 Leaving Cirencester in July 1920 , Hammond planned to go to Winchester Agricultural College , following the path into farming mapped out by his mother . However , his plans changed when his headmaster wrote to the captain of Gloucestershire , Foster Robinson , reporting Hammond 's school cricket record and suggesting that they take a look at him . Hammond , who scored a century in his first appearance in adult cricket days after leaving school , played in a trial match for the Gloucestershire Club and Ground , scoring 60 runs , taking two wickets and impressing the local press . Subsequently , two members of Gloucestershire 's committee visited Hammond 's mother in an attempt to sign him for the club . Hammond 's mother was initially reluctant , but his eagerness finally convinced her and he signed a professional contract . 
