George Trott (George Henry Stevens (Harry) Trott, member of the 1896 Australian Cricket Team)

George Henry Stevens (Harry) Trott (1866–1917) was the captain of the Australian cricket team which toured England and then to the USA and New Zealand from June to November 1896. Born in Melbourne, he and his brother, Albert Edwin Trott (1873–1914) both played for Australia, although Albert is perhaps better known for his career as an English county cricketer between 1898 and 1907. Harry made his debut for Australia at Lord’s in July 1888 and was selected for the national side consistently thereafter, touring to England again in 1890, 1893 and 1896, ultimately making 921 runs and taking 29 wickets in his 24 Test match appearances. In addition, in his 222 first class matches, he amassed 8 804 runs and took 386 wickets. Known for his tact, affability and good sportsmanship, Trott was a most popular Australian captain, highly respected and liked as much by his opponents as by his teammates and compatriots. He retired from Test cricket following the 1897-98 season, having suffered a breakdown, but recovered to play for Victoria again until 1907. He died in Melbourne in 1917. Though enjoying considerable success as a cricketer and an umpire in England, Albert Trott experienced alcoholism, ill-health and ‘melancholia’, and died by his own hand in London.