Herbie Taylor, South African cricketer and soldier (d. 1973)

Herbert Wilfred Taylor, born on May 5, 1889, and passing away on February 8, 1973, stands as a venerable figure in the annals of South African cricket. A right-handed batsman of exceptional skill and temperament, he proudly represented his nation in 42 Test matches, leading the side as captain in 18 of those encounters. His career spanned a pivotal era for South African cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport both at home and abroad.

A Master of the Matting Pitch

Taylor’s batting prowess was particularly renowned for his expertise on the matting pitches that were commonplace across South Africa during his playing days. Unlike the grass wickets found in England or Australia, matting pitches, laid over hard ground, offered a unique challenge, often producing variable bounce and pace. It was on these home surfaces that Taylor truly flourished, scoring six of his seven Test centuries, a testament to his profound understanding and adaptation to these specific conditions. His technique was characterized by remarkably quick footwork, allowing him to adjust swiftly to the ball's movement, and an exceptional 'backplay'. This 'backplay' refers to his ability to play the ball effectively off the back foot, a crucial skill for negotiating deliveries that were either fast, rising, or seaming, giving him precious extra time to react and place his shots with precision.

Milestones and Accolades

Throughout his illustrious career, Taylor achieved several significant milestones. He became the first South African cricketer to surpass 2,500 runs in Test cricket, a testament to his consistent performance and longevity at the highest level. His contributions to the game were further recognized when he was named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year in 1925, an esteemed accolade in the cricketing world that celebrates outstanding individual achievements and influence. Domestically, Taylor was a versatile and respected player, representing several prominent provincial teams including Natal, Transvaal, and Western Province, contributing significantly to the regional cricket landscape of South Africa.

The Defining Series: 1913–14 Against England

While Taylor’s career was punctuated by many fine performances, his greatest achievement is widely considered to be his incredible batting display during the 1913–14 Test series against England. In a remarkable feat of sustained excellence, Taylor amassed a formidable 508 runs across the series, maintaining an impressive average of 50.80. This performance becomes even more legendary when contextualized by the presence of the English bowler Sydney Barnes. Barnes, regarded by many as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game, was in devastating form during that very series, capturing a record 49 wickets at an astonishing average of just 10.93. To score so prolifically against such a dominant bowling force underscored Taylor’s unique talent and mental fortitude.

Cricket historians and critics have universally lauded this particular series for Taylor's brilliance. H.S. Altham, a respected cricket historian, famously recorded that "The English cricketers were unanimous that finer batting than his against Barnes at his best they never hoped to see." Similarly, the renowned cricket writer and critic Neville Cardus, whose words carried immense weight in the cricketing fraternity, noted that it was "perhaps the most skilful of all Test performances by a batsman." Such was the profound impact of Taylor’s batting that it led Cardus to place him among the absolute elite, counting him as "one of the six greatest batsmen of the post-Grace period"—a powerful commendation that situates Taylor among cricket's legendary figures who emerged after the era of the iconic W.G. Grace.

FAQs About Herbert Wilfred Taylor

How many Test matches did Herbert Taylor play?
Herbert Taylor played a total of 42 Test matches for South Africa, captaining the side in 18 of them.
What was Herbert Taylor's primary role in the team?
He was primarily a batsman, known for his exceptional skill and technique.
What was Herbert Taylor's most notable achievement in Test cricket?
His most celebrated achievement was scoring 508 runs at an average of 50.80 in the 1913–14 Test series against England, especially given that he was facing the formidable bowling of Sydney Barnes.
Who was Sydney Barnes, and why was Taylor's performance against him so significant?
Sydney Barnes was an English bowler widely considered one of the greatest of all time. His record-breaking 49 wickets in the 1913–14 series at a low average of 10.93 made Taylor's high scoring against him an extraordinary feat of batting prowess.
What was "backplay" in Herbert Taylor's batting style?
'Backplay' refers to his exceptional ability to play the ball off the back foot, a critical skill that allowed him to handle fast or moving deliveries effectively, showcasing his quick reflexes and precise shot placement.
Did Herbert Taylor play domestic cricket, and for which teams?
Yes, he played domestic cricket for Natal, Transvaal, and Western Province, all prominent South African provincial teams during his career.
What kind of pitches did Herbert Taylor excel on?
He was particularly adept on the matting pitches prevalent in South Africa at the time, scoring six of his seven Test centuries on these surfaces due to his specialized technique and understanding of their unique characteristics.
When was Herbert Taylor recognized as one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year?
He was selected as one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year in 1925, an honor signifying his outstanding contribution to cricket.
How did cricket experts like Neville Cardus rate Herbert Taylor?
Neville Cardus famously called his 1913–14 series performance "perhaps the most skilful of all Test performances by a batsman" and considered Taylor "one of the six greatest batsmen of the post-Grace period," placing him among the sport's all-time legends.