Top 5 instances of players reaching the venue after the start of the game

2. Thomas John Hearne – Middlesex vs Gentlemen of Philadelphia, 1908

Gentlemen of Philadelphia, the team from the USA, faced Middlesex in a first-class match at the Lord’s in 1908. The Middlesex team rested some of their players while John William Hearne opted out in the last minute due to the death of his father at the age of 80. In place of John, his second cousin, Thomas John Hearne was roped in who hasn’t featured in an FC match till then.

He was one of the three players to make his first-class debut for the Middlesex during this game. Thomas was set to arrive late due as he received call-up around the time of the toss. His absence was filled with a substitute fielder as the visiting side batted first. Albert Trott and Francis Tarrant bowled unchanged for Middlesex to take five wickets apiece as Philadelphia were bowled out for 58 in 27.5 overs.

Philadelphia made a strong comeback by bowling out hosts to 92 from 88/3. TJ Hearne did not arrive yet and was declared absent to close down the innings. (Timed out dismissal was not in existence at this time) Tarrant and Trott ran through the Gentlemen of Philadelphia’s batting unchanged once again. The visitors managed only 55 across 27.1 overs in the second essay. Trott got only four wickets this time as one wicket came through runout.

Middlesex got a target of 22 runs which they chased down in six overs for the loss of three wickets. It was believed that Thomas John Hearne finally arrived at the venue during the Middlesex’s chase but wasn’t needed to take the field. Thomas never played an FC game after that which meant his first-class career ended without him taking the field for even a ball.