Tom Lancelot Taylor, an esteemed figure in English cricket, was born on May 25, 1878, in Yorkshire. With an immense passion for the game, he excelled as a batsman and wicketkeeper. Taylor’s cricket journey commenced during his schooling years at Uppingham, where he showcased remarkable talent and dedication. He spent three years in the Uppingham XI, captaining the team in his final two years. In 1896, he was hailed as the best public school batsman of the year, with an outstanding average exceeding 84. Notably, he scored a remarkable century against Repton.
Taylor’s flair and aggression on the field caught the attention of Cambridge University in 1897, where he made his debut. The following year, he earned his coveted blue, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. Some of his memorable innings for the university included a superb 110 against the Australians in 1899, and in 1900, he captained the side, smashing 120 runs against Surrey at the Oval.
The year 1899 saw Taylor’s entry into county cricket, representing Yorkshire. Known for his elegant stroke-play, particularly his powerful drives, he consistently contributed with the bat, accumulating numerous runs. During the early 1900s, he stood as one of Yorkshire’s most reliable run-scorers. In 1902, despite encountering challenging wickets, he amassed over 1,500 runs in first-class matches. His impressive performance earned him a selection as the 12th man in the Test match against Australia at Lord’s. Taylor attained five centuries that year, one of which was for the Gentlemen against the Players at Scarborough, and finished with an average of over 40, topping the Yorkshire batting charts.
Taylor achieved the highest score of his career, 156 runs, against Hampshire at Harrogate in 1901. The following year, he joined Lord Hawke’s side on a tour of Australia and New Zealand, further strengthening his cricketing prowess. Despite his remarkable achievements, Taylor, having scored over 5,000 runs, made the decision to step away from first-class cricket in 1906 to fully devote his attention to the family business.
During his time away from the game, Taylor embarked on a distinguished business career and emerged as a leading figure in the engineering industry. In 1926, he was bestowed with a life membership of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club alongside Sir Stanley Jackson, further affirming his prominent standing in the cricketing community. In 1947, Taylor succeeded Sir Stanley as the president of the club, assuming a pivotal role in shaping Yorkshire’s cricketing landscape. Known for his advocacy of bold batsmanship and energetic fielding, he wielded considerable influence and was a constant source of inspiration for players and fans alike.
Taylor’s love for sports extended beyond cricket. He demonstrated exceptional skill in hockey, earning his blue and captaining Cambridge, as well as representing England. Additionally, he excelled in lawn tennis, showcasing versatility and athletic prowess.
Regarded as a sincere and well-loved figure, Taylor’s passing on March 16, at the age of 81, left a void in the cricketing fraternity, particularly in Yorkshire. His hospitality as a president of the Scarborough Festival was cherished by many. Taylor’s impact on the game extended far beyond his playing days, and his contributions will be remembered fondly.
