Harry Trott

Harry Trott

George Henry Stevens "Harry" Trott (5 August 1866 – 10 November 1917) was an Australian Test cricketer who played 24 Test matches as an all-rounder between 1888 and 1898. Although Trott was a versatile batsman, spin bowler and outstanding fielder, "... it is as a captain that he is best remembered, an understanding judge of human nature". After a period of some instability and ill discipline in Australian cricket, he was the first in a succession of assertive Australian captains that included Joe Darling, Monty Noble and Clem Hill, who restored the prestige of the Test team. Respected by teammates and opponents alike for his cricketing judgement, he was quick to pick up a weakness in opponents. A right-hand batsman, Trott was known for his sound defence and vigorous hitting. His slow leg spin bowling was often able to deceive batsmen through subtle variations of pace and flight, but allowed opposition batsmen to score quickly.

Trott made his Test debut in 1888 and toured England four times; 1888, 1890, 1893 and 1896, scoring over 1000 runs on each occasion. For the tour in 1896, Trott was elected captain by his team-mates. Despite England winning the series two Tests to one and retaining The Ashes, Trott's ability as a captain was highly regarded. In the return series in Australia in 1897–98, Trott's team was more successful, winning the series 4 Tests to 1 and regaining The Ashes. At a time when the federation of the Australian colonies was under discussion, the victory saw Trott praised as a "national institution" and his team as having "done more for the federation of Australian hearts than all the big delegates put together".

A severe mental illness abruptly ended the Test career of Trott at the age of 31. After a series of seizures in 1898, he suffered from insomnia, apathy and memory loss. Failing to recover lucidity, he was committed to a psychiatric hospital for over 400 days. After he was discharged, in time he returned to cricket, once again playing first-class cricket for his state, Victoria, and performing at a consistently high level for his club, South Melbourne. A postman by trade, after retirement from cricket Trott served as a selector for the Victorian team.