Page "Jack Hobbs" Paragraph 18

As the leading batsmen of the previous decade fell into decline, Hobbs ' success in South Africa meant he was, according to McKinstry, " beyond dispute, seen as the finest batsman in the country ".

However, a combination of a wet summer, the effects of switching from matting pitches to grass ones, and tiredness from having played cricket for 18 months without a substantial break meant that Hobbs record was poor in 1910.

He did not enjoy the season owing to fatigue and scored 1, 982 runs at an average of 33. 03, the lowest average of his career apart from his first season.

He was more effective during 1911, after a long rest during the winter.

The summer was hot and dry, leading to better batting pitches.

Although Hobbs played few outstanding innings, he was consistently successful, and scored 2, 376 runs at 41. 68.

Bowling more frequently than in other seasons, Hobbs also took 28 wickets.

Against Oxford University, Hobbs bowled throughout the second innings to take seven wickets for 56 runs, the best figures of his career.

Although Hobbs was often dismissed having scored between 40 and 70 runs, his best innings were played in the most pressurised games.