between his visits here could be explained by the Triangular Test series in 1912 when Australia did not send nearly their strongest available side, many notable players preferring not to come because South Africa would provide a counter-attraction.

Still in regular practice, having helped to win all five matches in the 1920-21 rubber, Carter seemed little below the top of his form and Australia, again captained by W. W. Armstrong, easily retained the honours, three victories coming before England outplayed them in drawn games at Old Trafford and The Oval. Rather short and slight in build Carter did not stand as close to the stumps as some noted keepers have done, but he took the ball with easy discretion, particularly when Cotter, of high speed, bowled his fastest. This was specially noticeable in the Test matches, very few byes swelling the England totals. Of small account as a batsman, Carter could prove useful, and at Leeds, where England were sadly handicapped by the loss of G. L. Jessop, who hurt himself when fielding, he made 30, which helped towards victory by 126 runs in a small scoring match which gave Australia the rubber by two to one, the subsequent two games being drawn. After the 1921 tour he went to South Africa, where, Australia have not yet suffered defeat.