Alexander Crawford (cricketer) facts for kids
Alexander Basil Crawford (born May 24, 1891 – died May 10, 1916) was an English cricketer. He played a type of professional cricket called first-class cricket. He played for two teams: Warwickshire in 1911 and Nottinghamshire in 1912. Warwickshire even won the County Championship in 1911! Alexander was born in Coleshill, Warwickshire. Sadly, he died fighting in World War I in France.
Cricket Career
Alexander Crawford was a tall player. He was a right-handed batsman, meaning he hit the ball with his right hand. He also bowled with his right arm, throwing the ball fast-medium.
Playing for Warwickshire
Before playing for the main team, Crawford played for Nottinghamshire's "second eleven" team. This was in 1909 and 1910. He then joined Warwickshire in 1911. He was allowed to play for them because he was born in Warwickshire.
His first big game was against a team from India. He scored 24 runs and was not out. This means the other team couldn't get him out. He also took six wickets for only 36 runs. This was his best bowling performance ever!
Crawford played in six more games for Warwickshire that year. Warwickshire won four of these games. They went on to win their first-ever Championship title. He helped the team by scoring useful runs and taking wickets. Sometimes, he bowled too many "no-balls." A no-ball is an illegal delivery in cricket.
Playing for Nottinghamshire
In 1912, Crawford switched teams. He played for Nottinghamshire. He could play for them because he lived in the area. Nottinghamshire saw him more as a batsman than a bowler.
He had a great day playing against the Australians. He scored 51 runs in that game. Nottinghamshire won the match. Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, a famous cricket book, said he "hit with great power." However, Wisden also said he was "just a hard hitter and nothing more." After 1912, he stopped playing county cricket.
Life Outside Cricket
Alexander Crawford's father was a doctor in the army. He later settled in Skegby, Nottinghamshire. Alexander went to school at Oundle School. After school, he became a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. He worked in Boston, Lincolnshire.
When World War I started in 1914, Alexander joined the army. He first joined the Lincolnshire Regiment as a private. Six months later, he became an officer in the Sherwood Foresters. He then moved to the West Yorkshire Regiment. He was a captain when he died in the war.
Crawford was very tall, about 6 feet 4 inches. He also played rugby for the Nottingham Rugby Club.
