Ernest Halliwell

Ernest Austin Halliwell, sometimes known as Baberton Halliwell (7 September 1864 – 2 October 1919) was a first-class cricketer, who played eight Test matches for South Africa between 1892 and 1902, including three as captain. He played as a wicket-keeper, and was the first to put raw steaks inside his gloves to protect his hands. At his peak, he was considered one of the best wicket-keepers in the world, and was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1905. He was particularly praised for standing close to the wickets, even against fast bowlers.

Life and career

Ernest Halliwell was born on 7 September 1864 in Ealing, Middlesex, the son of Richard Halliwell, who was a wicket-keeper for Middlesex County Cricket Club. Though he played cricket as a boy in England, his debut in notable cricket occurred when Walter Read led a touring English side around South Africa. Haliwell appeared as wicket-keeper for South Africa in a match which was retroactively granted Test cricket status. He rose to prominence two years later, when a South African team toured the British Isles. Halliwell's wicket-keeping was judged by his English peers as being among the best in the world, and he was compared in equal terms with Jack Blackham and Gregor MacGregor, the Australian and English Test wicket-keepers of the time.