Cranston first played for Gloucestershire in 1876 at the age of 17, and was noted for his superb fielding as well as his solid left-hand batting. He played with an immaculately straight bat, with excellent defence and strong drives. He left Gloucestershire in 1883 and played a few games for Warwickshire before returning to Gloucestershire in 1889. His fielding had declined, in part due his increasing weight (not an impediment in a county side that was led by WG), but his batting had improved to the level that he was considered one of the best left-handers in England. In 1890, there was little between him and Grace in average and aggregate, and he recorded his highest score of 152. His career came to an unfortunate end when he suffered a fit on the field of play in 1891. He recovered sufficiently to play four more times for Gloucestershire eight years later, but never achieved the success of 1889 and 1890.

(Article: Copyright © 2003 Dave Liverman)