At 49 years 119 days, James Southerton is the oldest player to make a Test debut, a record unlikely to be eclipsed - he was also the first Test cricketer to die. The bulk of his first-class career came before his appearances in the first two Tests (in 1876-77) . Initially a batsmen, he turned his hand to slow round-arm bowling (then a rarity) and as time went on metamorphosed into a more conventional slow left-armer. He was a capable batsman and a sound slip fielder. In 1867 he represented three counties (Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex) in an era before strict rules on qualification. In his final years he was landlord of the famous "Cricketers" pub on Mitcham Green.
Martin Williamson

• Sir Geoffrey's spectacles, and seven left-armers (Oct 13, 2007)
  
• Born in the SCG, and Leap Year babies (Sep 14, 2007)
  
• The king of swing (Nov 16, 2003)

James Southerton © The Cricketer International

View the full list of 1 related images