Jan. 2 (CRICKETNMORE) - Regarded as the greatest bowler who played the game of cricket, Sydney Barnes took 189 test wickets for England at an average of just 16.43 in 27 matches.
His 49 wickets against South Africa in 1913-14 test match series is still a record for most wickets in a series. His tally of 49 wickets would be more had he played the fifth test match of the series also. As per the records, Sydney Barnes did not play in the match at Port Elizabeth. The authorities were not willing to pay for his wife’s accommodation. Barnes, never one to compromise on such matters, put his foot down. As a result, he played only 4 Tests in the series and that was to be the end of his Test career.
In those four Tests, Barnes took 49 wickets at 10.93 a piece and includes 7 five wicket hauls and took 10 or more wickets in test thrice.
