Thomas Plumb
Thomas Plumb | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Aylesbury, England |
| Died | March 29, 1905 (aged 71) Northampton, England |
| Occupation(s) | Cricketer, publican |
| Known for | Premier wicket-keeper in 19th century cricket |
Thomas Plumb (26 July 1833 – 29 March 1905) was an English cricketer who played at the first-class level and was widely recognized as one of the premier wicket-keepers during his playing days.
Life and cricket career
Originating from Aylesbury, Plumb received considerable acclaim from his peers, including W. G. Grace, who described him as "nearly the finest wicket-keeper of his generation." His skills were often compared to those of prominent figures like Ted Pooley and George Pinder. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Plumb did not align himself with a leading county side; rather, he represented second-tier counties such as Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.
Plumb made his first-class debut representing the North in the 1866 North v South match and went on to play for at least eight different teams until 1879. His appearances included playing for the Players in the 1869 Gentlemen v Players fixture. Additionally, he participated with notable All-England elevens, including the United England Eleven and the All England Eleven. Over the course of 26 first-class games, he accumulated 474 runs with a batting average of 12.81, achieving a highest score of 67. Behind the wicket, he secured 27 catches and executed 15 stumpings.
Beyond his cricketing endeavors, Plumb worked as a publican, overseeing the Queen's Head establishment in Billesdon. Despite his recognized abilities on the field, he experienced financial hardship later in life, which may have been influenced by his lack of association with major county teams during his career. He passed away in a workhouse located in Northampton in March 1905.