was not as impressive as it might be. Also, he was believed to be lacking in command against top-class pace bowling on difficult wickets; if conditions, were perfect, however, his batting often followed suit. He again visited England in 1890, and although he topped that season's averages, he did not have an opportunity to regain his best form. He then settled in England, qualified for Sussex, and captained the county for several seasons. Along with former Australian Test teammate John Ferris, he represented his adoptive land against South Africa in Cape Town in March 1892. His style of play did not favour him in wet seasons, but he made many good scores over a period of about 15 years. Among these may be mentioned 155 for London County against Lancashire in 1903, and in the following year 140 for Gentlemen v Players, though he was then in his forty-ninth year. Murdoch's standing as one of the greatest first-class batsmen of his era were strengthened by his statistics; 16,953 runs scored in 391 matches at the average of 26.86 at a time when batting averages were much lower than in modern times. Murdoch died in Melbourne, Australia on 18 February 1911; present at the Test match between Australia and South Africa, he was seized with apoplexy during the lunch interval and died later in the afternoon. His body was embalmed and brought back to England for burial at Kensal Green Cemetery in London. Murdoch's Test captaincy record for Australia was: 16 matches, five wins, seven losses, four draws. He also became the first substitute to take a catch in only the fifteenth Test match ever played – a feat he managed for the opposition. See also List of cricketers who have played for more than one international team References External links HowSTAT! statistical profile of Billy Murdoch 1854 births 1911 deaths Australia Test cricket captains Australian people of Scottish descent Australia Test cricketers Dual international cricketers English cricketers England Test cricketers London County cricketers Marylebone Cricket Club cricketers New South Wales cricketers Sussex cricketers Sussex cricket captains Sportspeople from Bendigo Australian cricketers Gentlemen cricketers North v South cricketers Gentlemen of the South cricketers West of England cricketers Cricketers from Victoria (Australia) Gentlemen of England cricketers Australian people of American descent Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductees C. I. Thornton's XI cricketers Wicket-keepers Australian expatriate sportspeople in England