Albert Moss

Background

Albert Moss was born in Hugglescote, Coalville, in Leicestershire, where his family lived at 32 Station Street. Moss moved to New Zealand after his father succumbed to tuberculosis, hoping to avoid sharing his fate.

Career

He took thirteen wickets in his next three matches between January and March 1890, and shortly afterwards stood for the only time as an umpire. He was found not guilty on the grounds of insanity and remanded to Lyttelton Prison, "till the pleasure of the Colonial Secretary is known". Moss died in South Africa at the age of 82, after which the ball was given to Lancaster Park, the home of the Canterbury club

Achievements

• He made his debut for Canterbury against Wellington at Christchurch on 27 December 1889, and the following day took 10-28 in 21.3 six-ball overs as Wellington were dismissed for 71. He also claimed three wickets in the second innings as Canterbury won by 33 runs. His first-innings achievement remains (as of 2007) the only instance of ten wickets in an innings in New Zealand. Moss took great pride in his achievement, especially as the ball was mounted with a plaque and presented to him by his cricket club, Lancaster Park Community College