Fred Morley

Infobox Historic Cricketer


nationality = English
country = England
country abbrev = Eng
name = Fred Morley
picture = Fred_Morley.jpg
batting style = Left hand bat
bowling style = Left arm fast
tests = 4
test runs = 6
test bat avg = 1.50
test 100s/50s = 0/0
test top score = 2*
test balls = 972
test wickets = 16
test bowl avg = 18.50
test 5s = 1
test 10s = 0
test best bowling = 5/56
test catches/stumpings = 4/0
FCs = 232
FC runs = 1,404
FC bat avg = 5.40
FC 100s/50s = 0/0
FC top score = 31
FC balls = 53,621
FC wickets = 1,274
FC bowl avg = 13.43
FC 5s = 119
FC 10s = 36
FC best bowling = 8/26
FC catches/stumpings = 109/0
debut date = 6 September
debut year = 1880
last date = 21 February
last year = 1883
source = http://content.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/17092.html

Frederick ("Fred") Morley (16 December 1850 in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, England – 28 September 1884 in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, England) was a professional cricketer who was reckoned to be the fastest bowler in England during his prime. During a 13 year career for Nottinghamshire and England he took 1,274 wickets at an average of 13.73.

In 1879/80 Morley toured North America with Richard Daft, and in 1880 he was selected to play in the match that later became known as the first Test match to take place in England, taking 8 for 146. He toured Australia in 1882/3 as part of the Honourable Ivo Bligh's side that aimed to recover the Ashes. However, he was hampered by an injury to his rib that he picked up when the team's ship was involved in a collision in the harbour at Colombo, and his subsequent bowling performances were poor. He never recovered from his injuries and died of congestion and dropsy in September 1884.

He was married to Hannah, a seamstress, and they had at least three children, Sarah, Harold and Allen. His name was registered at birth as Frederic Morley.

References

* [http://content.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/17092.html Cricinfo article on Fred Morley]
* [http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Articles/0/957.html Brief profile of Frederick Morley by Don Ambrose]
* [http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/0/47/47.html CricketArchive page on Fred Morley]