Syd Gregory (Sydney Edward Gregory, member of the 1896 Australian Cricket Team)

Sydney Edward Gregory (1870–1929) was born on the site of the Sydney Cricket Ground, the son of batsman Ned Gregory (1839–1899), who was one of five boys from the same family who all played cricket at national or international level. The best known of the clan was Syd’s uncle, David Gregory (1845–1919), who captained the first ‘official’ Australian cricket team to tour to England (in 1878). A right-handed batsman, Syd Gregory was first selected for New South Wales in 1889 and in July 1890 made his Test debut against England at Lord’s. He was selected for Australia every year between 1892 and 1899, making his high score of 201 against the traditional foe at the SCG in December 1894. Between 1901 and 1912, he made a further 33 Test appearances for Australia, retiring from international cricket after captaining Australia in a three-match series in England. In all, Gregory completed his Test career with 2 282 runs at an average of 24.53. Known for his fine fielding in the covers, he also took 25 Test catches. Gregory’s brother-in-law, Harry Donnan, was a teammate on the 1896 England tour; the Gregorys are considered one of Australia’s greatest sporting dynasties.