A profile of Charlie Absolom by Dave Liverman

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Player:

CA Absolom

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DateLine: 1st January 2003

 

A fine University cricketer who went on to play for Kent, Charles Absolom made a single Test appearance. He came to the wicket after Spofforth with the first Test hat-trick had reduced England to 26/7, and made a fine half century batting at number 9. He was not asked to bowl in the Australian innings - despite seven others being asked, and his excellent record with his accurate slow-medium, and fared less well against Spofforth in the second innings as England lost by 10 wickets. Known as the "Cambridge navvy", presumably because of his impressive physique, he took 25 wickets in the four University matches he appeared in. His career in cricket was short, as he chose to travel, becoming a purser, but coming to an unfortunate end when he was buried under a misplaced load of sugar whilst loading at Port of Spain.

(Article: Copyright © 2000 Dave Liverman)