A batsman was given out for missing his tube en route to the ground during the 1921 County game between Leicestershire and Surrey.
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In cricket, we have seen some strange dismissals. There is handling the ball, timed out as the batsman could not arrive on time to bat and mankading. But, have you heard about an instance when a batsman arrived late at the ground only because he missed his Tube Train? This is the true story that took place in the 1921 County Championship match between Leicestershire and Surrey at The Oval.
During the 1921 championship match, Surrey chose to bat with Andy Sandham notching up 54 and helping Surrey to 228. Sandham would become the first player in Test history to hit a triple century which he did against the West Indies some years later. Leicestershire was bowled out for 136, giving Surrey a lead of 92 runs. Thomas Shepherd scored a century and aided by Horace Bloomfield’s 53, Surrey notched up 244/4 declared, giving Leicestershire a target of 335.
That was when the real drama started for Leicestershire. A thrilling match was undone by a moment of controversy.
Aubrey Sharp hit a century and had put Leicestershire on course for a big win. Tom Sidwell, who was not out on one overnight, held the key for Leicestershire heading into the fourth and final day. But, when he wanted to come to The Oval, he missed the Tube and came to the venue late. Sidwell appealed to resume his innings but Surrey captain Percy Fender refused. Sidwell was declared retired out and Leicestershire squandered the chance to win.
Leicestershire was bowled out for 246, giving Surrey a crucial 89-run win and five points. Many felt that Sidwell was not given justice. But, the rules at that time stated that the batsmen could only get a chance to resume his batting only if the opposition captain agreed. This gentlemanly agreement was tested at The Oval and Sidwell was not allowed to resume the innings.
However, Sidwell would have the ultimate redemption. Five years later, on exactly the same venue and same opponent, Sidwell hit a century against Surrey in a brilliant act of redemption. Although, the match was lost, Sidwell had personal glory.
Sidwell played for Leicestershire for 20 years. He made his debut in 1913 but four years of the First World War stalled his career. On resumption, Sidwell would feature in 392 First-Class matches for Leicestershire. He made 7929 runs at an average of 15 with three centuries. Sidwell would take 583 catches and effect 137 stumpings, proving he was a solid keeper.
But, English cricket would experience another jolt 75 years later. Another athlete would be dropped for an entire series for arriving late at the venue. The lack of discipline in the modern era was looked down upon and this cricketer paid the price. Things would go so downhill for this player that he would end up in prison after several years due to drug smuggling. That individual was Chris Lewis.
Chris Lewis was an enigmatic all-rounder who had plenty of potential for England but he never lived up the hype. He played 32 Tests and 53 ODIs, never shining entirely with the ball and with the bat. Lewis’ first major misdemeanor was arriving late at the venue at The Oval.
Lewis arrived at 10.25 am (for an 11 am start), missed all of England’s warm-ups and fielding routines. Although he attended a pre-match presentation of commemorative medals, his excuse of having had a puncture was not accepted by his captain, Michael Atherton.
At that time, player conduct in England was important. According to the England coach, David Lloyd, players have to be in the dressing-room by 9.30, ready to start practice 15 minutes later. Unless prior permission is sought, they also have to spend the night in the team hotel. The team’s hotel at Chelsea Harbour is less than 10 minutes from the ground, Lewis gave the excuse that his car suffered a puncture but England’s captain, coach and selectors did not listen to him. He was dropped from the squad and his career never recovered.
After retiring from cricket in 2000, Lewis was arrested in 2008 in Gatwick for trying to smuggle liquid cocaine. Lewis was sentenced to 13 years in prison but he served six and a half years. It was a terrible way for England’s all-rounder to live his post-cricket world.
