Beschreibung:

Robert Arthur Thoms. Umpire. Two notes handwritten by Thoms. In one single page note, signed by Thoms and dated 1886, Thoms describes how 'there is nothing new under the sun' and that cricketers could not get on without the leather (ball) 'yet it must be allowed there is something new in the invention of the indestructible leather handled cricket bat recently patented by that celebrated cricket bat maker Cobbett so that now when we have leather driving the leather the old adage is justly realized, that there is 'nothing like leather'. The other, a two page note, possibly part of a longer letter, relates to bowlers who 'throw'. 'What a storm in the tea-pot there has been about this 'throwing'' if you stand some 3 to 5 yards from the wicket you can then take in the bowler's 'drop' on to his foot and then instantly watch his arm for the delivery'. He recollects a bowler 'who was very clever in mixing up his doubtful express ones' and was particularly effective with his mysterious ones'. Thoms suggests his correspondent should 'come and see me any evening most convenient for you. From 7 to 7.30 will be best and we can have a good talk'. Light folds and some ageing to one note, otherwise in good condition
Robert Arthur 'Bob' Thoms (1826-1903) was a first-class cricket umpire who stood in two Test Matches, the first two played in England, in 1880 and 1882. His long umpiring career in first-class matches lasted from 1863 to 1900. When he died, The Times said that he was 'the most famous umpire the game has known'. He played in three first-class matches in the period 1850-1851: one for an Under 36 XI, one for Marylebone Cricket Club and Metropolitan Clubs and one for the All England Eleven