Gilbert Laird Jessop, fondly nicknamed “The Croucher,” was a legendary cricketer from England who captivated audiences with his exhilarating style of play. Born on May 19, 1874, in Cheltenham, Jessop possessed remarkable skills in both bowling and batting, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Standing at just 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing in at 11 stone, Jessop’s stature belied the sheer power and finesse he displayed on the cricket field. His unorthodox batting stance, which earned him his famous nickname, allowed him to hit the ball with unparalleled speed, variety, and frequency. Renowned cricket writer HS Altham aptly described Jessop’s batting as, “no cricketer that has ever lived hit the ball so often, so fast and with such a bewildering variety of strokes.”
Jessop made his debut for Gloucestershire, his native county, at the age of 20. In his first match, he made an immediate impact by saving a hat trick with a boundary off his very first delivery in county cricket. From there, he went on to achieve incredible feats, including scoring 286 runs in less than three hours, 157 runs in just one hour against the West Indies in 1900, and famously, playing a match-winning century at the Oval Test in 1902. In that historic match, he single-handedly turned the tables for England by scoring 104 runs out of 139 in just 75 minutes, securing an unlikely victory for his team.
Although Jessop began his cricketing career as a fast bowler, an unfortunate back injury during his first Test match in 1899 saw him transition to a predominantly batting role. Nevertheless, his talent as a fielder remained unparalleled. Known for his incredible speed, accuracy, and power in returning the ball from cover, he was considered the undisputed master of that position before the outbreak of World War I.
Named after cricket legend WG Grace, Jessop eventually followed in his footsteps by becoming the captain of Gloucestershire and later serving as the club’s secretary. Prior to his cricketing career, Jessop worked as a school teacher and later married an Australian woman whom he met on his return journey from the 1901-1902 tour. Together, they had a son who would go on to play for Hampshire.
In his later years, Jessop moved to London where he worked as a writer and served as the secretary of a golf club. Unfortunately, his health began to deteriorate, and he retired from cricket at a relatively young age. However, he continued to live a fulfilling life and eventually passed away at the age of 80 at St. George’s Vicarage in Dorchester.
Gilbert Laird Jessop was not only a phenomenal cricketer, but he also exuded charm, modesty, and a captivating personality. Revered by fans and fellow players alike, his fearlessness, unique style, and exceptional talent made him one of the most unforgettable and beloved figures in the history of the sport.
