Name:

Ulyett, George

Nickname:

Happy Jack

Date of Birth:

21 Oct 1851

Gender:

Men

Place of Birth:

Pitsmoor, Sheffield

Date Died:

18 Jun 1898

Career:

Test: 1877 - 1890
First Class: 1873 - 1893

Teams:

Yorkshire (Regional)
England (Country)

The Ashes story: How it all began

Ulyett: Early Yorkshire superstar with a long Test career 

George Ulyett was a famous star from Yorkshire’s early days. He was a fine allrounder; a hard hitting batsman and an upright pace bowler who was able to extract sharp bounce at times. He was also a brilliant fielder.

Ulyett played in the first ever Test at the MCG in 1877, was a proficient footballer having played as goalkeeper for Sheffield Wednesday, and was one of the most popular cricketers of his era.

Ulyett toured Australia five times between 1876-77 and 1887-88. He also toured South Africa in 1888-89, becoming one of few men to be a part of the first Tests played by three countries. He also toured North America in 1889.

Between 1873 and 1893, he scored 14,157 runs for Yorkshire with a highest score of 199 not out against Derbyshire at Bramall Lane in 1887 and he also took 457 wickets. Known as “Happy Jack” for his cheerful demeanour on and off the field.

Between 1877 and 1890, Ulyett played 25 Tests for England, a record at the time. He scored 949 runs and took 49 wickets. He recorded his best Test achievement when he bowled with genuine speed to rout Australia at Lord's in 1884, claiming seven for 36. He opened the batting to score his only Test century (149) against Australia at the MCG in 1882.

Ulyett died of pneumonia at the age of 46 on June 18, 1898 at Sheffield.

Source: CricketCrowd Reporter