 Hammond spent much of the 1934 season troubled by sore throats and back problems which restricted his appearances for Gloucestershire . His form for his county was good and in all first @-@ class matches , he scored 2 @,@ 366 runs ( average 76 @.@ 32 ) , although he took fewer wickets at a higher average than the previous season . Awarded a benefit match , which raised just over £ 2 @,@ 600 , Hammond was idolised by the press and public for his achievements . In Tests , it was a different story ; according to Wisden , he failed badly . England lost the Ashes , 2 – 1 , in a series overshadowed at times by the Bodyline controversy . Hammond played in all five Tests against Australia but his top score was 43 ; he scored 162 runs at an average of 20 @.@ 25 , and took five wickets at an average of 72 @.@ 80 . Although the press and selectors supported him , there were some suggestions he should be left out of the side , and Hammond felt under great pressure . 
