Greatest Cricket Moments

James Broadbridge — The Other Half of Sussex's Roundarm Pair, 1830s

1835-08-01Sussex; PlayersCareer of James Broadbridge through the 1830s1 min readSeverity: Mild

Summary

James Broadbridge of Duncton was the second half — alongside William Lillywhite — of the Sussex roundarm bowling partnership that dominated the late 1820s and 1830s. Where Lillywhite was the relentless metronome, Broadbridge bowled with sharper turn and a higher arm, often pushing the limits of the shoulder-height rule. Through the 1830s the two formed the most-feared opening attack in England.

What Happened

Broadbridge had been Lillywhite's partner since the 1827 Sussex v England roundarm matches. Through the 1830s he played for Sussex, the Players and various All-England elevens. He retired about 1840. Contemporaries judged him second only to Lillywhite among roundarm slow bowlers, and Pycroft remarks that 'Broadbridge could turn a ball on Lord's, when Lillywhite could not'. He was, with Lillywhite, the principal reason Sussex were the strongest county of the decade.

Timeline

1820s

Sussex debut

1827

Sussex v England roundarm matches

1830s

Career peak alongside Lillywhite

c. 1840

Retirement

⚖️ The Verdict

The forgotten half of Sussex's championship-defining roundarm partnership.

Tags

#roundarm-era#early-victorian#james-broadbridge#sussex#roundarm#1830s#iconic-moment

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