W. G. Grace

William Gilbert Grace (18 July 1848 – 23 October 1915) was an English cricketer who is widely held to have been one of the sport's all-time greatest players. Always known by his initials as "W. G.", his first-class career spanned a record-equalling 44 seasons from 1865 to 1908. Test cricket originated during his career, and he represented England in 22 matches from 1880 to 1899. In domestic cricket, he was mostly associated with Gloucestershire, the Gentlemen, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the United South of England Eleven (USEE). Right-handed as both a batsman and bowler, Grace was an all-rounder who excelled in all the essential disciplines of batting, bowling and fielding. It is, however, for his batting that he is most renowned, and he is widely regarded as the originator of modern batsmanship. He dominated the sport throughout his career, and his technical innovations and immense influence left a lasting legacy. Usually opening the innings, he was especially admired for his complete command of every stroke; contemporary reviewers frequently described his level of expertise as unparalleled. Because of his skill and tactical acumen, he generally served as captain of the teams he represented at all levels. Grace nominally held amateur status as a player, but he was said to have made more money from his cricketing activities than any contemporary professional. He was an extremely competitive player and, though one of the most famous men in England, he was also one of the most controversial on account of his gamesmanship and moneymaking. He came from a cricketing family, which included his elder brother Edward ("E. M.") and his younger brother Fred. In 1880, they were members of the same England team, the first time three brothers played together in a Test match. Grace took part in other sports—as a young man, he was a champion 440-yard hurdler and played football for the Wanderers. In later life, he developed enthusiasm for golf, lawn bowls and curling. He qualified as a medical practitioner in 1879.