A profile of N.S.Mitchell-Innes by Dave Liverman

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Player:

NS Mitchell-Innes

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Playing just a single Test, Mitchell-Innes had a very successful schoolboy and University career, and would have done much more in first-class cricket if he were not handicapped by severe asthma brought on by pollen allergies. He also spent much time overseas in the Sudan Civil Service, and so his cricketing opportunities were limited. He made his debut for Somerset at just 16, after notable performances in school cricket for Sedburgh. He was an attractive, forcing bat, and useful medium pace bowler. He flourished at Oxford, making his highest first-class score of 207, playing in the XI for four years, and captaining them in his final year. His Oxford career aggregate was a record, and in 1935 his success was rewarded with a Test cap against South Africa. Making just 5 in his only innings, and not being asked to bowl. He also appeared once for Scotland in 1937, making 87 against the touring New Zealanders; and toured Australia with the MCC in 1935/36. He captained Somerset in 1948 in a somewhat unusual joint arrangement, whilst on leave from his work in the Sudan. His best years were in the 1930s, however, when he reached 1,000 runs for the season four times, and overall he made 13 first-class centuries, at an average of 31.42.

(Article: Copyright © 2001 Dave Liverman)