Publisher's Synopsis
Johnny Briggs was simply the most popular player Lancashire had ever had; a popularity that spread through the country and indeed the cricketing world. He was a comedian and a joker on and off the field but he suffered from depression.
Professional cricketer at the age of 13 years. Played for Lancashire at the age of 16 years 236 days.
First bowler to take 100 test wickets.
First cricketer to complete a test century and take a test hat-trick; and is the only player to do so in England and Australia test matches.
Walk-up (as opposed to a run-up) of 2 steps.
Timed at 44 seconds for a 5-ball over.
Bowled a record 630 balls in a match in 1897 at Old Trafford.
Made 14,002 runs (18.27), 10 centuries, took 259 catches and 2,212 wickets (15.95) in his career.
Suffered from epilepsy.
Died in Cheadle Royal Lunatic Asylum not long after his 39th birthday.
