Brief profile of Robert Abel by Don Ambrose

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Player:

R Abel

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ABEL, Robert
Professional.
Born at Rotherhithe, Surrey, 30th November 1857.
Died at Stockwell, London, 10th December 1936.
He learned his cricket in Southwark Park and eventually got a job as ground bowler at The Oval. It was as a bowler he made his first-class debut in 1881. Six years later he developed as an opening batsman, playing in 627 first-class matches, 514 of them for Surrey, including thirteen Test Matches. On his retirement from first-class cricket in 1904 he coached at The Oval and at Dulwich College. He also carried on business as a sporting outfitter in Harleyford Street, a few yards from The Oval.
In the 1881 Census he is shown as living at 14 Pedworth Road, Rotherhithe, with his 20 year old wife Sarah, who was born at Bermondsey. His age is shown as 22 (he was 23) and his occupation as a Hop Porter.

(Article: Copyright © 2003 Don Ambrose)